Glossy Accents Redefine a Home

Today's hot decorating trends include lots of glimmer and glamour as texture and sheen continue to make their way into many popular home accessories as beautifully framed artwork and prints, according to the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute. Painting contractors and homeowners can quickly add a touch of that glamour and sheen to rooms.

"And just like artwork, living space is no different," says Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating expert. "Crown moldings, chair rails and other specialty trim provide the framework around the wall space and allow for a visual break as you move from room to room. By applying semi-gloss or glossy paint to these features, you can differentiate one space from another and add that spark of sophistication or glamour by simply varying the paint sheen levels."

A quick room update can be accomplished by adding color and shine to no more than the trim and doors. Highlight these areas with semi-gloss or gloss paint in a complementary hue to the wall color.

Today's glossy finishes not only are attractive but also provide long-lasting durability, especially in high-traffic and often-used areas. For example, when high-sheen paint is applied to doors and trim, handprints and smudge marks are easy to wipe clean. When used on ceilings or crown moldings, gloss finishes provide a reflective surface that enhances lighting. And windows and interior doors will have a new view just by painting the surrounding trim with a complementary color and gloss level. Any room can be quickly updated and refreshed by merely changing the paint sheen.

Help your walls become a centerpiece by allowing baseboards, crown moldings and other trim work to provide the glossy frame that redefines your home.