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Dado rails - keep or lose it?

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

We moved into our home last year. After having lived in it for a while to get a feel for how we use itIi'm now ready to start painting and updating fittings.

Its a modern build house in a Victorian style. High ceilings and period features. However, I can't decide whether to keep the dado rails or lose them altogether. I like uncluttered lines and wondered what people thought? Are dado rails still 'in fashion' in a Victorian styled home?

Thanks everyone!

Featured Answer

georgi02

8 years ago

Your home is absolutely gorgeous! Keep the dado rails as part of the style of the house - it looks especially brilliant on the stairs.

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Comments (20)

Tribbletrouble44152k7 Trek
8 years ago
Keep it.
Julie Burke thanked Tribbletrouble44152k7 Trek
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hails_b_86
8 years ago
I love it and helps with marks, you can just paint one bit not that whole wall :)
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Detail 9 Architects Pty Ltd
8 years ago
I think it depends a little on how contemporary your updates to fittings and new colour scheme is. Given that it is actually a modern build, I think the rules go out the window to some degree - although if you are keeping the balustrade on the staircase - I think the dado should stay in this location - as it really finishes the staircase beautifully. So, long story short, if you are just freshening up, but keeping the semi-period look (especially with your furnishings), then keep the dado. If you're adding a more modern look with your updates, and have fairly modern furniture - then ditch them ! Good luck - your home is a real show stopper either way :)
junipergirl
8 years ago
Personally I think it looks lovely and adds character but as above poster mentions it really is up to how contemporary you want to be. I do think for this house they need to stay as it is an integral part of the look. If it were a less modern house done in Victorian style then I would definitely change them out and change out lights etc. however I think you will change the look too dramatically if you take them away.Sense of balance with the staircase, the arches with the decorative bits on the tops, the ceiling roses, etc, would be lost if you took them away. As a resale value you lose the charm with them gone. It's up to YOU of course at the end of the day! Just my opinion! Gorgeous house though!
PRO
Quattro Architecture
8 years ago
Keep them! They add a great finish to the space and help to contain the staircase - without them, the stairs would swallow up your wall! These are the elements that make your home unique.

Good luck with your updates - you have a gorgeous home :)
Tribbletrouble44152k7 Trek
8 years ago
Quattro, I know, the stairs swallowing the wall just gets you nowhere!
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MB Design & Drafting
8 years ago
I would keep as is and just repaint. The fit out looks great, although I'm not a fan of the flooring.

I would employ the services of an interior designer to work with you choosing colours, flooring, etc..
scottevie
8 years ago
Keep them
KK1000
8 years ago
Keep it , you can make it more modern with the paint. You can paint bottom part black and white or gray on the wall or any colour combination you like, have a look on Houzz there is some very modern examples.
Adela Sivewright
8 years ago
Hello, I think it's the yellow wall colour, not the dado rail, causing the problem here. Once the wall is painted white, the panelling will be part of the architecture, adding to a modern as well as a traditional scheme. See Domayneonline's latest catalogue and also Greg Natale, who uses panelling and moulding to great effect.
how2girl
8 years ago
The dado rails are in keeping with the rest of the Victorian features in house (what we can see from the images), so I would say keep them. You can contemporise the look through paint & decor.
PRO
V Richards
8 years ago
Keep the dado rail near the staircase as it looks quite stylish and balanced.

However - as for the dado rails to the rest of the house?

It's a case of "dado overload"!

Get rid of them - and create a fresh and modern feel to your home.

All these horizontal dado lines are very distracting ...

They cut the wall in half ...

The sense of height is lost ...

There is more versatility in arranging the layout of rooms without dado rails.

Furniture, picture frames, curtains, lighting, plants etc etc. should be the wow factors in any room.

It'll be a big job to remove them ... but you'll be glad they're gone. Good luck!

..
PRO
Tableau Interior Design
8 years ago
I believe they complement the style of the house however if you want a more uncluttered look I would look at painting the walls a more neutral colour to blend with the rails and timber panelling. The two things that I would look at replacing would be the carpet and the light fittings. Good luck :)
Renee Werner
8 years ago
I am in the process of adding them to my new build, so keep!
cloudpants
8 years ago
Keep! Repaint though.
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MUSE modern interiors
8 years ago
Your home is lovely, my thoughts are if you are hesitating about the dado rails, maybe consider turning them into an elegant and timeless feature, by converting them to wainscoting? (I sense from your question that you are not a devotee of the Victorian style :-) I also agree with what the others have mentioned about changing the colours to something more neatural like a shade of grey that you like or a dusty blue, and leaving the lower half white. For a more updated look, you could look at updating the pendant lights to something a little more classic, (to your taste of course) and if budget permits, changing to carpets to perhaps a hardwood floor. All the best, I hope this helped. Ive attached a picture and link to an example.
http://www.charmingzebra.com/2011/07/wainscoting-success-sort-of.html
PRO
Vanessa Wood Interiors
8 years ago
WITHOUT DOUBT keep them. The house needs that detail and as pointed out previously there are a number of ways of adding your personal style with extra panelling, vj boards, paint colour etc. You will probably find the house lacking character and detail without them. Please don't take them down.
KK1000
8 years ago
I would spend money on colour consultant or interior decorator and keep it, the house would be boring without it.
dreamhomechicc
7 years ago
I know this post it old but just wanted to say how beautiful your home is!

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