SFGate

B Fein Interior Design Design for what you like - if you prefer dark wainscoting (as I often do), embrace it! Don't worry about trends - what's in/what's out - follow your preferences for your home. :)

Artisan Carpentry of the Main Line, LLC Listen to B Fein- forget the word "popular" Also remember: what looks fresh and exciting at first often grows tiresome. Are you trying to anchor the room with a dark lower section? Make the room look taller? warmer? more masculine?

bug1076 Our house sat empty for a year while we lived in Arizona. Now that we are back my house feels Blah. We built it @ 10 years ago and it's been just about the same for all 10 years!!! I really need some inspiration and change!!!!!

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design That's a lovely picture you posted and what makes the black and white wainscoting work, of course, is the rug. Without the rug or some other black and white influence, the wainscoting would be a "why did they do that" thing.

creeser The only time I'd worry about what's 'popular' is when you're selling your house. For you, do what you love with it!

Rayco Painting White is the standard color. I have seen beige and ivory. I personally like a color other than white because it wont blend with your baseboards and casings.

decoenthusiaste Try some textured wallpaper instead of paint.

greenthumb2 I am a fan of white paint for some applications but not trim. When we moved into a country house all the doors, all the base boards were chocolate brown. What? I paid a pro to paint all dark brown with sage/pear color and the walls an off-white. What a difference! Do a little bit and see if you like it. I think you will love it. I would also suggest the door frame be different color -- but that is just me. Like others have said. It is your home. Love it!

yvonne_pinckney Textures are nice. Try leather or grasscloth in a lighter shade. When and if u decide to sell best to have a neutral color. But while you live there enjoy what you like

Natalie Totally agree with Carolyn---if that rug wasn't there then it would be BAD! Jarring... I prefer darker colors above the trim, rather than below. I just painted my dining area SW Black Fox on upper and SW Languid Blue lower and I love it! Have fun...

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design Black Fox is one of my favorite colors. I've used it on all sorts of things!