EXPERT ADVICE
AS SEEN IN AMANDINE AND JULIEN’S HOME, THIS FEATURE ISN’T JUST FOR TRAD HOUSES – DESIGNER CÉLINE ERLAM HAS THE LOWDOWN
Indie & Co is a London-based interior design studio led by myself and Caroline Sacreste. Working in both residential and commercial design, we specialise in creating calm, natural and understated interiors. Below are some valuable tips for getting your panelling just right, whatever your style. When we design a home, particularly in England, one design element that’s often considered is panelling.
In Amandine and Julien’s house the architect designed the panelling – but often the interior designer will do this – and we’ve enhanced it by either painting it and/or adding wallpaper above it, but we’ve loved using panelling in many other projects, too.
CONSIDER THE ERA OF THE HOUSE
It doesn’t matter what period your property is, but it’s important to do your research to match the design of the panelling with the house’s age. This is always a key consideration for us, as we want to be as authentic and as sympathetic as possible to the original architecture of the building.
Panelling can also work in modern homes but I would keep it simple, starting with a traditional design and paring it back. As well as online, there are two books I recommend: How to Read Houses by Will Jones and The Interior Design Handbook by Frida Ramstedt.
USE EXISTING PANELLING
Use what’s already there and replicate it elsewhere – it can be a clever way to bring in harmony and continuity throughout, and connect different spaces. At the same time, there is no need to be a slave to it – just because you’ve decided to go for panelling in the hallway doesn’t mean you need to continue it in the living room if it doesn’t work with your scheme.
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION
Originally, the hallway and living room would probably have had a grander or more sophisticated style of panelling, which was a status thing; these were the rooms where guests were received, whereas a WC or bathroom might suit simpler and more modest styles, so were better suited to a tongue-and-groove design.
OPTING FOR WAINSCOTING
Wainscoting (panelling
