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Modern wainscoting disproves the notion that it’s an outdated solution that can’t look good. This type of wall finish works well in interiors decorated in any style. See how to incorporate wainscoting into your interior design.
We remember it from the days of the Polish People’s Republic, when it dominated small apartments alongside lacquered wall units. Modern wainscoting, however, looks completely different and is now used in many interior designs. It can be a trendy finish that adds coziness to a room. See how you can make it your own and use it in your home!
Modern wood paneling—is it possible?
Wood paneling may be associated primarily with dark interiors straight out of the Polish People’s Republic era. It’s high time to change that! Modern wood paneling looks elegant and fits into any interior style. You just need to know how to use it properly.
When choosing modern wainscoting, avoid those outdated thin, yellowish planks with visible wood grain. Natural wood can be a great choice for your home, but that particular pattern will quickly overwhelm the entire interior.
Modern Wood Paneling in Interior Design
Modern wainscoting can work well in any interior, regardless of its style. This decorative cladding is a simple way to add character to any room. You can use it to draw the eye to a specific spot and divert attention from others. Wood paneling is making a comeback, but it no longer covers entire walls. So how should it be arranged? How does wood paneling work in different styles?
Rustic Style
The rustic style draws inspiration from traditional country homes and nature. It’s a great choice for those who value cozy, homey interiors above all else—interiors that exude a warm, family-oriented atmosphere. Wood paneling fits perfectly into the ambiance of a rustic home. You can use both classic English paneling and wall panels with a more modern look, such as simple white boards with an artificially weathered finish.
Where does the rustic style come from?
The history of the rustic style as an interior design trend dates back to the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and began with a garden chair made from a single plank. The chair, named the Adirondack (after the mountains of the same name), quickly gained popularity even outside the United States and epitomizes the idyllic charm typical of the rustic style.
Characteristics of the rustic style in interiors
This style can be recognized by the presence of nature in interiors:
- in the form of natural materials (e.g., wood and wool)
- in the form of fresh and dried flowers used as decorations.
Furniture in such a home should be simple, made of natural wood and wicker. It should evoke associations with the countryside. Light colors predominate in this style. There are also many ornaments and accessories that give the space a homely character.
Scandinavian Style
This style combines almost minimalist simplicity with homey warmth. It is characterized by light colors and natural wood (which also works great on walls). Scandinavian-style wainscoting can be installed in a herringbone pattern on a single wall or horizontally, resembling the beams in wooden fishermen’s cottages.
What makes the Scandinavian style stand out?
Scandinavian-style interiors have been extremely popular in Poland for years. This style originated in Northern Europe, where it emerged in the 1950s. It’s a design that combines simplicity, functionality, and inexpensive mass production. In practice, this translates to bright interiors filled with whites, beiges, and grays, as well as the natural tones of wood, accented with bold pops of color.
How to decorate interiors in this style?
When decorating your home in this style, choose simple, clean-lined furniture that’s not only stylish but also comfortable and functional. The focal point of the room could be, for example, an antique coffee table or shelf found at an auction. Interesting color accents include shades of ocean blue, yellow, and green.
Minimalist Style
In the minimalist style, wood paneling should be used very sparingly, as too much of it can easily overwhelm a room. However, wood paneling can be a beautiful decorative element. It’s enough to have it on just one wall, with the slats arranged parallel to the wall. This will add character to the room. It can also be a way to define a space, such as a dining area within an open-concept living room.
>>See also: French doors – wooden windows and doors in one
What are the principles of this style?
The minimalist style is based on the belief that less is more. Every element should be essential and functional. It works best for those with large living spaces, as it requires room to breathe. When decorating an apartment in a minimalist style, you want to create the impression of a clean and open interior.
What should you focus on, and what should you avoid in your design?
Volumes and geometric shapes (e.g., in accessories or furniture) are very important in this style. Every detail counts, so you can’t afford to have unnecessary knick-knacks. A variety of colors won’t work here either. Stick to a narrow palette of very subdued hues—white, gray, and beige. Plants can serve as color accents. And remember—it’s the final effect that counts, not the individual elements.
Modern Wood Paneling and the Barański Drzwi Product Line
In homes with old paneling, doors often “blended in” with the walls because they were covered with the same veneer. Today, such solutions are no longer used, and doors can serve as a beautiful decorative element in their own right. In Barański Drzwi’s product line, you’ll find many products from the Premium Interior Doors collection that will complement your interior design. This is true regardless of the style that inspired you when decorating your home. It’s worth exploring lines such as Barcelona, Lupo, and Sevilla to see which doors will best complement modern wainscoting.
As you can see, paneling doesn’t have to be boring or outdated if you use it the right way. Combined with products from Barański Drzwi’s Premium Interior line, it should look fantastic. Take advantage of our advice and decorate your interior in a stunning style using modern wainscoting.
