Details Make a Difference - Using Trim
Details always make a difference and especially in interior design and decor. The attention to detail is what makes design intentional and unique. Details like lining and interlining our custom curtains, and matching pattern flow perfectly on upholstery and soft goods, or choosing just the right hardware that repeats a motif found elsewhere in the room…these all are pieces of the design puzzle that together add up to make a space extraordinary.
Welting on the edge of a chair seat PERFECTLY matched to the pattern. Upholstery is an art and this is that art at its best!
custom pillows pattern matched front to back
Cabinet hardware echoes the flowers in the wallpaper for this fun farmhouse powder room
Some of my favorite details, though, involve trim… AKA passementerie, a term which encompasses applied edging or decorative trims, tassels, braid, and fringe used on home furnishings and clothing.
As best I can ascertain, the term originated in early 17th century France and is derived from the term passement which refers to braiding, or even earlier, specifically to gold and silver lacework textile patterns created from applied cording.
Whatever. It is time consuming to produce, often intricately beautiful, and frequently more expensive than the fabric it is embellishing. But details are everything, and living surrounded by beauty is priceless.
I have been a salivating over trim for as long as I can remember, and I am always delighted when a client is as excited about the possibilities it offers as I am! Today was one of those days with a delightful client 😊. I can’t wait to see their rooms all put together!
Most fabric houses also carry trim lines and they always stop me in my tracks. Trim is THE single best way to add a unique custom touch to a pillow, window treatment, or piece of furniture.
A wall of trims in rainbow colors at a favorite showroom
Pillow Trim
Applied trim creates pillows with unique and beautiful patterns
Braided cord, brush fringe, tape trim, and covered buttons embellish these custom pillows
Custom throw pillows headed for a windowseat installation
Furniture Trim
Furniture can be embellished with trim in a variety of ways. Boullion fringe is an elegant and traditional finish for a skirt, and tape trim can be applied in many different ways!
Tape is applied to club. chairs below to create a wide classic striped pattern, and a vibrant modern tape trim gives a dining chair a cheeky racing stripe.
Banding on the hem of a chair skirt is a beautiful, classic addition. The double line of solid trim on the patterned chair below is exactly the same trim I had on a cheerleader skirt back in Jr Hi?! I guess it really IS a timeless detail!
Contrast welt and a pretty tape trim give this reupholstered wing chair a whole new life!
Custom ottoman with tasseled bullion fringe and gimp trim applied in a scalloped pattern
Window Treatment Trim
Trim can be applied on all sorts of window treatments to define and elevate the style. Trim the lower edge of a valance, the sides and hem of a shade, or the leading edges of drapery panels to transform your window treatments into something really special.
simple curtain panel edged in scalloped felt trim
Textured solid trim defines the edges of this embroidered striped Roman shade awaiting installation
striped ribbon trim edges a mock Roman valance in a fun pattern in our Antique Farmhouse project
Trims come in all types and materials! Below are some exquisite ones spotted at the showrooms - they include appliquéd trims, embroidered designs, tassel trims, soutache tape, and ribbon trims.
Trims can level up your decor whether your style is modern, boho, glam, or some variety of traditional. It is just a matter of the right trim choice and application for the situation!
What is your favorite way to use trim?