The classic Ottawa heritage look — common in The Glebe, Sandy Hill and Old Ottawa South — is colored or wallpapered walls with bright white trim and ceilings. This makes architectural details pop and visually raises the ceiling.
The modern monochrome look paints walls, trim and ceilings the same color (often a warm off-white) for a calm, gallery-like feel. This works especially well in new builds in Half Moon Bay or Avalon where trim profiles are flatter.
Dark trim against light walls is the dramatic option — black or deep navy trim in a powder room or library is a high-impact, low-cost upgrade.