Nothing conjures up images of dim rooms with orange, shag carpet and floral curtains quite like someone mentioning wood paneling. The cheap, easy-to-install wall surface was popular throughout the '50s, '60s, and '70s. Eventually becoming too commonplace and generic, wood paneling fell out of style. Like any trend, everyone wanted to have it until everyone had it and moved on to the next fad.
However, I believe there is a long future ahead for wood paneling. As more modern styles incorporate industrial themes juxtaposed with rustic-chic accents, I believe that wood paneling is going to make a huge come-back. There is always a push to be right at the edge of fashion and home décor; the edge being the ugliest possible option that could still be considered attractive. Then, as that option becomes normalized, the limits are expanded. Many of the controversial design staples of past decades have returned with modernized twists (think wallpaper). A quick search online for wood paneling yields an unbelievable variety of choices ranging from classic panels to trendy wood mosaics that barely resemble their predecessors. It is clear when watching any home improvement show that the current modern styles are a mixture of futuristic metals and homey wooden accents. The designers on these shows will use a lot of terms to disguise what they are really putting on the walls to give them that signature “modern, ranch style.” but in the final reveals of the renovation, it is easy to miss the wood paneling behind layers of paint, patterns, and propaganda.
Though it will be disguised as something modern, innovative, and completely original, it is high-time to accept the inevitable; wood paneling is creeping back into our lives.
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