When I broach the topic of paneled walls with my clients, not all of them are convinced at first. But for me, out of all the wall treatments I use to create stylish, unique interiors, wood paneling has to be one of my favorites. There’s a certain grandeur that is created by paneling a room in wood, and the end result always works perfectly with the French-inspired interiors, furniture and furnishings I love.

Interior Design by Amitha Verma

This bright and airy dining room, one of my recent projects, is a great example of how light painted wood paneling can add a sense of old-world elegance to a formal space. The natural shades of wood work well in more casual rooms like lounges and bedrooms, but I’m also intrigued by paint effects on paneling, like on this faux bois wall in a formal reception area.

(Source: Veranda, April 2011)

Many people shy away from using dark wood paneling because they worry that it will make their rooms look smaller. It’s true that dark colors absorb light, and so they tend to make a space look smaller. But with clever use of natural light, and by making use of a room’s generous proportions, it is possible to create a space that has dark paneling and yet does not feel closed-in or dark. Keep in mind, for larger rooms, you might want to make a room feel more cozy and welcoming. Using a rich, dark color, can give you that inviting ambiance.

In this home, I took advantage of the double-height ceiling and the masses of natural light that comes pouring in through those big windows. Using dark wood to panel at the ground floor level only, I retained a sense of openness and light and yet created a cosz, rich-looking space. Note how the floor and ceiling are both also dark wood, but the colors are not overpowering; and how the white stone fireplace really ‘pops’ against all that dark,…. the customer loved the end result!

Interior Design by Amitha Verma

Paneling is not just about looks – it can be useful too. Take a look at this stunning family kitchen/breakfast area – the majority of its cabinets and shelving units are concealed behind dark wood panels. As the room has generous French doors leading onto the garden, the light balances out the dark shades and keeps the room looking bright and spacious. With those leather chairs and the zinc-topped French table, the overall look is utterly glamorous and quite unlike the typical functional kitchen!

(Source: House Beautiful)

As well as dark wood, I also love to work with painted paneling, especially in shades of green and blue. These panels make an ideal backdrop for the beautiful fabrics and prints I like to work with, as well as the classic French furniture. See how the distressed antique wooden console table and the pure white dining set really stand out against the pretty blue walls below? Love!

(Source: Veranda, April 2011)