Has Crown Molding Gone Out of Fashion? Most Designers Seem to Think So, but There's a Secret to Keeping It Contemporary
In recent discussions surrounding modern interior design, a question has arisen regarding the timelessness of crown molding – a decorative detail that adds a touch of sophistication to any space. The following insights from designers help clarify whether this detail remains relevant for contemporary homes, and how to incorporate it effectively.
While crown molding remains a popular choice among designers, its success largely depends on factors such as the size of the space, the age of the home, and the overall style of the interiors. Nashville-based interior designer Roger Higgins highlights the subtle charm of molding in transforming a space, but emphasizes that careful considerations must be made to ensure its proper placement and execution.
In new builds, using narrower profiles, simpler shapes, and thoughtful placement strategy is advised. Placing crown molding as a design crutch without understanding context or proportion is a common mistake that leads to outdated appearances. Nick Smith, founder of UK furniture company Smithers of Stamford, warns against thinking that molding always equates to luxury. Rather, carefully planned and executed molding is what truly conveys luxury.
Olma Fuentes, founder of New Jersey-based Deni + Dove Interiors, suggests using unique crown molding to elevate a room, bringing a touch of sophistication and luxury to the space. Properly executed, crown molding can successfully accent specific rooms or areas, such as formal dining spaces or entryways, rather than being a universal design element.
When it comes to crown molding looking out of place, Olma points out two potential circumstances: if the space between the ceiling and window trim is too narrow, or if the room has awkward ceiling slopes. Additionally, it is essential to consider the aesthetic of the room, as different patterns may work better in a more traditional-styled space, whereas classic styles like dentil or egg-and-dart molding are timeless and can work in almost any room.
Roger Higgins, a Nashville-based interior designer, adds that the architectural style of the home plays a significant role in the appropriateness of crown molding. For example, a Colonial house would best suit Colonial-style molding, while other styles may call for cleaner, more angular profiles in contemporary interiors. In minimalist or contemporary settings, Roger is especially selective, often omitting molding to let the architecture and other focal points shine.
Peel-and-stick wall molding offers a more affordable and less permanent way to experiment with the style, while custom applications can provide greater creative flexibility, offering opportunities to create unique and tailored designs.
In conclusion, by incorporating design principles such as balance and blend, proportion and scale, color and contrast, minimalism and simplicity, and integration with other design elements, crown molding can be effectively and tastefully implemented in contemporary homes, contributing to a well-considered interior that transcends fashionable trends.
- In contemporary homes, the use of crown molding remains a popular choice among designers, but its effectiveness depends on factors such as the size of the space, the architectural style, and the overall style of the interiors.
- Nick Smith, founder of Smithers of Stamford, cautions against thinking that molding always equates to luxury; instead, carefully planned and executed molding is what truly conveys luxury.
- Olma Fuentes, founder of Deni + Dove Interiors, suggests using unique crown molding to elevate a room, bringing a touch of sophistication and luxury to the space.
- In minimalist or contemporary settings, interior designer Roger Higgins is especially selective, often omitting molding to let the architecture and other focal points shine.
- Properly executed, crown molding can successfully accent specific rooms or areas, such as formal dining spaces or entryways, rather than being a universal design element.
- For affordable and less permanent experiments with the style, peel-and-stick wall molding is an option, while custom applications can provide greater creative flexibility, offering opportunities to create unique and tailored designs.
