12 Wood-Paneled Walls That Are Anything But Dated

Now that we're the proud owners of The Brady Bunch house, we've got the skinny on '70s style -- and we're happy to report that wood paneling is making a major comeback. See how some designers are bringing the wall treatment into the 21st century.

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September 18, 2018

By: Katie Friedman

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Photo By: Profusion Realty Inc., a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: JWT Associates

Photo By: Amy Bartlam

Photo By: Bethany Nauert

Photo By: Charles Davis Smith

Photo By: Macdonald Realty Ltd., a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Amy Bartlam

Photo By: Erin Williamson

Photo By: KuDa Photography

Photo By: Chad Mellon

Photo By: Rethink Design Studio

Photo By: Robert Peterson; Rustic White Photography

The Elevated Entryway

No longer confined to the basement, wood paneling is proving itself a worthy addition to entryways everywhere. We love how the designers used crisp white walls and a staircase with a glass railing to elevate the wood in this space, making it look more modern and less midcentury.

From: Profusion Realty

The Cozy Reading Corner

In smaller doses, wood paneling can be downright cozy. Designer Jeff Troyer thought so, too, which is why he brought stained beadboard into this reading nook. The wood treatment emphasizes the intimate nature the space, while the pillows and books make it kid-friendly. Troyer can attest to the fact that, "[It] has become a favorite spot for my clients' young children to hang out in."

From: Jeff Troyer Associates

The Bright Backdrop

Go ahead and marvel at the wood-paneled backdrop in this breakfast nook — we'll wait. By partnering the treatment with a modern material like white marble, designer Natalie Myers instantly took the wall from "fashion faux pas" to "pretty and polished."

From: Natalie Myers

The High-End Herringbone

Herringbone makes the wood paneling in this kitchen look pretty high-end. Designer Bryan Wark reveals that the wood also disguises the fridge and freezer, which helps achieve the airy aesthetic that his client wanted. "The hand-scraped wood definitely helps out with the organic vibe of the home," Wark explains.

From: Bryan Wark Designs, Inc.

The Defined Kitchen

Dated? No, this modern kitchen from Matt Fajkus is dashing thanks to its dark wood paneling. By defining the wide-open floor plan, the walls bring structure to the hub of the home.

From: Matt Fajkus Architecture

The Sleek & Segmented

With its broad panels and sleek, charcoal gray fireplace, this wood wall feels right at home in a modern dining room. Its clean lines complement the room's architecture while the grain provides warmth and texture.

From: Macdonald Realty Ltd.

The Scandinavian Spin

The '70s called and told us that they're obsessed with this Scandinavian spin on their favorite wall treatment. Designer Natalie Myers explains that she took cues from Nordic cabins because she and her team "[...] wanted to give the midcentury home a treehouse feel in a modern way." So they used red oak planks to lighten the look for today.

From: Natalie Myers

The Lively Living Room Wall

This living room wall transcends the times with the help of youthful color palette. Bright purple pillows and a red area rug energize the space and bring out the warm tones of the wood paneling. Designer Sarah Stacey also shares that, "The client loves midcentury design and the paneling just further expands on that style."

From: Sarah Stacey Interior Design

The Dramatic Focal Point

Dark wood paneling becomes a dramatic focal point in this living room. To ensure that it would complement, rather than compete with, all the contemporary furniture, designer Jordan Iverson outfitted the feature with a flatscreen TV and gas fireplace.

The Dark & Dressed-Up

Never understimate the power of a herringbone pattern! The dark wall in this space already looked dramatic, creating a cool contrast to the white walls, but the pattern on top takes it up a notch.

From: Lindye Galloway

The Tall & Tranquil

As it flows from the ceiling to the floor, the wood paneling pictured here evokes thoughts of a waterfall. In turn, it spruces up this stall shower and gives the master bathroom a tranquil, spa-inspired look.

From: Rethink Design Studio

The Punchy Palette

If you insist on painting your wood paneling, we have a suggestion: try out a bold color combination. The wood paneling in this powder room from HGTV Smart Home 2018 feels fresh and modern thanks to both a grid-like layout and a crisp black-and-white palette.

From: Tiffany Brooks