If you've ever had the pleasure of visiting a historic manor, you probably enjoyed the richness of wood panels in at least one of the rooms, likely the living or dining areas. Wood paneled walls have roots in the Tudor period, but to this day, they remain a brave yet impactful way to bring an 'old money' aesthetic to a home. Exhibit A: Jon Bon Jovi's living space.
We first covered Jon Bon Jovi's wood-paneled living room this time last year, and 12 months later, its benefits remain the same. This look has persisted for 500 years, after all. 'Wood introduces a sense of warmth and liveability, creating a space that feels both welcoming and rich in materiality,' comments Alana Marie, the founder of Alana Marie Interiors. 'Cedar paneling, in particular, can bring a cocooning quality to a room, especially when applied with clean, functional lines. Its texture lends a sturdy, grounded quality to the space.'
While revisiting Jon's space, however, we began to consider (for the first time) the practical elements of this technique. His space is perfectly balanced, bright, and airy, demonstrating how to do living room paneling the right way. Designers warn, however, that it's not simple to achieve the same result in every home.
'It’s important to be mindful of how much paneling is used. If overdone, or used in a space with limited natural light, it can make the room feel darker or more enclosed,' Alana warns.
'To balance the weight and depth of the material, pair it with organic finishes and an abundance of natural light to keep the space feeling bright yet cozy. We always recommend breaking up the paneling with pops of color, earthy textiles, and varied shapes in objects to keep the room feeling open and balanced.'
Whether you're working with wood panels or not, our pick of earthy textiles will look beautiful in your living room.
This decorative bowl looks like stone but is actually hard-carved wood – making it ideal and lightweight for homes with younger children. This neutral color scheme will fit in with just about any interior style or color scheme too.
No sofa is complete without a decorative cushion. The Oakley pillow is finished in olive green and cream, the perfect spring color combination and it's chicly frayed along the edges for a pop of texture.
Printed to look like needlepoint, this floral rug is bound to be a hit with cottagecore fans. It is both lightweight and low-profile making it easy to care for and is an eco-friendly upgrade.
Plus, Alana is not alone in her observations. Isfira Jensen. the CEO and principal designer at Jensen & Co. Interiors, emphasizes how wood panels have their benefits, but they do require planning (and expense) to achieve a look like Jon Bon Jovi's.
Wood paneling is one of the best ways to add character to a space. In living areas like the living room and dining room, they are a perfect way to add a timeless appeal and even value to your home. Other benefits include acoustic benefits, as wood naturally absorbs sound, and its ability to conceal imperfections like uneven surfaces on existing walls,' he says.
'The cons are typically the labor and materials costs involved. Solid hardwood panels are expensive, especially when custom-milled, and their installation requires precision fitting and skilled carpentry.'
Does Jon's living room inspire you, or would you prefer to avoid wood due to its sheer heaviness? This 'cooconing' look is timeless, but not for everyone. Let me know what you think in the comments below.
