Add Texture To Your Kitchen With These Wainscoting Ideas

Are you tired of plain kitchen walls? Looking to add a bit of flair without spending a fortune? Wainscoting could be your answer. This classic wall treatment isn't just for fancy dining rooms or libraries; it can bring depth, texture, and personality to your kitchen too. Wainscoting adds visual interest to walls, protects them from wear and tear, and even hides any imperfections you'd rather not see every day. Two ideas that will help you add some serious style are raised paneling and two-tone contrast.

Raised paneling is always in style and never out of place. This is perfect if you aim for a traditional or even a chic farmhouse look. The beauty of raised paneling is that it can be installed in a range of materials, from wood to MDF, so it fits any budget or aesthetic. If you're looking for something a bit fancier, you could even consider adding some decorating trim to make it pop even more.

If you're in the mood for something a little more daring, two-tone wainscoting might just be your best friend. Imagine combining a darker color on the lower portion of your kitchen walls with a lighter shape on top. The darker color gives a sense of grounding and can help hide scuffs and stains, while the lighter top can brighten the space. 

Before picking up that paintbrush, there are a few things you need to keep in mind — first, height matters. Too high, and your kitchen will feel a little cramped. Too low, and it might look like an afterthought. Typically, wainscoting is installed to cover the lower third of a wall, but you may want to go slightly higher in the kitchen. Why? Because kitchens are full of cabinets, appliances, and countertops, and adjusting the height to align with these features can create a cleaner and more cohesive look. 

Next, choose a durable finish. Your kitchen is probably the busiest room in your house -– spills, splashes, grease, and food crumbs are just part of the daily routine. So, your wainscoting needs to hold up. Matte or flat finishes can be lovely, but they are not the easiest to clean. Instead, go for a semi-gloss satin finish, which will not only look sleek, but will also make cleaning a breeze. 

Lastly, while dreaming of beautiful wainscoting, plan around your outlets and kitchen light fixtures. No one wants a gorgeous wainscoting design interrupted by a random electrical outlet. Take the time to measure carefully and consider where everything is. You may need to make slight adjustments to ensure the wainscoting looks seamless and doesn't cut off awkwardly. You might even consider adding decorative trim or specialized panels around these areas for a polished finish.