We asked internal designers for their thoughts on the ' 90s pare drift — and their answer might storm you .
James Carriere
If you live in a house that was build or renovated between theearly 1990sand 2000s , you likely have the infamous orange oak passementerie that many homeowners havesince paint over . It ’s a home decor controversy that ’s been debate for days — some homeowners scorn the affectionate trim in their domicile while others would n’t dream of painting over the woodwind .

Credit:James Carriere
However , ardent Natalie Wood tint seem to be more popular of late than years prior . What does this mean for those who are itching to paint over their oak trim ? Should you waitress it out and hope it truly does make a comeback ? Or is it a trend of the past that should be forgotten and covered with a sweet coat of white pigment ? We require three unlike interior designer for their opinion on the design conundrum , how they see the wood trim in the future of designing , and how to make oak trimming appear more modern .
Will Oak Trim Come Back in Style?
As quick wood accents become more democratic in dwelling house innovation , homeowners might be wondering if they should keep their oak tree trimness rather than paint over it . Mina Lisanin , father ofML Interiors , explicate that the late interest in the ' 90s aesthetic has an wallop on the grow popularity of oak trim .
" While white trim can create a sportsmanlike , advanced look , some people may eventually regret paint all their trim blanched as it can feel too sterile orlack case . However , it for the most part depends on personal taste and the overall aesthetic of the place , " Lisanin says .
Lisa Henderson , principal architect and upcountry designer atHarvest Architecturesays that she suspects oak trim will indeed make a comeback , " although many of us who grew up in the tardy ' 70s and other ' 80s will cringe at that idea , " she says .

Credit:Nicolas Gourguechon
Nicolas Gourguechon
Should You Keep or Paint Your Oak Trim?
Gabriela Eisenhart , father and header of design atSilo Studios , also has notice the prove trend of oak trim in dwelling house plan . " white-hot oak and warm oak tree tone have made a important comeback . There ’s been a detectable teddy from the all - lily-white kitchen trend towarmer oak tones in cabinetry , " she tell . " We ’re also see a plenty of natural oak tree in the architectural detail of homes , from built - ins to tongue - and - vallecula ceiling . "
But just because something is trending does n’t always mean you should dive into it headfirst , whether that meanskeeping your oak trimuntouched or painting it . Lisanin says that homeowner should think carefully about painting their trim before doing so , as once it ’s done , it ’s most unacceptable to go back . rouge is hard toremove from Mrs. Henry Wood , and once it is removed , the trim will likely not look as beneficial as it did before .
" Oak trim can be a timeless and elegant feature if well - maintained and mix into the overall design dodging . Its passion and grain can tote up graphic symbol to a blank and produce a sentience of lovingness and sophistication , " Lisanin say . " When oak pare complement the style and ambience of the room , it ’s absolutely okay to keep and can even become a focal pointedness of the design . "

Credit:Kim Cornelison
If you do choose to paint it , Lisanin says to explorealternative trim colorsbeyond white to inject personality and depth into a room ’s design . Be measured to select coloration that reconcile with the overall decor schema to avoid clashing or overwhelming the distance . Here are a few extra factor to consider .
Assess the History and Craftsmanship
Henderson notes that unless the house is genuinely a historic social structure where the original woodwork is part of the overall design construct , you should n’t repent painting over it if you want to .
" The app and craftsmanship is really a pot of the decision as to whether I recommend keep the casings , replacing with something new , or house painting — even if thatnew installationis taking the detail back to a mode from aeon ago , " Henderson says .
Consider the Finish
The finishing of your oak trim can also be a determining element when you ’re thinking about new rouge . Eisenhart has a simple rule to comply when deciding if you should keep the trim or not : evaluate the finish . She counsel homeowners to paint over trim that has semi- or gamey - gloss finishes and to imagine about provide ones with a lustrelessness or satin coating .
Kim Cornelison
How to Make Oak Trim Look More Modern
If you prefer not to paint your trim , Eisenhart explain refinish the wood can be a great alternative . A simple re - stain that has a more modern finish and tint ( something darker and less orangish , for instance ) can operate wonders while refreshing the look of the place .
" Another cistron to consider is thestyle of trim . It may not just be the finish that is making it experience date stamp — sometimes it ’s also the style . When the trim vogue feels outdated , I always find it best to paint it , " Eisenhart notes .
Change the Surroundings Instead of the Trim
Henderson recommend considering what the rest of the space has in it to help an overall way feel less dated . By adding more contemporary piece of furniture , a attractively saturate wall , dissimilar lighting , andmodern hardwareto door and cabinet , the way can feel completely different .
" With these changes , the overall feel of the outer space can really be pulled in one focussing or another without the worry of paint millwork , " Henderson says .