If you live in a house that was built or renovated between the early 1990s and 2000s, you likely have the infamous orange oak trim that was a hallmark of the era. For some, this warm wood tone adds charm and character. For others, it’s a dated design detail just begging for a coat of crisp white paint.
Whether you love it, hate it, or feel stuck in the middle, oak trim tends to spark strong opinions. Should you embrace it and find ways to modernize it? Or is painting it the best route for a fresh, updated look? We asked three interior designers to weigh in on the long-standing debate—and to share their tips for styling oak trim in a way that feels intentional, not outdated.
Why Oak Trim Deserves a Second Look
Warm wood accents make a strong statement in home design, and that includes the once-maligned oak trim. If you’re on the fence about painting it, consider this: some designers believe oak’s natural character may be more timeless than it gets credit for, especially considering how quickly ‘dated’ styles find their way back into fashion.
“While white trim can create a clean, modern look, some people may eventually regret painting all their trim white as it can feel too sterile or lack character,” says Mina Lisanin of ML Interiors. “It largely depends on personal taste and the overall aesthetic of the space.”
Lisa Henderson, a designer at Harvest Architecture, agrees oak could be due for a reappraisal—although, she jokes, “many of us who grew up in the late ’70s and early ’80s will cringe at that idea.”
Should You Keep or Paint Your Oak Trim?
Gabriela Eisenhart, of Silo Studios, also has noticed the resurgence of oak trim in home design. “White oak and warm oak tones have made a significant comeback. There’s been a noticeable shift from the all-white kitchen trend to warmer oak tones in cabinetry,” she says. “We’re also seeing a lot of natural oak in the architectural detail of homes, from built-ins to tongue-and-groove ceilings.”
But just because something’s popular doesn’t mean it’s the right move for your home. So, whether you’re tempted to keep your oak trim or paint over it, Lisanin recommends thinking it through first. Once you paint wood trim, there’s no easy undo button. Removing paint can damage the wood, and even if you manage to strip it, it likely won’t look the same again.
“Oak trim can be a timeless and elegant feature if well-maintained and integrated into the overall design scheme. Its warmth and texture can add character to a space and create a sense of warmth and sophistication,” Lisanin says. “When oak trim complements the style and ambiance of the room, it’s perfectly okay to keep and can even become a focal point of the design.”
How to Make Oak Trim Look More Modern
If you prefer not to paint your trim, Eisenhart explains that refinishing the wood can be a great alternative. A simple re-stain in a more modern finish and tone (such as a darker, less orange shade) can work wonders by refreshing the look of the space. “Another factor to consider is the style of trim. It may not just be the finish that is making it feel dated—sometimes it’s also the style. When the trim style feels outdated, I always find it best to paint it,” Eisenhart notes.
Change the Surroundings Instead of the Trim
Alternatively, instead of reaching for a paintbrush, Henderson suggests rethinking the elements around your trim. Contemporary furniture, rich wall colors, updated lighting, and modern hardware can transform the feel of a room without altering the woodwork itself.
“With these changes, the space can be pulled in a fresh direction—no paint required,” she says. Source