Crossover Trim Detail for Traditional & Modern Homes

crossover trim on front porch

In New England, crossover trim blends classic charm with modern style. I am fortunate to live and work as a remodeling contractor in the Northeast where the towns and cities are museums of classical architecture, especially on civic buildings. However, there is also an abundant number of residential homes that would be classified as modern, which would be classified as minimal traditional, ranch, split-level, contemporary, and shed.


Most customers I work with prefer classical architectural millwork details, but they live in architecturally classified “modern” homes. A millwork detail that can successfully bridge this gap is crossover trim, such as Chippendale handrails.

Chippendale railings became popular in Western cultures from successful craftsmen
such as Thomas Chippendale, a cabinetmaker in England, and designers like Thomas
Jefferson in the American Colonies. From the mid-Atlantic Chippendale railings grew out
of their regional popularity and can be seen on exterior railings from the deep South to the
Northeast.


One of the reasons why crossover trim like Chippendale rails can be used in a traditional or
contemporary setting is that there are a variety of Chippendale designs, and the
Chippendale design doesn’t have to be used on every inch of railing.


In the past, I have used the “Southern Cross”, on traditional homes, and the
“Diamond” pattern, on contemporary homes. Overall, the Chippendale rail design is a
crossover trim mill work detail and can achieve a timeless mill work detail. Chippendale railings
can be used both on the interior and exterior, which makes it a versatile mill work detail.

Please consider American Building & Design for your next remodeling project

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