Keeping pace with carpentry trim trends

What’s hot in homes?

While modern homes favour minimalist designs, interior moulding is making a resurgence. Clients are moving towards adding character and definition to their spaces. We’re still seeing traditional ornate profiles such as lamb’s tongue or other decorative cornices in period-era structures, but recent trends are emphasising:

• Square-edge or shadowline cornices ideal for minimalist and contemporary homes where clean lines and visual height make an impact.
• Stepped cornices that add depth without overwhelming the space.
• Taller, clean-lined skirting in feature rooms for a grounded architectural look – aim for 5–8 per cent of the ceiling height.
• Half-splayed (traditional) or bevelled (modern) architrave used as a customised decorative device to frame walls, doors, windows, cabinet tops, and even fireplaces.
• Consistent reveals to achieve continuity throughout a home.

Of course, to make these stand out – not dated or wrong – there are other factors that come into play. Elements like the size of the space, age of the home and style of the interiors all play a part in pulling off the look. Context and proportion count, so make this part of the conversation when you’re ‘dream-storming’ with your client. Trim should never look like it belongs in another house or room.

Materials making their mark

In recent years, we’ve seen major innovations in manufacturing, leading to new materials that meet client demand for durable, low-maintenance trim that still looks stylish. This is what they’re choosing:

Pre-primed FJ pine is a firm favourite because it’s ready to paint, reducing on-site prep time. This durable, water-resistant timber is smooth and knot-free, giving a consistent finish, perfect for a crisp, painted look. Best for skirting, architraves and trims.

MDF (medium-density fibreboard) is an engineered timber product that remains popular in dry, low-traffic areas because it’s consistent, giving a smooth finish, mills cleanly, takes paint well and is cost-effective. It is prone to chipping/denting, so all sides must be painted.

Meranti hardwood offers a balance of durability and workability at a practical cost. Non-warping, it’s ideal for skirting, architraves and wall panels. Its fine texture takes well to staining, polishing and painting, suiting heritage-style homes.

Tips for great finishes

When it comes to interior trims, the devil is in the detail – a flawless finish takes the job to the next level. It also protects the installations, and a client’s home, for years to come. These are the techniques helping craftsmen finish strong:

Sanding surfaces between coats with fine-grit sandpaper or an abrasive pad for a smooth, lasting finish.

Applying sealant that is both flexible and paintable on high-movement surfaces to avoid paint flaking off and mis-matched paint colour.

Opting for paintable caulk on low-movement surfaces.

Filling gaps/cracks with colour-matched fillers for a seamless finish.

Using grab adhesives to avoid damage to surface and reduce paint-prep time.

Creating returns for trim ends that stop abruptly to avoid showing raw, dark end grain.

Matching trim temperature to the wall undertone; warm wall with warm trim, cool wall with cool trim for a cohesive effect.

Avoid choice overload

In home design, decision fatigue is a thing! Too many choices can overwhelm clients, slowing down decision-making and leading to frustration or, even worse, buyer’s remorse. For trades, this translates to lost time, call-backs and touch-ups, which means more unpaid hours.

The goal isn’t to offer everything – it’s to offer just enough information to make the choice feel easy, empowering and satisfying. Many in the trade are packaging trim options into “Good”, “Better”, and “Best” bundles.

Building trim packages in five easy steps

1. Define the labels: Present your tiered options so the client clearly sees the cost/benefit of both cheaper choices and premium ones.
2. Measure: Determine total linear metres needed for architraves, skirting, moulding, etc.
3. Select material: Choose between low-cost MDF, slightly more expensive FJ pine or more expensive hardwood such as meranti.
4. Pick profiles: Match styles (modern bevel or classic colonial, etc).
5. Add consumables: Pair each package with standard adhesives, caulk, filler and other consumables.

Benefits of simple packages

Good

Bundle: MDF skirting/arch, standard profile.

Why it adds profit: Fast baseline, protects schedule.

Better

Bundle: FJ pine, taller skirting, decorative profile, better caulk/adhesive.

Why it adds profit: Higher margin materials with same labour pattern.

Best

Bundle: Big-ticket add-ons such as meranti timber wainscoting, feature walls in key rooms.

Why it adds profit: Lasting impressions equal more recommendations to high-end clients.

Key takeaway: Fewer, more relevant options lead to better outcomes for both the client and business.

Nail efficiency with these handy services

Need a little extra help to get the job done? We’ve got you covered.

Trade Specialists

With more than 500 Trade Specialists across our stores, help is always close by. From orders and quotes to product advice and deliveries, our team helps you get what you need, when you need it.

Visit the Trade Desk in store to chat with your local Trade Specialist.

134 Trade

Call 134 TRADE (134 872) to get straight through to real help, in real time. Our Trade Assist team can help with quotes and pricing, stock checks, order and delivery updates, PowerPass support and specialised landscaper enquiries, plus anything else trade‑related you need sorted.

Click & Deliver

Getting deliveries on site, on time matters. That’s why we offer a range of delivery and fulfilment options for jobs big and small, from crane trucks to utes and trucks, so you get what you need when you need it. You can also rent a ute or van, or borrow a trailer to take products home yourself. Talk to the Trade team or Account Manager at your local warehouse or Trade Centre to find the best delivery option for your job.

Build the perfect trim packages

Browse our selection of profiles and bundle the consumables for well-framed packaged options, ranging from budget-friendly to premium, and contemporary to classic.