After reading the Art & Crafts trim thread, I began to wonder…How far can you take colonial trim before it becomes arts & crafts, Victorian or something else? Is there a true definition of colonial or colonial revival trim styles?
I would like to upgrade the current small builder grade colonial trim in my own home and wonder what would be appropriate in a 1980’s center hall colonial? I like the mild crown topped head casings, but is this appropriate in a colonial home?
Replies
You can get some ideas by touring various historical houses, if there are any nearby (a plug for filling in your profile.)
I live in Conn., and although more recent housing trim styles are single piece off the rack, the older, more historical homes have more substantial trimwork. Often multi-piece casings and base. A simple 1x4 or 5/4 x 4 is beaded/mitered on the inner edge with a back band on the outer. Flat stock can be reeded or fluted. Head casings are often set longer than the outer edge of the side casings, and the back-band is mitered along the outer edge, unifying the whole package.
Again, the varieties are numerous, and historical moldings can be interpreted based on your own vision. In other words, don't be constrained by the houses of the past, unless you are trying to replicate them.
Have fun.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.