Do you ever look at your walls and suddenly get the urge to pick up a brush to upgrade them with a fresh coat of paint or go all-out on bold wallpaper? Well, me too! But I have something even more exciting that is guaranteed to liven up your walls and add a touch of total sophistication too – wall panelling.
Wall panelling can add another dimension to your kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, and set the tone for your overall aesthetic. Plus, decorating your walls with panels is a great way to hide those random imperfections or the holes your photo frames have left behind… So, here are my favourite ideas on how you can upgrade your kitchen, bedroom or bathroom with oh so elegant wall panelling.
Add the wow factor to your dining area with stand-out wall panels – the walls are your blank canvas so let your creativity flow and bring to life your desired style. Choose neutral shades of paint to let the panelling be the focal point. Dining wall paint in Old White, priced £41.95 per 2.5L; chalk paint in Athenian Black, priced £21.95 per L, both from Annie Sloan.
Create a traditional-inspired look in your kitchen or living area (or music nook) with timeless Shaker-style wall panelling. James Mayor have kits with everything you need to create a 2400mm run of panelling, from primer to skirting.
One prominent trend right now is mixing wood and marble in a kitchen scheme – very slick, if you ask me. What a better way to integrate this trend in your kitchen then through marble worktops and splashback and then add beadboard wall panelling, painted in a darker shade? Choose pendant lights in a similar shade as your panelling to tie the look together like the size 2 Walter pendant in Anthracite glass and brass, priced £459, from Original BTC.
Create a feature wall in your kitchen with flat wall panels and paint it in the same shade as your cupboards and doors for a polished look, similar to this kitchen design from Brayer Design.
In your bedroom
The board-and-batten method is perhaps one of the easiest ways to upgrade your walls with wood panelling. Mix and match your wall colours to add the wow factor in your bedroom. Find your perfect shade at Dulux. Hello two tone!
Slim, full-length beadboard panelling works just as well in bedrooms as it does in kitchens – just paint your wall panelling in a light, blush pink shade to create a sanctuary feeling like in this dreamy room. Add a bright pop of colour with the 45cm drum lampshade in fucshia dupion silk, £95, from Pooky.
If you have a small bedroom and are afraid of making it feel closed in, go with thinner panelling. The best way to ensure you choose the right panelling design for your room is to measure everything out and sketch it on paper. Comfort is key, so choose a cosy and stylish bed like the Bella double bed from sofa.com.
Tired of your headboard? Add raised wall panels for a statement look and choose calming shades to create a relaxing feeling. Regal Select Eggshell Classic Gray OC-23, Indian River 985, Regal Select Matte Simply White OC- 117,from Benjamin Moore.
Do you love the look of wall panelling? Recreate it through your built-in wardrobe doors. The Wentworth Bedroom Shaker Style Fitted Wardrobes, from £3,000, from Neville Johnson bespoke furniture.
Add a twist to your wall panelling and go for unique detailing at the corners. Brooklyn Cone Wall Light 7 Inch in Brass, £79, from Industville. Image: @lvhome_.
Who said wall panelling is just for grown-up spaces? Add character to your little one’s bedroom with this feature. Wood Mini+ Low Bunk Bed in All White, from £1,343, Nubie.
In your bathroom
A classic feature such as the Georgian wall panelling will never go out of style. Add a traditional feeling to your bathroom with a bespoke design from James Mayor.
Add a touch of glamour in your bathroom through Victorian wall panelling and enjoy a bath with a view – Vigore Bath, £2,799, form Clearwater.
Upgrade your bathroom’s design with wall panelling instead of tiles to add a touch of pared-back sophistication. Victorian 56cm Basin and Semi Pedestal £244 with Wall Hung Pan £259 and Arundel Bath £797, all from Burlington.
