Wood paneling- it’s an interior design nightmare for many homeowners, instantly dating the decor and thwarting your interior design aspirations. If you have a wood paneled room that you can’t wait to remedy, just look to coastal interior design. Read on to see our favorite ideas for updating wood paneling in your home.

Paint it white

white paint on wood paneling

via Houzz

 

Wood paneling can make a space seem small, dark, and closed-in. Lightening the room with white paint will give it a bright new look that is sure to make it feel airy and spacious.

whitewashed wood interior design

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If you enjoy more rustic design, whitewash the paneling to evoke quaint beach cottage style. These whitewashed panels give a nice contrast with the warm, glossy wood floors, whereas if both the walls and floor were warm wood, it would start to feel like a box.

Pickled wood

pickled wood paneling for rustic coastal style

via Houzz

 

The silvery, weathered look of pickled wood paneling is another great option for rustic, coastal design. Weathered wood is a popular finish trend that has been gaining steam for quite a while now in the furniture design industry.

nautical home design with pickled wood paneling

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Pairing light, pickled wood paneling with crisp white trim, blue furnishings, and a striped rug evokes nautical style without veering into cheesy theme territory.

Gray painted paneling

gray painted wood paneling

via InteriorDesign5

 

Gray is one of the hottest color trends right now, so what better way to bring your 1970’s paneling up to date than with a coat of gray paint? A light to midtone gray provides the perfect backdrop for casual coastal style furnishings and accessories.

Moral of the story? Don’t let your home improvement challenges get you down! Even a 1970’s faux wood-paneled den can look chic with the help of a professional interior designer and a little creativity. To schedule an interior design consultation, contact MJN & Associates Interiors.