Transform your blank walls with these gorgeous wall trim ideas including wainscoting, board and batten, accent walls and shadow box trim. The Family Handyman Story by Erica Young ...

For a more cost-effective option, look for MDF (medium-density fiberboard) trim, which also takes paint beautifully, ...

To highlight your wall trim design even more, the strips can be painted in a contrasting color. White trim against a black (or dark) background presents a strong modern image.

However, if you're just doing one wall with shiplap, for example, it's not cost-prohibitive, says Burley. And newer options have hit the market, like laser-cut 3d panels made of PVC, adds Patella.

Home design pros say that when incorporating an accent wall, “Do it with intention or don’t do it at all,” Gilmore says. This means really focusing on amping up a room’s visual interest.

Dear James: I think some decorative woodwork and trim in some rooms would look great. Do you have any tips for a relatively inexperienced. No paywalls. No subscriptions.