One of the easiest ways to upgrade a room is to beef up all the moldings, adding width, depth and height to the trim. The increased framing adds depth to the walls, especially if it is painted the same color as the walls for a unified look.
Why we need Baseboards
In architecture, a baseboard (also called skirting board, skirting, mop-board, floor molding, or base molding) is usually wooden or vinyl board covering the lowest part of an interior wall. Its purpose is to cover the joint between the wall surface and the floor. Baseboards provide a useful function in a house. They are not purely aesthetic. They protect the bottom of the drywall from being damaged, they build a stopping point for dirt, they keep drywall/paint from being damaged by feet (shoes).
Why we need Casing
Casings are the moldings that go around the window frames. They are installed outside the house to seal the window frame to the house blocking cold air from entering the interior. Inside, casings are the finishing touch to a window installation, the same as baseboards and door moldings finish off a room. Openings in walls without doors are framed with woodwork called “casing.” This trim, which wraps from one side of the wall to the other, defines the opening and protects the wall surface from scratches. A cased opening can suggest separation between two rooms without interrupting flow.
The trim that surrounds a door frame is called casing, and it’s always installed before baseboard and chair rail because they have to butt against it. Casing is also the easiest type of molding to install because the joinery is simple, making it a perfect first project.
Why use Crown
Crown molding encapsulates a large family of moldings which are designed to gracefully flare out to a finished top edge. Crown molding is generally used for capping walls, pilasters, and cabinets, and is used extensively in the creation of interior and exterior cornice assemblies and door and window hoods. . Crown molding is a visual treat that adds a touch of elegance.
I like that you mentioned that a deep crown molding can add architecture to the interiors. My wife and I have been considering having this in our house. We will need an interior expert that can help us out with this.
I didn’t know that baseboards were to protect the bottom of the drywall but that’s good to know! I had to rip the baseboards in my bathroom out because they were water damaged. It’ll be important to put new ones back so that the wall stays intact.