Contrast Trim: 2 Ways I Painted My Doors and Trim (Paint Colors)

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Contrast trim is one of my favorite ways to add charm, depth and visual interest to a home, even for a minimalist like me. Instead of painting every door, casing and baseboard the same white as the walls, you paint some of the trim a soft contrasting color so the architecture stands out.

Below are the two ways I have used contrast trim, in my lake house and in my home, with the exact paint colors, plus pieces from these photos linked below, so just swipe through to shop!

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Version 1: Contrast Doors and Baseboards (My Lake House)

My lake house with a shaker door and baseboards painted Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter against White Dove plank walls, a black stair railing and a potted olive tree

At my lake house, the doors and baseboards are Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter, and the walls are White Dove. Painting the baseboards along with the doors frames each room and makes the white walls feel crisp.

Walls: Benjamin Moore White Dove
Doors and baseboards: Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter

Version 2: Contrast Doors and Casings Only (My Home)

In my home, I did another version: the walls and baseboards are the same color, and only the doors and door casings get the contrast color. It is a little softer and still makes every doorway feel custom.

Before: a flat white interior door with white trim — Before

After: a shaker door and casing painted Sherwin-Williams Jogging Path against Swiss Coffee walls and baseboards — After

Walls: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee at 75% (flat)
Baseboards: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee at 75% (eggshell)
Doors and door casings: Sherwin-Williams Jogging Path (eggshell)

A bedroom door and casing painted Jogging Path next to Swiss Coffee walls and matching white baseboards

See the full project, including the shaker doors and matte black hardware, in my interior door makeover.

Which Version Should You Choose?

Doors and baseboards (version 1) feels more traditional and grounds the room. It works well in open spaces with lots of trim, like my lake house.
Doors and casings only (version 2) is subtler and highlights each doorway. It is a great first step if contrast trim feels bold to you.
Pick a soft greige or putty like Jogging Path or Revere Pewter for the trim, and a warm white for the walls.
Use eggshell on all trim and doors. It wipes clean and shows off the contrast.