We have lived in our Midwestern Dutch Colonial Revival home for 2 years. The original part of the house was built in 1908, with large additions in the 40s and 70s. The wood trim and molding is a mix of old and new. The original is dark-stained pine. For the newer stuff, some has been painted and some is stained. Walls have been taken down over the years, so it is fairly open concept with a view of all this different stuff going on. In our living room we have a large casement bay window from the 70s (with no casing) right next to an original double hung window with elaborate casing (original I think) that matches several of the doorway casings in the house. Much of the original baseboard was severely damaged by previous owner's cat urine.

I know and understand the arguments for not painting original woodwork. But given the above (the odd mix of old, new, painted, and unpainted, and the cat urine damage) I am strongly leaning towards painting the baseboards, crown molding, and all window and door casings - leaving only the original doors and window sashes stained wood.

I really like the look non-white painted trim. The walls are a light gray (SW agreeable gray). I'm thinking of using a darker shade of gray for the trim. I have attached some inspiration photos.

My husband is concerned the gray painted trim is too trendy and will look dated quickly (but he is also totally opposed to white). What do you think? What about leaving the window sashes and doors stained wood and only painting the trim?

Thanks for any advice!

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