No, dark trim is not out of style. In fact, both rich dark wood trim and painted dark trim (like charcoal or black) are highly on trend. Designers love dark trim for its ability to add depth, frame views, and create a custom, high-end feel.
White and neutral shades are popular shades for interior trim due to their versatility and timeless appearance. We always recommend pairing your walls with a complementary white or neutral, rather than choosing brilliant white.
Cool gray is being replaced by "mushroom" neutrals (warm taupes and greys with subtle green or violet undertones), warm earthy khakis, and soft, natural sages.
No, dark wood trim is not inherently outdated. In fact, following years of pale woods and all-white walls, rich, dark wood tones are experiencing a strong resurgence. While heavy, red-toned 1990s cherry stains can still feel dated, modern applications—especially walnut or matte chestnut—provide a grounded, cozy, and high-end aesthetic.
There are no hard rules; the best choice depends on your space and style. Lighter trim (like classic white) feels larger, brighter, and highlights architectural details. Darker trim provides dramatic contrast, grounds a room, and hides wear and tear.
When it comes to trim and molding, it's always a good idea to opt for something timeless to prevent your home from looking outdated. Gaines' preferred paint color is just that — a strong pure white that will never go out of style. This might just be the perfect color for your trim too.
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.
A home typically looks outdated when it features overdone, time-stamped trends from specific past decades, such as honey oak cabinetry, popcorn ceilings, or generic word art. Outdated homes also often suffer from poor lighting, worn-out flooring, and heavy window treatments that block natural light.
In 2026, the dominant wood style embraces organic warmth, moving away from cool greys and uniform finishes in favor of natural textures and earthy character.
To make wood trim look more current and fresh, I suggest staying FAR AWAY from any very warm tone on the wall. Nothing is going to make your dark wood trim look more orangey or “dated” than choosing a warm color tone on your walls (yellow, tan, orange, red etc..).
For interior design, the overarching color trend is defined by warm, earthy neutrals and soft, airy whites. Instead of cold grays or stark whites, the most popular palettes center on grounding, nature-inspired tones.
Deep green, navy blue, charcoal, and warm neutrals like beige or taupe make a bathroom look expensive, especially when paired with brass or gold fixtures. Rich, moody colors create a luxurious spa-like feel, while high-contrast neutrals like creamy white or soft grey enhance sophistication and space.
Joanna Gaines’ favorite gray paint colors span from soft, silvery sage grays to moody charcoals. Her top picks offer timeless versatility that complements both modern and rustic spaces.
The classic color for baseboards is white or off-white. Lighter paint on baseboards makes them pop and stand out from the wall, and gives the whole room a luminescent and clean appearance. However, darker shades of paint have been growing in popularity lately.
What Exterior Paint Colors Make a Home Look Expensive? Neutral shades like white, gray, and greige, along with bold tones like black and navy, are known to create a high-end look. These colors enhance architectural details and improve curb appeal when paired with contrasting trims.
Top 10 Timeless Paint Colors for Your Home
Pantone’s official Color of the Year for 2026 is Cloud Dancer (PANTONE 11-4201), a billowy, serene off-white designed to offer calm and clarity in a chaotic world. For a broader design perspective, institutes like WGSN and Coloro named Transformative Teal the top color for fashion, while Pinterest highlights bold, vivid hues like Persimmon and Cool Blue.
Gray-toned hardwood and laminate. Wide plank farmhouse-style wood. Painted floorboards. Artificial or fake-looking wood.
Yes, dark wood trim is officially making a massive comeback. After a long era of pale oak and stark white walls, designers are embracing richer, moodier tones to add warmth, depth, and character to spaces.
A tacky look isn't always the result of bad taste or budget mistakes. Designers say it often comes down to overcommitment—locking into trends, finishes, or layouts to the point that a home stops feeling lived in.
As we look toward 2026, one thing becomes clear: interior design is shifting toward spaces that feel meaningful, rooted, and deeply connected to the way we live. These trends highlight a collective desire for warmth, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
Factors that decrease property value the most fall into three main categories: location issues, structural damage, and poor neighborhood conditions. These factors can collectively slash a property’s value by 5% to 30% or more.
Create a luxurious-looking sitting room with a deep chocolate brown paint color. Pair the rich walls with a light pink ceiling and dark, red-toned décor for a bold and sophisticated design that works effortlessly.
Dark or muddy browns, intense reds or purples, neon shades, certain pastels, cool grays and primary colors often appear harsh in natural light, absorb excess heat or feel out of place depending on climate and neighborhood context.
Houses painted in neutral, universally appealing colors like warm whites, soft grays, and greige (gray + beige) sell the fastest. These colors act as a blank canvas, making spaces feel larger, brighter, and move-in ready, which is crucial for attracting the maximum number of buyers.