TRIM

One of the primary characteristics distinguishing a pretty room from a basic box is the attention to molding. In the cheapest construction, moldings will be minimal and puny — or even nonexistent.

Interior moldings provide attitude as well as architectural interest. Chairs rails lend a polished look to a room, as do picture moldings, where trim is used in large squares or rectangles to mimic the look of a paneled wall.

One of the easiest ways to upgrade a room is to beef up all the moldings, adding width, depth and height to the trim. Far from closing in a room, the increased framing adds depth to the walls, especially if it is painted the same color as the walls for a unified look.