ON THE PANEL
From classic to contemporary, pick from a variety of designs for cladding your walls.
Panelling brings warmth and interest to a room. From traditional cladding and decorative mouldings to innovative designs using fabric, the following ideas show how to use it in your home
CAPE COD COOL
Weathertight shiplap has long been popular in areas with harsh climates – particularly the north-east coast of the States – but used inside it creates a light, informal space resonate of beaches and summer sun, as demonstrated in this scheme by Stephen Graver, stephengraver.com.
FALSE PRETENCES
Instead of the real thing, opt for a wallpaper such as this design by Andrew Martin,
andrewmartin.co.uk. The intricate grain details and clever use of shading create an authentic wood panelling look ideal for a more contemporary setting.
Dado-height wall panelling adds the illusion of width to a narrow hallway, as well as protecting the lower part of the wall from wear and tear.
SHERRY WALES, creative director, James Mayor, jamesmayor.co.uk.
SCREEN TIME
Without a focal point, such as a fireplace, modern rooms can lack character. One way to address this is by creating a feature wall of decorative panelling. Setting it in a wooden frame elevates the panels into artwork and the wood theme continues here in the choice of furniture.
SLEEP SANCTUARY
Add an extra dimension of softness and luxury to a bedroom by having a three-quarter height wall of fabric-backed panels behind the headboard, as shown in this scheme by Helen Green Design, helengreendesign.com. An additional bonus is the sound insulation it offers from the world outside.
SLIDING DOORS
Oversized panelled doors that can be pulled shut are used in this elegant scheme in lieu of curtains, blinds or shutters. Designer Charlotte Crosland, charlottecrosland.com, balances them by giving the rest of the room a more contemporary feel using strong colours and modern artwork.
ON THE GRID
Including panelling in a symmetrical room like this serves to accentuate the sense of balance achieved by the choice of furniture – in this case the linear designs of the headboard and bedside cabinets. ‘The grid structure is also a very successful feature across a large expanse of wall,’ says designer Sophie Elborne of Kitesgrove, kitesgrove.com.
CRAFT WORK
The Arts and Crafts movement ushered in a trend for full-height oak panelling, beautifully illustrated here in an example restored by interior designer Ben Pentreath, benpentreath.com. A modern canvas and sideboard accentuate the shapes behind.
IN THE GROOVE
Cladded walls help to create warm and intimate settings for family rooms. This design by architecture studio MWAI, mwai.co.uk, is a modern take on the match board panelling found below stairs in Georgian homes.