Painting walls and trim the same color has become an increasingly popular trend in interior design over the past few years. The practice of using a single color throughout a room creates a minimalist, cohesive look that many homeowners find appealing. While painted trim and walls used to be more common in commercial spaces, this pared-down aesthetic has now made its way into residential homes.
So what has driven this trend, and is it here to stay or just a passing fad? In this article, we’ll examine the pros and cons of painting walls and trim the same color, look at examples of how it can be effectively executed, and consider whether it’s a lasting trend or just a temporary fashion.
The Appeal of Painted Walls and Trim
There are several reasons why painting walls and trim the same color has become popular:
It creates a streamlined, minimalist look
Using a single color on walls and trim results in a very clean, uncluttered appearance. The matching colors blend seamlessly together for a harmonious effect. This can help rooms feel soothing and airy.
It makes spaces appear larger
Painting trim the same color as walls can trick the eye into perceiving a room as larger than it is. The uniform color draws walls outward and makes divisions between walls and trim less distinct. This can make small rooms feel more expansive.
It allows walls and architecture to take center stage
With less contrast between walls and trim, the architecture itself becomes the focal point. Moldings and wall shapes stand out instead of different colors competing for attention. This puts the beauty of the home’s design on display.
It creates a cohesive flow between rooms
Using the same wall and trim color throughout various rooms and hallways produces visual continuity. This makes open floor plans and adjacent rooms feel like part of one cohesive space.
Potential Concerns
While the pared-down look of matching wall and trim paint has its appeal, there are some potential downsides to consider:
It could look bland or boring
Minimalism can tip into feeling sterile or monotonous without enough variation in texture, accessories, or art. Rooms need layers of visual interest, and painting walls and trim the same color removes one of those layers.
It diminishes the impact of architectural details
Beautiful trimwork and moldings blend into the background when the same color is used on walls. These special details don’t stand out as they do when they contrast walls with white or a different hue.
It makes imperfect walls and seams more visible
Wall flaws like uneven textures, nail holes, or patched seams tend to get obscured by contrasting paint. Painting walls and trim the same color puts these imperfections on display.
It can make rooms feel smaller
While monochromatic colors can trick the eye into perceiving larger spaces, rooms with low ceilings or cramped dimensions could feel more closed in if wall and trim colors match.
It’s a major commitment
Committing walls and trim to one color is a bold, all-encompassing statement. It could be difficult to change course if the trend shifts or personal tastes evolve. And selling a home down the road could be impacted if buyers don’t share the preference for monochromatic walls and trim.
Making It Work
If you decide to try the matching wall and trim paint look, there are some tips for success:
Select the right color
The chosen hue should be light or neutral to prevent rooms from feeling too heavy or dark. Soft white, pale gray, light tan, or muted blue-gray are great options. Darker shades can work for trim against very light walls.
Use high-quality matte finish paint
Flat or eggshell paint will downplay imperfections in walls and hide seams between trim and walls. Gloss or semi-gloss paint reflects light and calls attention to flaws.
Add texture and dimensional details
Incorporate architectural moldings, wainscoting, floating shelves or layered artwork. Varying textures add visual interest to monochromatic color schemes.
Creative techniques like rag-rolling or sponging
These add subtle variations in the color for a custom look. Or paint the trim a slightly lighter or darker shade of the wall color for a touch of definition.
| Room | Wall Color | Trim Color |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room | Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace | Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace |
| Dining Room | Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige | Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige (trim slightly darker) |
| Kitchen | Behr Silver Drop | Behr Silver Drop |
Is It a Lasting Trend?
The verdict is still out on whether matching wall and trim paint is just a passing fad or if it has real staying power. On one hand, minimalism and neutral color palettes have been popular in home design for several years now and show no signs of going away. Monochromatic walls and trim fit right in with these styles.
However, some designers argue it’s too limiting a look to sustain long-term popularity. As trends tend to go, it could fade as people crave more personality and visual contrast in their spaces again. Only time will tell whether this is a classic, timeless look or just a fleeting trend.
The Takeaway
Painting walls and trim the same color is worth considering if you want to create a soothing, cohesive look. Going monochromatic maximizes minimalism and puts architecture center stage. Just be mindful of potential drawbacks like making flawed walls conspicuous. Strategic use of texture, light and accessorizing helps make it work. Regardless of its longevity as a trend, matching wall and trim color is a bold, transformational choice that creates dramatic results.