Wainscoting: The design & build feature that stands the test of time

Wainscoting is often a feature in our Sarah Yarrow Interiors & Yarrow Build projects. It is a true marriage of timeless style + custom craftsmanship that can make all the difference when making a house a home.

Traditionally, wainscoting (pronounced weyn-skuh-ting) was used in the early 18th century for a very functional and utilitarian purpose — to protect walls and provide additional insulation. It later became popular in a decorative sense to add layers of interest and drama to an internal space. Over the centuries, wainscoting has truly stood the test of time; never going 'out of style' but rather expanding and evolving into all sorts of different looks and designs. It really is one of our world's oldest forms of custom-made decor.

When working closely with our clients on something as personal as their own home, it is our job to bring together their unique style with just the right amount of architectural detailing that creates a harmonious balance in the space.

How I've injected wainscot paneling into diverse projects over the years:

I believe in creating timeless homes that are designed and built for real living. Whether we're working on the design and renovation of an old, historical home or starting a brand new build from scratch, wainscoting can add to the original architectural detailing of a home or it can create historical-looking details in a newly built home.

Bellevue Hill — A large grand home built in the early 1900s — wainscoting used at various heights to complement the history and natural curves of the interior space.

Parsley Bay — A traditional Victorian era home built in 1906 — a strategic combination of lower third and full height raised-panel wainscoting to fit the history and personality of individual rooms throughout the home.

Bendalong Beach House — A coastal cottage renovation — board and batten wainscot paneling to add some depth and fun to this unique oceanside bedroom.

Whether it's a heritage home with large grand walls, a traditional home looking for more architectural details, or a coastal cottage in need of more design detail, with wainscot paneling we can design, build and customise down to the tiniest detail for our clients.