The use of wood panelling was extremely popular in the middle of the 20th century, but then it went out of style for several decades. If you wanted your home to look modern, the first thing that needed to be updated was the wood panelling that was on the walls. Wood grain patterns were deemed to be out of date, so modern, bright colours were used in their place.
However, you can once again find panelling made of wood. People are coming up with ingenious ways to use it in a wide range of contemporary styles. The updated and modern room benefits from the addition of wood panelling thanks to some sleek geometry, creative stylings, and light colours. Continue reading to learn about a variety of contemporary uses for wood panelling in your home.
Use wood panelling to create sleek lines
The ability of wood panelling to produce a sleek geometry is one of the many wonderful features of this material. You can achieve an appearance that is more lined and geometric if you cut the panelling into narrow strips first. This is one of the most important ways to use wood panelling in a modern setting because modern interiors are all about clean lines and angles.
Create segmented spaces
Using wood panelling for just a portion of the room is yet another method for incorporating modern wood panelling into a space. A small section of panelling in the centre of the room surrounded by white walls helps the room appear more contemporary.
The presence of a wood panelled area results in an abrupt change in texture, which adds visual interest. In addition, wood panelling can serve as a visual barrier for any seating area. Utilising wood panelling as a room divider is an efficient method for separating different areas in the open-concept areas that are characteristic of modern spaces.
Try a little rustic chic
Rustic chic is a trendy modern house style. This is where rustic design components meet more modern elements. Creating a rustic accent wall from reclaimed wood will add a focal point to any room and the natural, distressed texture of reclaimed wood panelling would complement any modern furniture design beautifully, creating a living space to be proud of. Contrasting old with new is a trick that interior designers have been using for years and can, if done properly, give any room a considerable wow factor.
You could try adding a large abstract print to your wood panelled wall or subtle lighting, it’s best to try a few different ideas until you find the right one for you; make up a board of colours and textures you like and go from there, and once you have found your own rustic chic style you can bring your room to life.
Go for three-dimensional geometry
Wood panelling is so versatile there’s another option you can try to update the idea of wood panelling, and that is to try for a more three-dimensional style.
This might sound tricky but this modern twist on wood panelling is really easy to accomplish, and the results are amazing.
All you have to do is merely elevate a few of the wood wall panels above the primary backdrop, creating a geometric, abstract funky style that fits well with modern styles and aesthetics, that tend to veer towards ingenious geometric shapes and 3-Dimensional features.
This idea is highly customisable, and you can certainly get your creative juices flowing – you could use narrow strips of wood panelling, or large squares or even mismatched square sizes so you can create your own mosaic masterpiece. Move over Picasso!
Use light colours and lots of windows
Stick to panelling that has lighter colours if you want to give a modern room a more contemporary feel. In general, lighter colours contribute to the impression that the room is larger.
Using wood panelling of a lighter colour and combining this with any natural light source will in fact help to create the illusion of a lighter and brighter space, and will not only thwart any claustrophobic feelings you may have because of the wood panelling, but will give you the feeling of space and freedom, which is what we all really want isn’t it?
Summary
The appearance of wood panelling does not have to be antiquated or as tacky as we all remember it from the 60’s and 70’s. With advances in technology and new styles and designs, wood panelling has come on leaps and bounds over the years and is an interior designers dream as it is so versatile.
Making a room feel more modern is pretty simple, and although you may not think that wood panelling is “modern”, it is being used more and more and it’s popularity is growing exponentially.
The bottom line is that the possibilities are endless and all it takes is your own vision and a little imagination.
