We have renovated our entire cottage at the lake. Have decided to go with creamy cabinets, wood countertop, wood ceiling, handscrapped wood floors. Early in the construction phase thought I would go with wood stained doors and trim so ordered and installed 3 fiberglass stainable garden/patio doors. Now that we are further along with the renovations I think there is enough wood and wondering if I should paint all the patio doors and trim a nice creamy color. Or - should I keep moving forward with the wood look? A big dilema because my husband really likes the wood look and i really like the white trim look. What to do? Any tips or ideas you could give me would be appreciated.

Is the trim in the rest of the house painted or stained? Most folks go with the same throughout the house for the sake of flow and continuity.

This is pretty much a new build - we lifted the cottage last fall to put a full basement in that will also be a nice walk-out to the lake. We have moved walls and completely removed everything to start over. There is currently no trim and with the cabinets going in next week, then the hardwood floor, my current decision is about the doors and trim - stain or paint? Not sure why this is a dilema for me.

I'm going to vote with semantics -- you said "cottage" so I say creamy white like your cabinets. Now, if you had said "cabin", I might have said stained.

In Saskatchewan Canada we all call our "places" at the lake cabins, but so many are like houses. I was going for the cottage look, but that cabin feeling is really pulling me.

From your reply I am guessing that I could go with either white trim and doors or go with wood trim and doors, the decision dependant on either the cottage or cabin look. Is that correct?

It's all about personal preference. "Cottage" tends to be light and fresh -- "cabin" is warm and cozy. You have to decide what mood you're going for.

Personally, I adore the look of dark-ish stained doors and a bisque or lovely white trim.

Can't reverse it. Can't do stained trim with white doors.

Wondering if stained doors, white trim might be another consideration.

Yes stained doors and white trim is an option, but I thought I would be breaking an important decorating rule if I went that way.

I really appreciate your comments and as a first timer to the message board I have found this process to be very helpful. Thanks.

I am going to wait for the cedar celing, hardwood floors and the creamy cabinets to be installed (in the next two weeks) and make a decision then -knowing that there are options.