This One-Day Project INSTANTLY Adds Character to Your Home
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Never underestimate the power of a DIY project. While a full-scale renovation might seem like the most effective way to transform a space, there are plenty of smaller tweaks that offer a similar impact for a fraction of the price and time. Case in point: Adding adhesive molding can be completed in as little as one day.
For Alexandra Gater, a home decor YouTuber and member of House Beautiful's 2024 Creator Class, these peel-and-stick trims are an excellent way to add “texture and layer” to an otherwise stale space.
“Many of my clients prefer a neutral palette—and that can sometimes make achieving that depth and character a challenge—which is why I started to experiment with DIY molding kits,” she explains. “I find that they infuse a room with personality and dimension, even within a more natural color scheme.” Of course, for those who crave color, there's nothing stopping you from painting your walls and new trim.
Bonus: If you live in a rental, you can give your space some old-school charm without dipping into your security deposit. “Some of these kits come with double-sided tape on the back of them to make them renter-friendly,” Gater adds. That said, if you want to make your molding a more permanent part of a room, seal any gaps with some acrylic caulk for a natural, built-in effect. “It will look like it’s been on the wall for years,” Gater says.
The design pendulum is perpetually swinging between ultra-modern silhouettes and classic traditionalism, so do these moldings have any aesthetic staying power? For Gater, this detail is just as timeless as the centuries-old homes that feature it. “Think of how long we’ve been swooning over the ornate intricacies of European churches,” she adds.
This DIY project is quick and easy, so you might as well take a few extra minutes to map out your molding. Before peeling and sticking, measure your wall to figure out the perfect placement. It's also not a bad idea to map it out with painter's tape to make sure you love how it looks.
Meanwhile, Gater says it's crucial to straighten your trim, otherwise, your walls will look a little wonky. “Don’t try to line the molding up to your ceiling, it’s never straight,” she warns. “Use a laser level as a guide to help get a level installation.” And, soon enough, voilà! Instant, old-school charm.
10.1-Ounce White Caulk
Multi Surface LED Laser Level
Ready to Assemble Wall Molding Piece Kit
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