Software
Houzz Logo Print
ballmaj

Stained Wood Trim throughout Main Living Quarters - Is White Trim acceptable in new Basement project??

13 years ago
We are starting the process of finishing out our basement. Our main floor has very nice good quality stained trim/doors (golden/harvest wheat color) throughout. For continuity in the house, should we also complete the basement with stained wood trim/doors, or is it acceptable to change gears and do white doors/trim. The basement will have two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen/bar area and family room with 8.5 foot ceilings. Since it's the basement, we are concerned that the "golden" stain wood will appear darker, and feel like white doors/trim would help keep things as bright as possible. We're also considering doing some sort of built-ins for the entertainment center, and originally figured it'd be the same color as the trim/doors...and again, think that the "golden" stain may keep things too dark. Also, if we have stained wood/doors in the main floor, and a different type of color trim/doors in the basement, will it diminish the value of the home for resale at a later point?

We've attached a picture to show the stain color, for example.

Comments (8)

  • PRO
    13 years ago
    therse no rule about different styles in two seperate areas, its your home. i dont see a problem doing basement in different trim and doors sometimes change is good.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Decisions, decicions. Both ideas are acceptable. As far as resale down the road you will never please all the people. The beauty of the stained trim, can actually add warmth to a finished basement. Don't be afraid to add colour to your builtins - construct them out of mdf and select a gorgeous paint colour. Whatever you do - don't pick a grey paint with the wrong undertone for a basement finish. Do not be shy of rich, darker colours, they can actually fool you into feeling warmer in a below grade area.

    I have done many model homes for builders and many basements, often the use of colour is what makes these rooms attractive and cozy.

    Using white trim and doors downstairs is beautiful too. I would think first as to the overall theme and style of your home when making these choices. Ask local builders what is most popular with new home purchasers who they are doing basement finishes for.

    Good luck!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Dont know why the pic rotated. Sorry.
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    A cohesive design is always more pleasing to the eye and it appears to be complete/finished rather than piecemeal; I have friends who are Realtors and they suggest that houses that have a decor that flows seem to sell faster and for asking price.

    When I built my second house I knew I was going to finish the basement myself so I purchased extra flooring and light fixtures to maintain the same feel/quality throughout the house. When I listed house, it sold in 3 days, my agent was impressed that I bought extra materials when the house was built.

    If I bought a house that had white trim and oak/wood trim I would end up painting the wood trim upstairs white to match or change the white to wood trim and doors and when I would be considering the house to purchase I would think about how much work that would be.

    (Just my opinion...I know many will strongly disagree with me as that seems to be the way here on ''Houzz".)
  • 13 years ago
    Absolutely appreciate you all taking to time to provide feedback!
  • 11 years ago

    Came across this question/post while we are now in the same dilemma. What did you decide...stained trim or white? Would you mind sending or posting pics? Thanks.

  • 11 years ago

    I updated a house recently that had all white trim and doors had an outdated look (90s). I painted the walls an elegant graige and painted all the white the same color as the walls in a satin. It looked grand. All the best features of the house stood out instead of the doors and trim! Plus there is the added bonus of having to re-paint the white base board that always get scuffed. It is called color blocking