Ideas to Elevate Wood Paneling Above the 1970s Basement

Each week, Mansion Global tackles a topic with an elite group of designers from around the world who work on luxury properties. This week, we explore how to incorporate wood paneling in a modern way.

For many, “wood paneling” immediately conjures visions of 1970s basements, but the material can, in fact, look modern and sophisticated.

“Wood paneling can have a transformative effect on a room,” said Ginger Curtis, founder and CEO of Urbanology Designs in North Richland Hills, Texas. “It adds warmth, texture and a sense of character. When done right it can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere,” she said.

To keep your wood-clad walls filled with warmth not kitsch, follow these tips from the design pros.

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Make It Modern

“Opt for contemporary paneling styles like clapboard or flat panel designs instead of the heavy, ornate styles from the 1970s. Other contemporary options include tongue and groove, beadboard and nickel gap, which is similar to shiplap but with a narrower gap between the boards, often about the width of a nickel, hence the name.

“Choosing the right wood color/tone for stain-grade paneling is essential. Anything that pulls a lot of yellow, orange or reddish-orange can instantly make a space feel dated.

“The size of the panels can significantly impact the overall feel of the room. Larger panels can make a room feel more open and contemporary, while smaller panels may create a cozier, more traditional ambiance.

“Whether to panel all walls and the ceiling the same way depends on the room’s size and function. In smaller spaces, such as bathrooms or powder rooms, full paneling can work well. In larger rooms, it can really add a wow moment architecturally but be sure to nail your color choice and paneling size to avoid overwhelming the space.

“The type of wood you choose can impact the overall aesthetic and durability. Lighter woods like pine or oak are more versatile and can be stained or painted easily. Exotic or darker woods can be used as accent features but should be balanced with other design elements to avoid a dated look.”

—Ginger Curtis, founder and CEO of Urbanology Designs in North Richland Hills, Texas

Accent Areas

“Use a wood that complements the home. iIf the home has a more classic aesthetic with darker tones, consider mahogany instead of using a lighter oak, which has a more contemporary feel.

“Accentuating special moments with wood can transform the atmosphere of a room. It can make it feel warmer and more welcoming at times which is very appealing for intimate gatherings. For a project at 145 Central Park North, every apartment looks directly onto the park. The kitchen, living and dining rooms all feature white oak floors that stretch wide across a large expanse of glass with multiple windows. Instead of painting the aluminum frames of the curtain wall, we wrapped them in the same white oak paneling covering the floors. This frames the park’s foliage with natural, warm wood, creating a more intimate connection.

“It’s important to keep panels to scale in the room, so they blend in seamlessly with the space. And while it’s a personal preference, sometimes paneling all walls the same way can be overwhelming. It works in smaller spaces.”

—Thomas Gluck, principal, GLUCK+ in New York

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Set a Unique Scale

“A wood-paneled room conjures a library-like feel of quiet and warmth. I love wood panels as a backdrop and a foil for tactile materials like upholstery and drapery.

“Play with the scale of boards or beads to create modern textures and relief. A traditional 1.5-inch bead board is always a classic way to go, but for fun, run the board horizontally or switch to a ¾-inch concave fluted board to keep things more interesting. Alternate or break up the rhythm of tongue-and-groove wood panels with fabric, a wallcovering or metal plates to create interest.

“The panels are just a material or tool like any finishing material. It’s there to be experimented with. A stained wood panel can be a great way to bring a rich natural quality to the space; painting it a color can feel fun and contemporary.

“Consider texture. Oak panels create a wood grain texture, while maple is smoother and better to be painted on.”

—Brooklyn-based designer Laura Kirar

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Consider the Overall Aesthetic

“To maintain a timeless look, choose contemporary finishes characterized by sleek lines and understated patterns. Opt for lighter wood tones over darker ones and softer open-grain textures over heavy wire-brushed textures to maintain a timeless aesthetic.

“Coating wood panels with paint can significantly transform a room. Employing lighter paint tones introduces luminosity and an illusion of expanded space, whereas darker shades cultivate a sense of intimacy. Painted panels provide a canvas for incorporating preferred color palettes that harmonize with the surrounding décor.

“Choosing the right wood for paneling is a critical decision that has profound effects on the room’s visual appeal and longevity. When considering durability, especially in areas with a lot of foot traffic, hardwoods such as oak, maple, cherry or walnut are good choices thanks to their sturdiness and resistance to wear. Each type of wood presents its unique grain pattern and texture, so selection should align with the desired aesthetic.

“Mixing textures such as stone, glass, metal or textiles with wood introduces a play of contrasts and adds depth to the space. This approach can break up and enrich the appearance of continuous wood paneling and create focal points.”

—Giancarlo Pietri, principal at Urban Robot Associates in Miami Beach, Florida

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