Though often unsung, interior trim can enhance how we relate to
rooms of different sizes and personalities. As ceiling heights
increase from the conventional 8 feet to 9 and even 10 feet,
the type, dimension, and placement of trim components vary
according to fundamental rules of scale, proportion, and
hierarchy. In this column, we'll explore those principles, and
how they relate to ceiling height and room personality. Whether
you're designing a traditional or a more contemporary space,
the same concepts apply.
As usual, there are no hard and fast rules, just a framework of
context to guide your trim design decisions.
Katie Hutchisonis an architect and the owner of
Earthlight Design in Salem, Mass.