Don’t let it steal the show
No matter how beautiful and detailed your new paneling is, it should never be the focal point of the room, as Christian explains, ‘It’s important to remember that paneling is always an accent, a background layer. It’s not the star of the room, and it’s certainly not a place where you can call it a day once you’ve installed it. The room needs more than panelling, so whatever style you choose, remember it’s only the back-up dancers, not the headline act.’
Consider paneling your kitchen or bathroom
‘New paneling can work very well the kitchen And bathrooms in particular,’ says Max, explaining that it can be an effective way to ensure these spaces feel welcoming rather than shiny and new. It is also a practical choice, especially if you color Put it in a cleanable eggshell or gloss, or invest in special moisture-resistant panels for your bathroom.
‘I use it in the bathroom quite often,’ he says Anna Haynesspecial mention Tongue and groove. ‘Interlocking panels create a very stable surface on your bathroom wall so it is particularly strong. I also like it in the utility and boot room, as it provides a protective layer against scratches and scrapes in hard-working spaces.’
Do not overdo the tongue and groove
Although it can be a great option for kitchens and bathrooms, try not to stray away from tongue and groove. ‘It’s amazing, but god is it over’, says Brandon. ‘I have banned its use in our studio. However, the problem is that it is simple, cheap, durable and good looking, and there aren’t many options to offer. I like the more contemporary clean flat panels in the room, mainly because I like the look and color of the wood without the traditional feel.’
Christian agrees that ‘in a modern space, even the tongue and groove can feel a bit trad. Also, I think it’s overused. Not to offend, but it’s a lazy man’s paneling, and by that I mean people just slap it on any surface regardless of scale, volume or a huge number of other, easy-to-achieve options.’ Pandora Taylor Also caution against using it in the bathroom for fear of succumbing to trend fatigue. ‘It’s been used a lot over the last five years, and while it’s a great, affordable bathroom solution, I think its time has come.’
