Yes, people still use quarter round, but its popularity depends on the specific region and the type of installation. While it remains a common choice, many modern designers and builders prefer alternatives like base shoe molding for a sleeker, more custom appearance.
Quarter round isn't completely outdated, but it is considered utilitarian and traditional. In modern, minimalist design, designers prefer removing it in favor of properly installed baseboards or opting for sleeker shoe moulding. It remains a functional and common choice for covering flooring expansion gaps or uneven subfloors.
The current trend for baseboards favors minimalist, clean, and seamless designs. The most popular styles are tall, flat-stock profiles with square or slightly eased edges, frequently painted the exact same color as the walls to elongate the room visually.
The most popular modern alternatives to quarter round are base shoe (which has a flatter, oval-like profile) and square stop trim (which offers clean, geometric lines). For a completely seamless, minimalist design, many modern renovations completely remove the need for trim by utilizing reveal baseboards (metal channels) or by carefully scribing the baseboard directly to the floor.
The 7% rule states that the height of your baseboards should be approximately 7% of the room's ceiling height. For example, if your ceiling height is 8 feet (96 inches), a baseboard height of approximately 6 to 7 inches will look harmonious.
Crown molding is not out of style; in fact, it is making a strong comeback. Designers are embracing elaborate trim work and architectural details to add depth, character, and a bespoke, "lived-in" feel to homes.
Baseboard moulding is installed at the bottom of walls, where they meet the floor. While providing a finished look to a room, baseboard moulding can also be strategically used to visually enlarge the space. By opting for a taller baseboard moulding, you can give the impression of higher ceilings and more overall space.
Wooden flooring – a fresh take on natural beauty
The year 2026 marks a time when wood regains its true power. Naturalness becomes the central theme in interior design, and wood tones – particularly warm, honey-coloured shades – will reign supreme in modern spaces.
No, baseboards do not strictly need quarter round, but it is often used to cover gaps, specifically the expansion gap required for floating floors. It is primarily a functional choice to hide uneven flooring or gaps, rather than a necessity.
A home typically looks outdated when it features overdone, time-stamped trends from specific past decades, such as honey oak cabinetry, popcorn ceilings, or generic word art. Outdated homes also often suffer from poor lighting, worn-out flooring, and heavy window treatments that block natural light.
Interior design in 2026 rejects stark minimalism and cool grays, focusing instead on warmth, deep earthy tones, and layered textures. The current aesthetic heavily prioritizes coziness, traditional detailing, and sustainable materials to create curated, "lived-in" spaces over ultra-luxurious, showroom-like environments.
Options like hardwood, tile, and luxury vinyl are built for durability, but their real beauty lies in their versatility. With classic patterns and neutral tones, they create a perfect canvas that complements any décor, ensuring your floors won't go out of fashion.
This is really a matter of preference. Traditionally speaking, the base shoe color should match the trim color, however, the choice is ultimately up to the homeowner. We suggest matching with your trim color to add contrast and emphasize the beautiful stain color of your hardwood floors.
Darker flooring will give your kitchen a dramatic and moody flair, especially when paired with lighter cabinets. Meanwhile, lighter flooring paired with darker cabinets will also add contrast, but the space will feel much brighter and open.
Modern homes look best with simple, clean profiles such as square edge or stepped baseboards. These designs feature straight lines without ornate detailing, which complements modern architecture perfectly.
In 2026, wall art trends are moving away from flat minimalism into heavily textured, personal, and statement-driven designs. The focus is on expressive individuality, integrating tactile dimensions like sculptural moss, plaster effects, and oversized canvases to anchor spaces without clutter.
To make a home look expensive, rely on sophisticated neutrals, earthy greens, or muted blues rather than stark whites or highly saturated brights. High-end spaces feel cohesive and intentional, using layered tones, natural materials, and high-quality finishes to create a calm, custom feel.
The latest interior design trends are all about warmth, dimension, and personality. Moving away from stark, minimalist neutrals, homes now feature layered textures, rich earthy colors (like chocolate brown and sage), vintage mixing, and unlacquered hardware to create cozy, lived-in spaces.
Gray-toned hardwood and laminate. Wide plank farmhouse-style wood. Painted floorboards. Artificial or fake-looking wood.
The 2026 wood color trends center on rich, natural warmth and deliberate contrast. As stark, ashy, and gray tones fade out, design focuses on honey-colored oak, espresso, and deep walnut to create layered, highly textured spaces rather than perfectly matched finishes.
Tile trends are shifting toward warm, earthy neutrals, tactile and 3D textures, and high-performance, large-format porcelain that beautifully mimics natural stone. Stark clinical whites and overused rectangles are stepping aside for spa-like serenity, intricate artisan touches, and organic continuity.
In luxury real estate, a ceiling height of 10 to 12 feet is the accepted baseline for main living areas. While standard homes feature 8- to 9-foot ceilings, luxury properties utilize 10 feet+ and dramatic volumes reaching 12 to 14+ feet to deliver a highly sought-after sense of airiness, grandeur, and architectural sophistication.
Consider installing hardwood or luxury vinyl tiles in diagonal, herringbone, or chevron patterns to elongate a room visually. Diagonal lines draw the eye along the longest diagonal axis of the room, creating a sense of depth and grandeur.
When Shouldn't You Use Crown Molding? Crown molding isn't advisable in any room with vaulted ceilings. Also called high ceilings, vaulted ceilings feature an arched design that creates more space above the room.