Know your trends
“There’s a growing trend for moulded contemporary styles that go beyond what’s possible with MDF,” says Interior Stylist and Blogger, Luke Arthur Wells. “Brands like Orac Decor have 3D polymer panelling sheets that come in modern shapes, including fluted, ribbed and Art Deco-inspired designs for a tactile finish. Fluted and slatted panelling is especially hot this year; I actually created chunky fluted wall panelling using plastic gutters from a DIY store, fixed to a frame and then painted – it’s amazing what you can achieve when basic materials are applied creatively. If you’re looking to get ahead of the curve, I think we’ll also start to see a style of Shaker panelling made with skinnier, more spaced-out slats for a modern twist on this classic look.”
However, it’s not just about following trends, advises Jordan Russell from design consultancy, 2LG Studio. “Rather than focusing solely on popular styles, start with the period of your property and consider what might have been used originally. If you live in a Victorian or Georgian home, what profile is the wood moulding or panelling that would’ve been used? Similarly if you live in a 1930s home, what would’ve been there – perhaps a simpler Shaker style? You can always do a more contemporary take on the original look, but basing your decision on the age of your property gives you a starting point. When we stripped the sitting room in our Victorian home, the original plasterwork had all of the markings of where panels originally existed so we reinstated them. They work perfectly as a framing device for artwork, wall lights and mirrors.”
Add colour for effect
“There’s been a resurgence in incorporating striking wallpaper designs within or behind wall panels, such as bold botanical prints paired with colour-matched mouldings,” says Paula Taylor, Head Stylist and Trend Specialist at Graham & Brown. “If wallpaper feels too much, layering a palette of earthy tones is an on-trend way to add a sense of dimension. For an inviting, contemporary look, pale praline shades will reflect light in a bedroom or living space yet add warmth for the winter months.” Athina Bluff, CEO of interior design service, Topology Interiors, agrees. “A mix of off-whites and nudes is a popular choice right now; creating a Plastic Exterior Pvc Sheets that’s painted in a darker contrasting colour is a nice touch, or even colour drenching the entire room in the same shade.”.
“For us colour is always an opportunity to go wild in our own home; we have painted our walls and panelling in the same colour, but used matt emulsion for the walls and eggshell with a slight sheen for the panelling, which creates beautiful texture and changes throughout the day with the light in the room,” adds Jordan. “It’s quite retro but you could also pick out the mouldings in a contrasting shade. There was a phase in the 1990s where panelling, picture rails, architraves, skirting boards and dado rails would all be painted in a contrasting colour. I feel like this may be due a comeback.”
Post time: Feb-18-2023