Your cart is currently empty!
Transform Your Home with These Chic Wall Panelling Ideas
Published
Categories
Wall panelling has made its comeback in modern interior design. It was once primarily functional. Today’s wall panelling serves as a homeowner’s canvas to express their creativity.
It offers endless possibilities to personalise your living space. Let’s talk about some trends that many homes have seen and have been making waves on the Internet.
Classic Wall Panelling Styles with A Modern Twist
Board-and-Batten
Board-and-batten panelling has long been a favourite in traditional home design. Today, this classic style is getting a modern makeover. If you want to achieve a dramatic effect, extend board-and batten to full height. If you want a more modern touch, experiment with colour by painting the battens in a contrasting shade to the boards. This is a quick change from “rustic” to “chic”.
Want to take it to the next level? Try playing with asymmetrical patterns. Vary the width between battens, or mix materials (e.g., combine wood battens with textured wallpaper). Do these if you are the creative type of person.
Shiplap
Shiplap is characterised by horizontal boards featuring a slight overlap. It has been a staple of farmhouse-style interiors. This wall panel design is breaking free from its rustic roots. An urban update, you say? Why not install shiplap vertically? It’s perfect if you have a compact home.
To take it a step further, experiment with board width and don’t be afraid to play with colour, like painting shiplap in bold and unexpected hues.
A subtler approach is considering partial application. Shiplap can be used to achieve an accent wall or if you want to highlight architectural features in your home.
Wainscoting
Traditionally, wainscoting covers the lower third of walls with decorative panels. Designers today are reimagining this classic feature in exciting new ways.
-
-
-
- Extend wainscoting higher up the wall, sometimes even to the ceiling.
- A more modern approach is incorporating geometric patterns within the panels, like diamond or any hexagonal shape.
- Adventurous homeowners might even mix and match different wainscoting styles within the same room
- A minimalist aesthetic may enjoy sleek, flat panels more instead of ornate raised ones.
-
-
Geometric and 3D Wall Panelling Designs
Diamond-Shaped Raised Trim
This emerged as an attractive focal point in modern interiors. It involves creating a series of diamond patterns across the wall using trim or moulding and then painting the entire surface in a single colour.
Apply this in your living room by making a white diamond-patterned wall an elegant backdrop for minimalist furniture. Achieve the same pattern but in a deep and moody colour, and it will give a cosy, cocoon-like vibe in your bedroom.
Asymmetrical Patterns
Shortly, asymmetrical patterns were discussed above. But let’s discuss it in more detail here. These designs break away from the traditional grid-like layouts, instead featuring irregular shapes and sizes.
An asymmetrical design might combine triangles, trapezoids, and polygons in a seemingly random but planned arrangement. This style works well in modern homes, and can be a statement in entryways and living areas.
Fluted and Textured Panels
They provide a perfect blend of visual and tactile appeal. Fluted panels feature vertical groove which are effective in rooms with high ceilings. Textured panels might feature raised geometric patterns, waves, or abstract design (feels intriguing to the touch).
3D Wall Panels
3D wall panels are perhaps the most dramatic option in this category. These panels literally pop out from the wall. You can see shadows and depth that change throughout the day as natural light shifts.
For you to achieve a more subtle 3D effect, consider raised geometric patterns created with thin strips of wood or MDF. This is a great option for those who want to experiment with geometric designs but prefer a more understated look.
Colour Play in Wall Panelling Designs
Two-Tone Panelling
Two-tone panelling is one way of adding visual interest and depth to a room. It uses two different colours on the same panelled wall often with darker shades on the bottom and lighter hues on top.
For example, you might pair a deep navy blue on the lower third of a board-and-batten wall with a soft grey above.
Bold & Saturated Colours
If you are looking to make a bold statement, saturated colours are the way to go. Imagine a living room with emerald green shiplap or a home office featuring rich burgundy wainscoting. Balance bold colours with neutral finishings and decor.
Monochromatic Schemes
On the other end of the spectrum, monochromatic schemes have this subtle sophistication. Paint both the wall and the panelling in varying shades of the same colour and you achieve a serene & cohesive look highlighting the texture of the panelling without relying on stark colour contrasts.
A pale grey room with slightly darker grey panelling, for example, evokes a sense of calmness and maintains visual interest through the interplay of light and shadow on the panelled surface.
Mixed Materials and Texture
Combining Wood Panelling with Stone/Brick Accents
This is one way to introduce mixed materials into your home. Think of a living room with sleek and modern wood panelling that’s interrupted by a section of exposed brick. What a beautiful contrast to achieve using both smooth and rough textures.
In a modern home, there’s a sense of heritage and a modern edge.
Fabric Upholstered Panels
Fabric-upholstered panels are an exciting alternative to traditional wood or plaster. This technique involves covering wall panels with fabric. In a bedroom, achieve this look by putting velvet-upholstered panels. Your living room benefits from linen or silk coverings.
Fabric panels are versatile because they can be easily changed to update your room’s look or to align with seasonal decor.
Integrating Mirrors with Panelling
Want a creative or innovative way to play with materials and light? Integrate mirrors with panelling. This combo works great in dining rooms and entryways. A more subtle effect can be achieved if you use antiqued or smoked mirror panels.
Textured Wallpapers
These are also making their way into panelled designs. Apply textured wallpaper within panelled sections to create a layered look. Great examples are grasscloth wallpaper within shiplap frames or metallic, embossed paper in wainscoting panels.
Unique Applications
Ceiling Panelling
Want to add unexpected drama to a room? Ceiling panelling might be the answer. Extend wall panelling to the ceiling or create a separate panelled design overhead to give life to a plain room. A more modern approach? Consider geometric panels with an abstract pattern across the ceiling. Even the fifth wall gets a true focal point for itself.
Curved and Arched Panelling
This is another trend adding softness and sophistication to the interiors. It moves away from strictly linear designs and can be used to create gentle, wave-like patterns on walls or to accentuate arched doorways and windows. Do you want to apply this technique in your bedrooms, a curved panelled headboard brings you and your family comfort.
Accent Walls Doubling as Functional Elements
Accent walls that double as functional elements are a smart solution you wouldn’t want to miss. To do this, consider a panelled wall that incorporates hidden storage. Can be push-to-open cabinets seamlessly integrated into the design. If you have a home office, incorporate a fold-down desk or shelving units.
Practical Considerations
Here are some practical considerations if you want to embrace wall panelling for your home.
-
-
-
- Choose moisture-resistant materials such as PVC, MDF, or treated wood. The reason for this is to avoid warping or mould growth.
- You have more flexibility for living areas and bedrooms, and can choose based on style preferences.
- Wood panelling may expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity, so make sure to get it installed properly and acclimatise.
- Painted panels are generally easy to clean using a damp cloth while natural wood may require special care to maintain its appearance.
- Before finalising your choice, consider how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in upkeep.
- Don’t be tempted by DIY options. You should know that professional installation yields better results. With their involvement, you ensure proper alignment, secure attachment and effortless integration with existing features.
- Set a realistic budget and consider long-term value. Quality materials might cost more at first but they could offer better durability and aesthetics over time.
- In small rooms, use thinner panels or apply panelling to just one accent wall.
- Only choose a wall panel design that you’ll be happy with for years to come, one that complements the overall architecture of your home.
-
-
Conclusion
The best interior designer in Singapore is someone who can help you integrate modern wall panelling into your home. The ideas we’ve discussed only serve as a springboard for inspiration. Listen intently to the suggestions of your interior designer and see where both of you can meet halfway. Contact us to get started!
Refer here for our HDB flat renovation packages.