Without question, wall trim has long been part of classic New England vernacular, used by early settlers for insulation purposes and to remind them of their homes across the ocean. At Patrick Ahearn Architect, wall trim is a signature element of our style. Whether it’s beadboard to impart coastal cottage charm, shiplap to indicate a more modern character, wall paneling to imbue a home with formality and grace, or flush boards to communicate rustic sensibility, wall trim is used to layer otherwise flat planes with information and style.
We regularly receive questions regarding how and when we use such trim, and which materials we turn to for the best execution. For enthusiasts interested in beadboard in particular, we offer a favorite blog post, To Beadboard, or not to Beadboard, in which we discuss the history of the wall treatment and variations in the materials available today. In it, we also review directives on ceiling accents and differences on our approach to beadboard in varying rooms inside a home. In addition, we also suggest perusing our post on Architectural Wall Trim, detailing four of our favorite approaches with plenty of examples and photos.
While wall trim is no longer used primarily for warmth, it continues to serve as extra detailing within a home to impart a finished look and transform a space dramatically. Even as times change, we see beadboard, shiplap, wall paneling, and flush boards as timeless treatments that will endure for years to come.