While planning my office, I fell in love with a box pattern so much, that we added it as trim. The custom cabinets Ben built were already in place, so we wanted to have the top of the trim match the top of the cabinets.
Our cabinets are 36 inches high, not including the Brazilian cherry top, so our total trim height is 36 inches.
After determining the trim height, measure each wall, marking the center. If you have cabinets, mark the center of the area between the wall and cabinet to make the design centered on the visible area. Then, mark the center of the height. The easiest way to calculate the center is to add the height of the baseboard and top trim pieces then subtract that number from your total height. For example, we used 5 inch base board, 2 inch top trim and a 1 inch thick ‘shelf.’ Subrtact 8 from 36 to get 28 inches. Now, divide in half and mark.
To create your box grid trim, first install the baseboard. Now you’re ready to start creating the boxes.
We wanted 10 inches of space inside the boxes, so Ben marked 5 inches each side from his center lines. We cut 3/4 inch thick MDF sheets to our dimensions, but you can also use square stock trim.
After ripping down the pieces, Ben cut the horizontal box trim 14 inches long to allow the vertical box pieces to butt into the horizontals. Secure the horizontal pieces to the wall, keeping level. Once the horizontals are in, add the vertical pieces to complete the box. After completing one box, measure from the outside of the box to the baseboard and top trim. Cut several pieces to length, ours are 7 inches on all sides, nailing centered on the box. Use the additional pieces as spacers to continue creating the boxes. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Then, fill the nail holes, sand, prime and paint both the trim and wall.
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