Modern rustic panelling ideas

Panelling is back! Placed vertically, horizontally, high or low, its all about experimentation with size, texture and colour.

Put wood to work in a utility room

Create a robust finish with paneling topped by a practical peg rail. ‘Painting Breakfast Room Green on both the wall and the floor gives a natural flow to the room,' says Charlotte Cosby, Head of Creative, Farrow & Ball. ‘Our Estate Eggshell and Floor Paint are designed to be hard-wearing so are ideal for use here.'

Use it to multi-task

Top narrow tongue and groove in a bedroom with a display shelf for pictures and accessories. Thick battens behind the paneling bring it forward far enough to give the shelf depth. The unplastered upper walls add to the rustic style. To copy the look on plastered walls, apply brick-effect wallpaper.

Introduce texture

More appealing than a plain white wall, these painted timber boards catch the light on their uneven surfaces, lending a subtle 3D effect. ‘Vertical panelling creates a lovely illusion of height.' Says Joanna Wood, Interior Designer, Joanna Trading. ‘It can be painted, left bare or stained and varnished. Consider lime washing for a beautiful coastal look.'

Add the charm of yesteryear

Evoke the feel of a country lodge by covering a sloping ceiling as well as the walls in textural wooden boards. The intensely deep maroon shade on the lower panelling helps to anchor the scheme and teams beautifully with the brick floor and hand-crafted bench. To top up the rustic potting-shed effect, put up nostalgic prints of plants and vegetables.

Seek out salvage

Sections of old painted planks and boards create a striking geometric pattern for a feature wall. These have been slotted together in a jigsaw of shapes and textures, but the effect works overall thanks to the limited colour palette. The white table and chairs and white side wall bring a contemporary note to the rustic design.

If you're inspired by these ideas, visit the Country Homes & Interiors homepage for more design secrets...