Ah, the humble baseboard. The unsung hero of condo corridors, silently enduring a daily onslaught of kicks, scuffs, and luggage trolley collisions. But let’s not forget its elegant companions: trim, mouldings, thresholds, and millwork. These stalwarts of interior design take a relentless beating, yet they play a crucial role in tying together the aesthetic of any space. So, why not give them the appreciation they deserve?
If lighting is the glamourous jewelry in an interior, trim and moulding are the hats, gloves, belts, and shoes. Less glamorous, sure, but everyone knows you don’t top a great outfit by considering accessories an afterthought. So how to best use them and most importantly – what to do with the existing ones when it’s time for a refurbishment?
When it comes to materials, the options are as diverse as the residents in your condo building. From classic wood to modern vinyl and everything in between, each material brings its own flair and durability to the table. Wood exudes timeless elegance and can be stained or painted to match any decor. MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) offers affordability without sacrificing aesthetics, while vinyl boasts resilience against moisture and scratches. Carpet baseboard…well we will reserve our thoughts on that for the time being! By the way, if you want to sound like an industry expert, use the term “base” when referring to materials. i.e. vinyl base or wall base.
But why fuss over trim in the first place? Well, besides adding visual appeal, trim serves a practical purpose. It covers the gaps between walls, floors, and ceilings, hiding imperfections and creating a seamless transition between different surfaces. It’s the finishing touch that elevates a room from ordinary to extraordinary.
Now, let’s talk updates. When it’s time to breathe new life into your condo corridors, there are countless ways to refresh your trim game. Even with a super contemporary look, its worth it to consider incorporating architectural elements such as wainscoting or crown moulding to inject character into your corridors. These decorative accents not only protect your walls but also lend a touch of sophistication to the space.
Regardless of your interior style – whether it’s minimalist chic or cozy eclectic – millwork and trim are non-negotiables. They provide the backbone of your design scheme, anchoring everything together with finesse. So, whether you’re channeling Scandinavian simplicity or Hollywood glam, don’t skimp on the trim!
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: durability. Because elephants are what it seems are using the space sometimes! In a high-traffic environment like condo corridors, durability is key. While wood exudes charm, it may succumb to dents and scratches over time. MDF offers a budget-friendly option but may not withstand heavy impacts as well as its counterparts. Vinyl, on the other hand, reigns supreme in the durability department, standing up to moisture, scratches, and dings with ease.
But why settle for one when you can have the best of both worlds? You can mix and match if the budget requires, and once all are painted, the look will be cohesive.
Now, let’s talk about how to best refinish these elements. Start by assessing the condition of the existing trim and moulding. If they’re scratched, chipped, or showing signs of wear, consider sanding them down to create a smooth surface. Then, apply a fresh coat of paint or stain to rejuvenate their appearance. Paint is always more practical than stain, which might not even work in some cases. Alternatively, if the trim is beyond repair, it might be time to replace it with new materials that better suit your aesthetic and durability requirements.
In conclusion, baseboards, trim, mouldings, thresholds, and millwork may not steal the spotlight, but they are the unsung heroes of condo corridors. From enduring daily abuse to enhancing aesthetic appeal, these elements play a vital role in shaping the ambiance of your space. So, whether you’re a fan of classic wood or a proponent of cutting-edge materials, give your trim the attention it deserves. After all, a little TLC can go a long way in transforming your condo corridors from drab to fab!
A refurbishment by Folio at this more traditional corridor involved repairing and restoring wood and MDF, and installing new vinyl base in high touch areas.
Chic tone-on-tone is the way to modernize existing trim – but this profile is definitely not traditional. If walls are not perfect, this type of trim application will work! So laminating with new drywall would be part of the prep.
Don’t miss an opportunity to make a design statement even when making pedestrian choices about transitions. If you can splurge, less common reducers and transition strips can give a stylish touch.
