Yes, crown would look nicer. But I'd first just try getting some different window treatments to see if that helps the space look better.

Congratulations! Your new home looks to be a wonderful blank slate!

I am guessing you have 8 foot ceilings? Your baseboards should be 6-7" high and they are not. Adding crown that is higher than baseboards is not going to look good.

So, if you want to add crown, I'd change the baseboard first.

Overall, looking at your space, my first inclination is not to add crown. Nothing wrong with doing that, and if that is something that appeals to you, fine. Just not what I see first.

Adding interesting lights, decor and color and texture (if you want that) would make the space appealing.

With no furniture in the space, it could be that you are just seeing the space as too bland.

What do you want the space to look like? Adding photos here and to your ideabook will give us both an idea of your goals.

Below are some kitchens with dark cabinets that feel more "finished". No idea if either of these fit your style goals, but just showing examples.

Thanks!

Kitchen · More Info

Kitchen · More Info

Adding crown really depends on what style you are going for. Do you prefer a clean modern look, or a more transitional or traditional look?
When we moved into our house, there was no crown molding and 2.5" simple baseboards and casings around all doors and windows. It felt very plain to me, as I prefer a more detailed look. We replaced all the baseboards and casings with 4" and added 5" crown molding. We painted all trim work white semi gloss and ceiling flat white. It gave us the look we wanted, but others may have liked the clean modern look it had before.
If you are looking for a more traditional look, I would change out baseboards, casings to a beefier size, and add crown. Paint all trim white, including the ceiling. I personally think that would look great in your space.

I also would prefer larger base and trim and skip the crown.

If you add crown, you will probably need to lower the drapery rods in your living area. Lovely home. It will look great with thicker baseboards and crown. But I don’t think thicker baseboards are necessary. And, I think it would look odd to have thicker ones JUST in these rooms and not everywhere else in your home. If you do it here, you probably should do it throughout.

Not sure the crown moulding is necessary or even desirable. Would suggest rethinking or even removing the window treatments if not necessary for privacy or shading.

Congrats on your new lovely home. Crown moulding is a personal choice, I don’t think it would make a huge difference here and so I’d leave it as is. I agree with the others that the baseboards need to be beefed up. Another way to do this, if there is a budget restriction, is to mock up your existing baseboard. I’ve done this in the past and no one can tell that I didn’t switch over all the baseboards. Find a 1 1/2” - 2” moulding and place it above your existing moulding leaving a 1” gap. Paint the old moulding, drywall space and new moulding in satin finish white and it will all look like one larger moulding. This “cheater’s” version works and saves time, effort and $$$. Good luck.

You could add some window trim.

No moldings. Now all new homes do not have it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk0N2g-psLs&list=RDCMUC1frp-P78StCotLWY17JmFg&index=2

I don’t think crown would add anything. Depends upon your style & furniture. i do think a higher baseboard would look good. Live in your home for a year or so & defer the crown decision until then. Easily added later. Congratulations !

I agree with many of the sentiments already said. Additionally, you do not have cased windows or openings (e.g. the 'pilaster' separating Great Rm from adjacent). What style door slabs do you have? Also, it appears from the tiny pics that you may have bullnose drywall edges, which wouldn't be the same language as colonial crown.

I will say that you can have a subdued 3" crown that doesn't overpower a 3 1/4" baseboard. However, any crown you do needs to extend completely around these open rooms, as you have a very open concept.

Side note, I have seen this 2nd pic before on a thread asking for help. Was it you, or if not you must have bought the house from a Houzz user.

I’d skip the crown and beef up the base molding, as many others here have said. We installed crown in our 9’ ceiling home and it’s bigger than the base. Yes, I signed off on it despite my misgivings and now I hate it. Our last home had lovely crown which varied a bit by ceiling height and room. I got pushed into this thinking it was an upgrade we needed. Nope. Your space is lovely and I don’t think crown will enhance anything. Congratulations on your home!

Since you just purchased the home and it is your first home, my advice would be to move in and live in the house for at least 6 months. During the first 6 months keep notes. Note the things that work well for you and the things that drive you crazy. Keep an eye on your budget and see what you have left over at the end of each month. Make sure you have enough savings going toward maintenance and repairs. (Save toward the new roof, furnace, AC, water heater, appliances).

You can also take this time to think about a whole home plan, what style furnishings you love and colors that you love.

At the end of 6 months you may still want crown molding or you may have a dozen other priorities.

Thank you, all! Really appreciate everyone's insight. We have decided to hold off on the molding until after we're fully furnished.

Crown is timeless and classic. Go for it please.