ORC WEEK 4: Wall Molding and Electrical Outlets

We are halfway through the One Room Challenge, which means it’s time for me to freak out. Why does getting to the halfway point always make it seem like we are behind after feeling like we are ahead? I think it’s because we realize how many things still need to be completed and when a few issues arise, the pressure is really on.

This week was primarily dedicated to installing wainscotting but we ran into several issues. Our first issue is that we ran out of trim and have to wait for a few days to get another couple delivered. Typically shipping would not take long for a few trim pieces but given that we are in the middle of a pandemic, shipping has gotten a lot slower. The positive side of the waiting time is that it allows me to slow down and think about some of the issues that have come up and come up with the best solution. While it may take longer, being intentional about the design is going to result in a more timeless transformation.

So what issue did we run into that needs research?

Here is my google search for ya: How to install wall molding around electrical outlets and air vents?

When we started installing wall molding on this wall, we ran into both, electrical outlet and vent on the same wall. There are several options for installing trim when outlets and vents are in the way. Here are two examples of installing trim when there is a vent.

Option one as you can see in the example above ignores that there is a vent in the way. You can just continue installing the trim pieces and bud the ends into the vent. This method is not ideal as the trim is thicker than the frame of the vent resulting in a look that just does not appear seamless.

Option two looks much more presentable as it does not ignore the elephant in the room (the vent) and uses trim to go along the frame of the vent.

Installing Wall Molding around electrical outlets

Browsing Pinterest, I found several options for installing wall molding around electrical outlets. Some were great, while others were not optimal.

Since the vent was going to be covered by furniture, the above example cuts into the trim piece. This is not an option for us as we do not have a big couch covering the electrical outlet and I think it defeats the purpose of installing molding. Adding molding to a home is supposed to enhance the architectural interest of the rooms. By cutting into the molding you are taking away the beauty of the molding.

The other option, which is the same as option two for the air vent, is to trim around the electrical outlet. The majority of you on Instagram preferred this option but you were not sold on it.

Some of you mentioned it looked busy. While it may look busy, this option is preferred over the alternative of moving the outlet and patching the wall. A few cuts on the miter saw would make this a pretty easy fix. For tips on using the miter saw click here.

Alternatively, and the fan favorite of the options is to notch out the electrical outlet by building a frame for it.

By notching out the frame of the outlet, it allows you to dissolve the wall frame moldings pieces into the outlet box making the overall look very seamless. This is the option we decided to go with.

The Waiting Game

While we are waiting for the trim to arrive I have more time to think about other design elements of the room. If you missed the design plans from week one you can find them here. What you will not find in those plans is any discussion about the most forgotten wall, the ceiling. Having chosen such as bold blue for the built-ins, the super white ceiling felt a bit bland.

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I created this quick mock-up of the colors and pattern we will be adding to the room on the wall. I thought it would be fun to try a soft peach on the ceiling.

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The image on the left has Benjamin Moor Pumpkin Mousse which feels like too much.

Here is it is on the ceiling.

The image on the right has a much softer peach called Soft White. It has a peach undertone but just enough white to not compete with the blue. Another color I want to try is very close to the Soft White called Ambrosia, also by Benjamin Moore.

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Testing out a variety of soft peach colors will keep me busy until the trim comes in. For next week, my goal is to have the ceilings color picked out, wainscotting completed, built-ins sanded and ready for the first coat of primer and walls primed for wallpaper installation.

Thanks for following along! Don’t forget to stop by on my Instagram to vote on the final soft peach paint color. Also, make sure to visit other fun ORC transformations happening here.