Wood paneling is making a comeback after a nearly three decade absence in most home interiors. But today’s wood walls are more subtle than those popular in the 1970s. Often painted, or used as an accent wall if not, wood paneling can make your space look up to date, rather than a 70s throwback. Our top three choices to add modern wood accents to your walls?

1. Reclaimed Wood

Whether tongue and groove or simply planked, reclaimed wood has become popular for use in accent walls. The variation in natural colors – or the addition of barn wood – gives these walls a warm, earthy appeal. Planking the wood – fixing pieces to the wall without any joinery between them – is an inexpensive alternative to other treatments. Some peel and stick options are now available, making installation extremely simple. Tongue and groove boards have a groove in the center of one short end and protruding tongue on the other. But you may pay a premium price for reclaimed wood milled as tongue and groove. Tongue and groove is easy to install, and allows for expansion and contraction of the wood surfaces, making it an ideal choice for kitchens or baths.

Photo: Groundswell Design

Photo: Woodland Cabinetry

2. Shiplap

Originally used for siding, shiplap is often inexpensive pine (or a similar wood) offered as a 1 X 6, 1 X 8, or 1 X 10. Upper and lower edges have a rabbet, allowing adjacent boards to overlap. This type of joint allows the wood to expand and contract, making this an excellent choice for a bath or kitchen. Painted shiplap is becoming increasingly popular in interiors, offering a clean and modern update to vertically run paneling.

Photo: Nina Liddle Design

Photo: Studio McGee

3. Sculptured Panels

The newest residential additions to wood walls are dimensional panels. Although these have been widely used in commercial applications, they are beginning to move into residential design. Usually offered in a 4′ X 8′ panel, these are not readily available to the public, so working with your designer or builder is key. Some manufacturers use green principles in design and manufacture and some panels may qualify for LEED credits. So the panels are not only beautiful, but earth friendly as well.

Photo: FPIntell

Photo: Soelbergi Industries

So if you’ve been considering some updates around your home or office, a wood wall will add texture and interest, without making anyone think 70s. For more great wood wall ideas be sure to visit our Pinterest board.

Burls, which typically form on the roots of trees due to insect infestation or mold, are rare and much prized. Although costly due to their rarity, pieces crafted from burls are often more expensive due to the difficulties of working with them as the grain is twisted and interlocked. Burls are characterized by the amount of figure (low to high) they bear and are most often turned into veneer for use in larger pieces. Smaller pieces – turnings and the like – may be crafted from solid hardwood. Although the look of a burl can be heavy, especially considering today’s relaxed styles, using a burl judiciously can add visual interest to a room or piece of furniture without being overwhelming. Some uses we favor are on humidors and conference tables, where a more masculine look may be desired, or using a lighter and less figured burl for cabinetry or as a live edge table. Some favorites of ours:

Amboyna

Carpathian elm

Mappa

Karelian Birch (Masur birch)

Olive Ash

Walnut

Photo: Grupo Alvic