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Inspired, personalized, creative interior design by Carla Aston
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 Image via:  Elle Decor

Image via: Elle Decor

When You Shouldn't Paint The Wood Paneling

March 22, 2013 in Color

I’m not much of a live-by-a-set-of-rules kind of designer. 

Because, inevitably, the minute I pronounce a rule about design to a client --  a rule I believe at that moment is true for every situation, one to live by, design by -- I have a situation that proves me wrong. 

And that’s the way real design is.

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There are so many varied situations, likes and dislikes, rights and wrongs for each particular project, that you can easily paint yourself into a corner by setting hard and fast rules about too many things. It’s really a sign of not knowing what to do, having your set of rules with you at all times to apply to everything. It’s kind of cookie-cutter. Kind of uncreative. Kind of predictable. Kind of just-like-your-neighbor. Kind of one-size-fits-all. Kind of everything-looking-the-same.

And where's the fun in that?

Running around with all these rules and typical scenarios in your pocket where all the stars have to be aligned just right for things to be done “properly, ” and everything has to conform is just not real life. Or real houses. Or real people. 

Or real design.

Most of the time there are far too many variables for a big, long list of rules to work.

It’s okay to have a few. Like my rule about fake greenery above the kitchen cabinets or my rule about side backsplashes or my rule about flooring in open plan houses. I’m pretty live-or-die about those. 

But, for the most part, I try to have an open mind and take into consideration the likes and dislikes of my clients, the condition and quality of their existing materials and furnishings, and the desired outcome for the space. Then, and only then, can you make considerate, deliberate, creative choices that are tailor made for your situation.

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One current trend that has everyone whipping out their paintbrushes is painted wood paneling. 

I know. I get it. Most times, you’re right. 

That glossy, polyurethaned, heavily-grained, medium-colored oak paneling that went into houses some 15-25 years ago, everywhere, has us all ready for a change. You know, back when having a paneled “den” was popular. I’m right there with you on that one. 

However, there are times when the warmth and richness of quality, distinctive wood paneling is entirely appropriate and exquisitely beautiful. 

So, the rules about painting the wood paneling in those situations are no good,  and should not be heeded. 

That is unless you’re just tired of it. And, in that case, perhaps you should just move :-)

◆

Let’s see some examples of gorgeous wood paneling that bring character and life and richness to their interiors. It would be such a shame if these were painted, no matter what the trend.


Gallery

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Transient
 Image via:  Veranda

Image via: Veranda

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 Image via:  Elle Decor

Image via: Elle Decor

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 Image via:  House Beautiful

Image via: House Beautiful

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  Image via:   House Beautiful

Image via: House Beautiful

  Image via:   House Beautiful

Image via: House Beautiful

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  Image via:   House Beautiful

Image via: House Beautiful

  Image via:   Veranda

Image via: Veranda

  Image via:   Veranda

Image via: Veranda

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  Image via:   Elle Decor

Image via: Elle Decor

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  Image via:   House Beautiful

Image via: House Beautiful

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Tags: wood, Carla Aston, interior design, interior designer, wood paneling, design rule, paint, painting, den, trend, trends, rules, rules are made to be broken, We Love Wood Week, 03.23.13 DESIGN REFRESH
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CARLA ASTON
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Disclaimer / Comment Policy:

The advice and comments I offer here on the blog and in the comments section are free and are done for sharing and discussion. I am in no way taking responsibility for your decisions on your projects, I am simply offering up some advice from my distant and limited view of your situation in question. I try to answer as time permits but cannot get to all of them. If you want to hire me personally, there are ways to do that by clicking on my Services page.

Please note that if you load images in the comments section you are then giving your permission for me to use the image in a future blogpost, without reference to you, the owner of the photo. All comments are public and therefore can be republished.

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