The Decorative Home Detail Trend That You Can DIY For Less

If you're ready to trade in minimalism for a bolder, more architecturally intriguing home design, it's crucial to think outside of the box. Don't be afraid to play around with loud ornamental elements. Installing decorative molding is a great way to transform a basic space. From crown molding to wainscoting, this once-outdated trim trend is a terrific way to add elegant texture to your home. In a conversation with Good Housekeeping, In Detail Interiors designer Cheryl Clendenon praised decorative molding for its "ability to add structure and sophistication" to a space. And the best part? You can easily DIY this interior upgrade all while projecting the illusion of a professional, structural change.

To achieve this look, explore the different types of wall molding you can use in your home. There are a variety of options from basic to more embellished. Generally speaking, there are three broad categories of decorative molding to choose from — ceiling, wall, and baseboard molding. There are also a variety of materials decorative molding can be made from, including plaster, wood, expanded polystyrene, and paper-covered gypsum. One of the most cost-effective materials is medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Your first order of business is nailing down your ideal style and material. From there, you can get to work installing it. Ready to add texture and charm to your space? Let's dive into how to pull it off.

There are an abundance of ways to incorporate molding in your space. To make this as budget-friendly as possible, you can opt for a simple chair rail molding. For this project, all you need to do is install chair rail molding in a straight line throughout your room. The hardest part of this project is cutting the corner pieces to size, but otherwise, it's a fairly simple, affordable upgrade.

Another excellent DIY option is installing a ceiling rosette. These ornate features look wonderful paired with an elegant light fixture in the center of a room. They offer a romantic, elevated feel with very little effort. To complete this DIY, all you need to do is remove the light fixture, secure the ceiling rosette, and reinstall the light fixture. You may need to patch some gaps between the ceiling and the rosette. And just like that, your space is instantly elevated.

There are countless other DIY decorative molding projects for a variety of tastes. Search resources like Pinterest, Instagram, and interior design magazines for more inspiration. Take this time to explore what other elements may look great alongside your decorative molding. Consider shopping for vintage decor to go along with the classic look of your molding. Additionally, use molding to bring out other historic elements of your home, crafting a story about the building's past. It can aid in color blocking by painting one bold color above your chair rail molding and another below. The possibilities are endless!