Modern Trends in Custom Millwork

Millwork used to be the frosting on the cake of interior design, which was decorative but needed to be more practical. Today, custom millwork is trending into more of a focal point. The millwork concept felt as though it was falling out of fashion for a while. Still, designers have turned the page to a new interpretation of tried-and-true millwork designs. It can now create decorative, luxurious, useful, or functional rooms as designers desire.

Below, we go into the top trends in modern custom millwork to see how today’s designers have adapted age-old millwork techniques to chic modern rooms.

Minimalism in Custom Millwork

At one time, “millwork” and “minimalism” almost seemed to be contradictions since millwork used to be thought of as purely ornamental. Modern designers have found ways to use millwork for decorative yet clean and minimal designs that pay homage to contemporary styles and bring charming, rustic lines into the 21st century.

For example, instead of the decorative crown moldings of the past, which echoed an almost Baroque sense of design, modern millworkers can create square-edge and eased-edge molding and trim designs that lend cleaner finishes to their contemporary accents. A room can now use this type of molding to become sharper and simpler rather than more ornate by reinforcing clean, sparse lines, which recall rustic farmhouse and craftsman designs.

Despite its reputation as ornamentation, millwork can be used to create refined minimalist designs appropriate for soft, sleek, and accessible modern spaces.

Accent Walls

Accent walls were a hot 2000s trend that seemed to permeate every home and business space. In any high-end business built or renovated back then, you can bet it was at least in the conversation. As with anything else, accent walls fell out of style as what was once “trendy” became the new “garish.” But you may be surprised to learn that millwork is bringing the accent wall back into the design conversation.

Instead of wallpaper and paint accents, millwork provides another way for home and business owners to create a talking point in their living rooms, kitchens, dens, or even bedrooms. Shiplap panels, timber, or barn wood are becoming increasingly popular to create a modern take on the accent wall. Many designers are wielding these rustic notes to bring the accent wall back to life using modern millwork techniques and decades-old trends.

Home Offices

The surge in remote and hybrid workers post-pandemic has led interior designers to look for ways to build and accent home offices as functional spaces and even focal points of homes. MIllwork provides a way to use accents such as custom wainscoting and wall panels to turn rooms into more inviting workspaces.

This makes remote workers feel more comfortable in their home offices, creates a professional focal point for the home, and impresses clients in video calls with beautiful custom spaces.

Textured Wood

Many designers are catching on to the fact that textured wood, once a 70s staple, is making a comeback through modern millworking trends. Textured wood can be used as home office paneling, slat walls in a bedroom, or any number of warm additions to contemporary home and office spaces.

There are numerous reasons that natural wood textures and stains could be making a comeback, including an increasing desire for warmth and authenticity or an increase in environmental consciousness. Whatever the reason, textured wood accents, including stains and finishes, can add nuance and sincerity to homes and businesses with a vibe that is rustic, minimalistic, and contemporary at the same time.

Painted Accents

Painted millwork wasn’t always in vogue, but doors, panels, and molding now frequently get painted white, tan, or gray. The accent and slat walls mentioned above can be painted in even more luxurious colors or demure splashes of soft gray or white oak.

The popularity of painted millwork points to wood being used as a focal point, a feature of the room, rather than an accent. The increasing desire for naturality and simplicity in room designs allows millwork artisans to express their creativity and give home and business owners a new way to tailor their visions to their new and renovated spaces.

Sixth Avenue Creates Commercial Millwork Customized to Your Needs

At Sixth Avenue Customs, our custom furniture artisans proudly offer exclusive millwork solutions for residential and business clients in the DC Metro area. We offer home and business owners bespoke millwork designs that help them cater to their target visitors with comfort and style. Our top priority is customer satisfaction. We take great pride in our designs, materials, and ability to exceed customer expectations with bespoke millwork customized for their spaces.

Contact the team at Sixth Avenue Custom today to learn more about how we can elevate your space with millwork customized to your needs. You supply your vision – our artisans will take it from there.