Classic Wainscoting in an Art Deco Restaurant

Entrance area to restaurant. Hostess desk with green nickel gap wainscoting in the background.

Designing a restaurant is no small feat; it’s a blend of functionality and aesthetics that sets the stage for memorable dining experiences. Among the myriad of design choices available, WindsorONE pre-primed wood wainscoting stands out as a stylish and inviting option that can transform the atmosphere of any eatery. Just ask Nathan Michael, Chicago based interior whose work is filled with memorable rich spaces. When he was tasked when giving new life to Italian eatery DeNucci’s in Chicago, he turned to WindsorONE Nickel Gap Boards and trim to help create a statement in this classic eatery. Timeless and versatile, they were the perfect addition to this Art Deco inspired space.

Green WindsorONE Nickelgap wainscoting with leather barstool in front.

Nickel Gap wainscoting

Green WindsorONE Nickel Gap wainscoting with WOWC006 wainscot cap detail around the fire alarm.

WOWC006 Wainscot Cap detail around the fire alarm.

Aesthetic Appeal of Wainscoting

Considering adding wainscoting to your home? First and foremost, let’s talk about aesthetics. Wainscoting can instantly elevate the look of any room, transforming a plain wall into a stunning focal point. It can create a significant transformation for a room without have a complete overhaul of the space. From Beadboard, to Stiles & Rails, V-groove & Shiplap, the choices and combinations can help you customize your space to suit your personal aesthetic.

For this project, Michael used WindsorONE pre-primed wood Nickel Gap Boards, capped with wainscoting cap WOWC006. Having the wainscoting boards run into an 5/4×8 S4SSE Trim Board, that added thickness at the bottom helps create a reveal at the base which is a nice added touch. The clean straight lines and bold solid green help break up the other textures and patterns in the space. With industry-leading 3 coats of acrylic latex primer, W1 boards reduce the amount of prep time needed saving you time & money. Sometimes the hardest part can just be choosing the right color!

Looking for Wainscoting Design Inspiration?

You’ll find a variety of wall paneling & wainscoting ideas in the WindsorONE Idea Gallery. Below a sampling of Shiplap & Nickel Gap walls available in 1×6 and 1×8 sizes. The wainscoting, can run floor to ceiling vertical & horizontal.

Vertical, Low Shiplap Wainscoting with S4SSE Trim Boards as cap and base.
Shiplap Nickel Gap wall with S4S Trim Board Corner detail
Black shiplap feature wall with TV hanging on it.

Not only Nickel Gap & Shiplap but Beadboard and V-Groove as well.

Material Choice, True Craftsmen Choose Wood

When considering adding wainscoting there are many different materials to choose from. Whether it is guests in your home, or customers in your restaurant you want to make sure the built environment is made from materials that are free of harsh chemicals and resins and have no harmful off-gassing. All WindsorONE products have a Gold Indoor Air Quality Rating making them a premiere choice for your living space. (WindsorONE Protected Boards also have the Gold Indoor Air Quality Rating; making them both durable for exterior use and a sound choice for interior applications as well). Not all wood choices are equal though; WindsorONE precision engineered wood trim boards are straight tight and true; providing quality and consistency making it the choice of true craftsmen.

Protection for Walls and Easy to Clean

Another practical benefit of wainscoting is its ability to protect your walls. Whether it’s a busy restaurant with furniture moving around or just the kids running around at home, walls are susceptible to scuffs and scratches. Wainscoting acts as a shield, covering the lower portion of your walls where damage is most likely to occur. Plus, unlike painted walls that can be a nightmare to keep spotless, wainscoting offers a surface that’s both durable and wipeable. This is especially handy in high-traffic areas like entryways or kitchens, where dirt and fingerprints are more prevalent.

To sum it up…

Incorporating wood wainscoting into your design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that your guests will love. So whether you’re gearing up for a major renovation or just a weekend DIY project, consider giving wood wainscoting a place in your design plan. Thank you Nathan Michael Designs for choosing WindsorONE! And if you love quality ingredients in your designs as much as you do in your pizza, don’t forget to stop by DeNucci’s for a bite.

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