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Molding Adds Custom Flair to your Kitchen

CraigBrown | Oct 21, 2010 |

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Take a walk through the aisles of a kitchen design shop and you'll see beautiful cabinetry accented with custom molding: From crown molding to fluted columns or hand-carved trim and bun feet, trim and molding adds elegance and a high-end look to cabinetry. While you could spend a fortune and replace your existing cabinetry with custom cabinets that feature beautiful molding, you could opt to save a bundle by upgrading the look of less expensive cabinetry with molding. This is a simple and affordable way to create a custom look without the custom price tag.

Crowning Glory

Crown molding gives cabinetry an exclusive finished and elegant look. Measure along the top of your cabinets to determine the total length of crown molding that will be needed. You should add 15% to this measurement to make up for errors and waste. Choose a molding style that suits the style of your cabinetry; check with the cabinet manufacturer to see if they produce crown molding in the same finish as your cabinets.

To install the molding you will need a miter box to cut the corners of the molding at a 45 degree angle; straight runs are simply cut to length. Measure the lengths needed and cut any angles so that the corners fit flush and that the joints are tight. Make sure the joints are correct before using the gun; this way, if the room or cabinets are slightly out of square, you can make adjustments as needed. Use a brad finish nail gun to attach the molding to the cabinets.

Add Depth & Design to Cabinet Fronts

Molding can also be used to change the profile and facing of your cabinets. It may be used to raise the depth of edging or add the look of scrolled detailing to the cabinets. Cut the pieces of molding as desired and glue them to the door face. The molding can be stained to match the cabinets. Or if you want to update older cabinets with paint, you can paint the molding to match; this is a great way to give an old-fashioned kitchen a stylish new look.

Add Definition with Chair Rails & Custom Shelves

A chair rail is an effective way to add some definition to your kitchen walls. You can paint or stain the chair rail and use two different complementary wall treatments above and below the chair rail. You can paint the walls in two colors, or add wallpaper or wainscoting to one portion. This will add a lot of texture and designer flair to your kitchen, while also protecting your walls from damage when chairs are moved about.

A custom shelf or series of stacked shelves on a narrow wall can add style and function. Solid wood planks with finished, sanded edges and decorative brackets will add open storage with upscale finesse. The shelves can be stained or painted to coordinate or contrast with other finishes in the kitchen. Use the shelves to hold decorative canisters, clear jars filled with dried herbs, cruets of flavored oils and vinegars, cookbooks or decorative accessories. Now just add European inspired decorative metal wall panels, whimsical fish metal art decor, or any wall art that suits your style, and create a focal wall beside the eating area and your kitchen will be totally stylish and upscale.