Stained trim has also been out of style for so long it can also make your house look dated which is never a good thing for resale purposes. The prep work is a big reason why converting stained trim to painted is so labor intensive.
Deep, rich stains like ebony, walnut, and mahogany are gaining popularity for wood trim. These darker hues make a bold statement and create a luxurious, cocooning effect in a room. Black wood trim, particularly in matte finishes, is experiencing a revival.
TIP #1: PAINT IT COOL 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...).
While interior design has its passing crazes, nature's beauty is always in style and inspiring new design ideas. Stained wood cabinet doors display the natural aesthetics of wood, bringing authentic charm to any home. This ensures the lasting popularity of stained wood.
The older, more traditional trim profiles have now been started showing up more often incorporated with modern homes. Interior designers and interior decorators are mixing modern furniture selections with traditional trim and millwork. See some images below of this display that we absolutely love.
In 2024, we will see more wainscoting, decorative trim molds, baseboards and crown molding with details. Plain ceilings will be very out. Whether it's coffered or wallpapered, or detailed in some other way, statement ceilings will be huge in 2024.”
Stained trim has also been out of style for so long it can also make your house look dated which is never a good thing for resale purposes.
Dark wood tones have nearly been forgotten over the last decade as light wood tones took over homes. Dark wood exudes a rich look and feel and has many benefits over light wood tones. We're expecting dark wood tones to make a comeback as more traditional designs begin to pop back up.
Penetrating wood stains are not intended to be a surface finish. If applied too thickly, they won't dry properly and will remain tacky to the touch.
There are two classic and timeless colours that you should consider. Pale and medium brown. Basically, make sure there is no grey or taupe in the floors you're choosing. Which one you should choose, though, depends on the style of your home.
Here in the 21st century, golden oak is no longer in demand, and it can immediately make a home feel tired and dated. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to refinish or replace your oak features. Try a few, and I guarantee it'll bring a giant breath of fresh, modern-day air to your space.
One of the most obvious signs that your exterior trim needs replacing is visible rot and decay. Wood trim, in particular, is susceptible to moisture damage, which can lead to rotting. If you notice soft, crumbling wood or areas where the paint is peeling away to reveal dark, spongy spots, it's time to take action.
Opt for a neutral color palette.
Select light and airy shades like white, beige, or light gray to create a fresh and contemporary backdrop for the wood trim.
The color gray is out
Daley told Insider the once popular gray trend has disappeared quickly and will continue to do so in 2024. "With its popularity, many homeowners jumped on the gray bandwagon," Daley said.
Yes, oak is coming back into style, but it is a paler, softer tone and, in cabinets, the details are much more modern than what we see in older honey oak cabinets: a straight shaker or slab doors, rather than a cathedral-top shape and a pale color instead of a more golden amber finish, which is often just the yellowing ...
Chocolaty-brown wood furniture isn't the only way we'll be seeing this color in 2024, reveals Ramsey. Rich, brown wood furniture will be taking Southern homes by storm in 2024, as well as warm, brown upholstery.
This could result in a lap mark and unequal penetration of the stain in the wood. Hence, avoid staining wood outside if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Embracing Natural Tones
Choose stains that enhance the innate beauty of wood, allowing its grain and texture to shine through. Warm oak, honeyed maple, and rich walnut stains are poised to be favorites, bringing a sense of warmth and authenticity to your home.
In conclusion, exterior wood staining has both benefits and drawbacks that should be considered before making a decision. While staining can protect the wood, enhance its beauty, and extend its life, it can also be time-consuming, expensive, and require regular maintenance.
1. Minimalist Trim. Minimalist design continues to hold sway in modern homes, favoring clean lines and uncluttered spaces. In 2024, trim styles are following suit with sleek, simple profiles that blend seamlessly into walls and architectural features.
Dark wood flooring is making a bold and luxurious statement in 2025. The rich, deep tones of dark wood species, such as walnut, mahogany, or dark-stained oak, add sophistication and warmth to living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms.
Tiffany Monreal, one of our expert designers at Revive, sums it up: “Yes, white paint is still trending, but it's all about moving toward warmer and softer shades in 2024.” This shift reflects a broader design trend—creating spaces that feel lived-in and welcoming.
Durability: Stained baseboards hold up better over time than painted ones, showing less of the daily wear and tear than paint. Stained wood hides defects, and the stain penetrates deeper into the wood than paint, making it more difficult to scratch off.
Understanding the difference between stain and finish is essential for any woodworking enthusiast. While stain adds color and highlights the wood's natural grain, finish protects the wood and enhances its appearance.
'A lot of people often assume warmer, darker-toned woods are best suited to older, properties, thanks to their association with antiques, but they can work incredibly well in more contemporary homes too,' she advises. 'In fact, they make for a real design statement.