Wood on Walls - Design Trends for Today's Home

Written by: Michael Richardson - Marketing

When we feel it's time for an update in our homes we often think of installing new carpet, buying new furniture, putting up a fresh coat of paint, etc... But what if you really want to change the look and feel of your home beyond a splash of color on the walls? 

Let's be honest, sometimes a full-scale remodel doesn't fit the financial or time constraints for most of us. If we are looking for something beyond the quick aesthetic change, what are some options?

There are hundreds of websites, magazines, and TV shows that discuss design styles and trends for your home makeover. Sometime's it's hard to focus on one project or choose the perfect material for your room's face-lift. But no matter what room you want to work on or what project you have planned there always seems to be a use for natural wood. 

Wood has been a staple of the American home for generations. The use of wood in interior design has created some of the most time-lasting styles and trends we see today. Although there have been changes in its applications over the years, one of the trends that has stood the test of time is wood on walls.

I talked to some interior design professionals over the last couple weeks to get a feel for how wood is utilized for modern wall applications. They mentioned a variety of uses that are part of their design-work, but each of them emphasized one in particular: Wainscoting.

In its simplest form, wainscoting refers to material that covers the lower portion of a wall, leaving an exposed wall above.

Classic wainscoting with a narrow bead pattern 

For years, wainscoting has been popular in high-traffic areas such as hallways and entryways. Today, trends are showing additional areas for wainscoting such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and even as accents to kitchen islands and breakfast bars.

Beaded wainscoting adds a classic look to this kitchen/dining area

Most of the designers I talked to were quick to point out that most wainscoting jobs may look expensive and time consuming, yet they are actually quite inexpensive compared to most interior projects and are easy to conceptualize and complete. 

The use of wood on walls isn't restricted to wainscoting. A couple of the designers mentioned kitchens as a perfect place to add wood. They suggest installing a wood backsplash or wood accent to a kitchen wall as a unique way to reinvigorate an area of a home often thought to use only wood in the cabinetry. 

The designers are also using more wood on the walls of bathrooms to add more color, brightness and style to a room that's often overlooked beyond new tile and fixtures. 

We can all agree there are countless options for refreshing the look and feel of your home. But before you pick up that paint can, take a look at some of the unique designs that are out there today and remember, nothing provides that timeless beauty and warmth to your home quite like natural wood.

What are some design trends you are seeing with wood on walls? Share your thoughts and comments with us!