Modern History

At Susan Semmelmann Interiors, we love to take classic design features and add a chic, modern twist! Wainscoting has a long and storied history in architecture and interior design. Wainscot paneling was initially more functional than decorative—adding interior protection and insulation from damp and cold stone walls and acting as an aesthetic solution to the resulting water discoloration of the lower wall sections. During this time, cotton, linen, and marble were the materials of choice, but as the idea gained popularity, most traditional wainscoting materials were sourced from oak, specifically referred to as wainscoting oak. This era ushered in wainscoting styles featuring intricate panel designs and richly ornamented wooden finishes. Today, wainscoting continues to be a wildly popular decorative feature, as seen in these elegant designs! With a nod to history and tradition, these neutral interiors highlight a sleek and modern update to the look. With floor-to-ceiling applications, the use of simple, clean, low-profile panels allows for just the right amount of texture and detail to make a huge visual impact on each space. Notice the touches of flair and flourish that bring each design to life without looking overly done. While wood paneling remains the go-to for most projects, materials such as tile, wallpaper, and metal can also be used to create gorgeous wainscoting effects. Let Susan Semmelmann Interiors bring modern history to your home’s design with a world of wainscoting options! Design/image credit to @casadopassadico @thomaspheasant @casadopassadico @homes_society