5 Steps To Choosing Timber Mouldings

Written for Intrim Mouldings by Rachael Turner, Front Porch Properties. 

Rachael shares her 5 steps to choosing her timber mouldings from her first-hand experience as a leading builder.

STEP 1 – Researching

When it comes to a starting point with any client, I normally always ask them to provide us with some of their own vision boards or favourite interior pictures that they have saved in the lead up to their project, as this helps me to get a good idea of the direction in which they would like their build or renovation to evolve.  This usually involves the client sending through a selection of images that they have saved, normally through platforms such as Pinterest or Instagram or web searches.

Because of my affection for all things classic and timeless and my love/interpretation of American Farmhouse mixed with Classic Queenslanders, I usually have a good idea in which direction I would like to go for my clients.  My number one recommendation to get started with your own project and finding your style, would be to start paying attention to the types of homes that you keep referring back to.  Once you know your style, you can then start to look at the finer details such as the skirtings, doorways and window trims, because details like these are what really elevates your home to a higher level.

STEP 2: Designing

When it comes to designing and choosing what profile or shape will best fit the style I am looking to achieve for a particular client, I go straight to Intrim’s website.  Their site is so easy to use as they categorize their timber mouldings into styles best suited for particular themes/styles which really helps to narrow down your choices from their extensive range. For example, I would often use the filter tool and go so far as choosing from several ranges including “Hamptons”, “French Provincial”, “Edwardian / Georgian” & “Colonial/Victorian”, as this gives me a broad selection to choose from and these styles usually suit the type of homes we build and renovate here at Front Porch Properties.

STEP 3: Talking to the experts

As a builder and designer, believe it or not,  I also get stumped from time to time on just how to get our trim details spot on, especially when we are working with batten panelling, coffered ceilings or intricate wall mouldings.  This is where the team at Intrim really comes into play.  They offer such knowledge when it comes to me fine tuning our designs, often we need to customise a profile to a certain size to ensure the look we are after is executed 100%, and they honestly go the extra mile for us every time and they always come up with the best solution.  Intrim’s delivery has always been excellent, and we are always kept well informed by the warehouse team as to when to expect our delivery on site.  We are an avid supporter of this wonderful Australian company.

STEP 4: Samples

A great way to really know if the trims you see online are the right ones for your build, is to order some of Intrim’s free samples. We often request samples, as not only is it great for us to have the actual sample in our office when we are at the beginning stages of planning and putting the project vision board together,  but it’s also great to have on site when we are doing walk-though’s with our client, as this really helps them to visualise the beautiful trim details that we are incorporating into their home.

STEP 5: The budget decisions

When it comes to budget, there is always going to be some give or take somewhere along the line.  Clever compromise can often be the key here, for example, I’m a total fan of a lovely tall skirting board, we usually land up between 135mm & 185mm, but did you know that skirtings also come in different thicknesses too, so if you are looking for a quick saving, try compromising on a 18mm thickness rather than a 25mm thickness, you will still achieve the look you are wanting but at a friendlier price point.

Another great example of bringing interest to your plain walls is through the use of Intrim’s VJ wall panels. Rather than forking out big $’s for all 4 walls in a room, rather take the focus to 1 wall only, say, the wall behind a bed, as this is normally your first wall of focus in that room, and it creates a lovely subtle texture and interest within the room.

See more of this project: Brookfield Coastal Farmhouse

Coffered ceilings are another area where doing a little research on design styles can really save you some money.  We have been doing a variety of coffered ceilings in past and present projects, and depending on your chosen profiles, you can actually create so much interest for quite a reasonable outlay.  Intrim’s in-house team can offer great advice and help put you on the right track when it comes to cost effective design tips.

See more of this project: Carrara Cape Cod

Rachael Turner is the owner of Front Porch Properties, a Brisbane based construction business that specialise in classic, timeless, American inspired renovations and new builds.