After seeing many bloggers around blogland doing their own moldings and trim, I’ve really been inspired to try it myself. There are three in particular who I’ve been following around, checking out their projects of wainscoting and beadboard, as they beautify their homes with moldings. So, I figured if they can do it, I can too! With only a trusty mitre box right now, that will have to suffice for cutting those angles, but it works, so that’s what I will do. You can bet if I find a power mitre saw at a yardsale this year, I’ll be bringing it home. Go and take a look at Layla’s projects, as well as Just Beachy, and Thrifty Decor Chick. All these girls know how to beef up their homes with molding. And what a difference it makes!
Just Beachy shared her favorite online source for wainscoting at Elite Trimworks. This pic came from their website. Don’t you just love, love this?!
I found this at another source, but can’t remember where. This is what I’m doing in my dining room, since I thought picture frame molding would be the simplest to start with.
Another online example. What a difference moldings can make. I have a feeling I’ll be doing more of this around my house. I’ve been walking around the house to see where else I can squeeze in some moldings, namely a little beadboard. I think the master bathroom might be a good spot.
Another example of paneled molding. I love this too.
So, here’s my humble start with picture frame molding. I started out using nails, but found out that it works better to just glue it up, so I’ll use Liquid Nails for that. Measuring is the hardest part. Just be sure to keep it level all the way around. I’m cutting one set of molding and then I’ll use it for a template for the rest, so they will all be the same. I drew out my squares ahead of time with a pencil, so I could make sure they were all the same. Takes a little bit of math, but I didn’t even have to ask my hubby for help (the math genius!). I measured down from the chair rail 4 1/2” and did the same from the bottom molding. And I am using 5” in between my squares on the large wall. Once I get all the molding cut (which hubby is helping me with), it should go fast from there. Then paint the molding and the walls and I’ll be done.
Here’s a sneak peek of the wall color I’m using. And I didn’t even have to buy the paint. Grandma had bought 2 gallons of paint from Lowes several months ago for her little house (remember the paint fiasco and me taking her back to Lowes to tweak it?) and we ended up letting the painter pick a neutral color for her house, so this paint was left over. And it works great for the neutral I wanted in here! YAY, don’t have to buy more.
Of course, you’ll all see it very soon!
Stacey says
Oh I can’t wait to see! I’m busy this week too. It’s so much fun. 🙂
Happy To Be says
OMG Girl I can’t wait to see this all done…what a vision you have..The picture frame molding is what I will be doing next month in my DR..of course I have to tear off wall paper first..Yuck!! what was I think in 1996 when I put that up ?? great post and thanks so much for sharing..I will be sure and put this in my save file..hope you have a great day..Did you do your Blogger lunce?? hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
Jen r. says
I love that! I am going to be doing the same thing in my eating area…
Cottage Lifestyle says
I am so impressed.
Renee
Kim @ Forever Wherever says
I had the same thing as photo number 2 in our playroom. I painted the walls a pretty blue and I loved it! It’s a nice way to spruce up a room! (My husband did all the work…he’s handy like that!)
-Kim
marty39 says
All the pictures are just so gorgeous of the moldings. I just love the look. You are doing such a great job and I really like the style that you picked out. I can’t wait to see the finished project. Hugs, Marty
Blushing hostess says
Love it especially in a dining room. But I see alot of bead board around now in homes where it does not make sense, I don’t care for it as much. Be well, The Hostess
Susie from Bienvenue says
Can I just tell you how darn tootin’ excited I am to see you take on this project. I have had my eye on those walls for some time now. I have wanted to “dress” them up a bit and you ,my dear, are just the woman to show me how! This is one project I wont want to miss. I want to copycat you so bad on this sweet project…Oh yeah~
As soon as I get my “new look” on my blog it will have my contact info but for now you can reach me at [email protected] I cant wait to hear from ya,miss ya!
Runner Mom says
I am impressed with your braveness! I am simply contemplating painting one wall a different shade than the others before hubby comes home for lunch today! It’s your idea from that darling office nook! Keep your fingers crossed!
I love what you’re doing…have fun!
Hugs!
Susan
Pat@Back Porch Musings says
It’s going to be great Rhoda! The picture frame molding is what was used in our dining room. In the hearth room, baseboard was used to frame out the breakfast bar. It’s like one of the photos you posted. I thought that was a great idea too and would love to do something like that here at the lake, somewhere! Yes, we’re back at the lake for another week, doing a little bit of this and that here.
It seems the winter months are when we do most of our inside work. When warm weather arrives…out to the gardens it is!
Looking forward to seeing your dining room redo!
Diane@A Picture is Worth.... says
Hi Rhoda,
You are brave. Not sure I would be able to tackle that project.
I recently visited a house where the owner added beautiful moldings to the top of doorways and windows. I would love to ‘copy’ her!
I may ask if I can take pics and do a post on it. You would love the way it looked.
Nicol says
I love molding! We did a simple chair rail in the dining room and just finished bead board in my dd room. The Master bedroom is next with some wainscoting. It helps that my dh is very handy!
Julia @ Hooked on Houses says
I’ve been working on some similar projects around my house, so I enjoyed this post! These are some beautiful examples. It really does make a difference in a room to have trims and moldings and bead board. I love it all. Can’t wait to see how your project turns out!
Kathysue says
Hi Rhoda, the wainscotting is going to look amazing in your dining room. I can’t belileve you are going to do it yourself that is even more amazing to me.I have designs in my brain but there is no way I would attempt this. You are truly a multi-talented lady.Miss talking to you.Debbie put my pantry makeover on her blog this week if you have a chance come on by.It is not my dream pantry but it is clean and organized at least for awhile.I will have to do my someday pantry well,someday,I am so glad I can come here for a quick visit once in awhile since Micasa is closing in March.Can’t wait to see the dining room all done. Hugs Kathysue
Arlynn says
This is going to be the perfect treatment for your dining room – I just know it! And I’m so happy that you’re detailing it for all of us… I just might have to do a bit of moulding work in my own interior ; )
Karla says
Love the inspiration photos and can’t wait to see how yours turns out! We recently did a makeover on our family room with all new wainscoting! Made all the difference and was totally worth it!
Good luck with your project!
~Karla
Joanna says
Molding and such makes a room complete. There is just something about it. I can’t wait to see it all finished!
Oh…by the way…I wanted to let you know that I will email you tonight…I have been sick with a cold on top of doing some work in our kitchen this weekend. I haven’t had a chance to sit at the computer but just a couple of times to work on some codes.
Anonymous says
Go slow and tell us everything!!!! I am dying to do this!
Twice as Nice says
We are doing this in our foyer, dining room, bathroom and down our LONG hallway. Hubby has it started in the new dining room and foyer. I can’t wait to start showing pictures. Half of the remodel is sheet rocked and we are getting ready for the other half. When that is done I will start posting pictures. We have A LOT of lighting going in through out the living room/kitcen/dining room and butlers pantry.
Can’t wait to see your finished room!
Kimberly says
You go, Rhoda girl! Can’t wait to see the finished dining room.