On Mar 19, 10:23 am, wrote:
I am trying to achieve a modern, minimalist look in a carpeted
bedroom. The builder has recommended having no baseboard molding at
all, with the carpet just running right up to the wall.

In the other rooms in the apartment, I've got hardwoods with stained
quarter round, and stone tiles with 4" tile as a border, so really no
other painted moldings to speak of.

Is having no baseboards at all a viable option, and will it look
strange?

The look strange part is only your concern, no? Doesn't matter what
anyone else thinks.

The baseboards, as others have noted, protect the walls from bashes
and bangs. A vacuum cleaner will leave marks on drywall. One way of
dealing with the impact is to use something harder as a baseboard
that's flush with the surface of the drywall. You could use 1/2" MDO
or MDF and paint it. The top edge could be taped to conceal the seam,
or you could use some vinyl trim to create a reveal.
http://amico-lath.com/drywall/reveal.htm

Baseboard also allows clearance so furniture isn't banging up against
the wall (floors flex and walking would make the nightstand, or
whatever, vibrate against the wall leaving marks. The clearance also
helps so electrical outlets and plugs don't get so much abuse.

R