‘Dark interiors with deep colours, wall-to-wall carpet and wooden walls are indeed back in style,’ confirms Nicolas Bloch, who spots interior trends with his branding agency King George. ‘Houses are no longer cold showrooms, but cocoons that transport you to another world. Wooden walls can provide a warm contrast, especially in homes with large expanses of glass. During the day they bring in a lot of light, but in the evening they turn into dark, cold areas.’
Hilde Francq places the lambris revival in a broader trend, which she calls ‘pretty posh’. ‘We return to Italian elegance. We welcome style and refinement again, but also good manners and etiquette,” predicts the Antwerp trend watcher. You indeed spontaneously associate paneling with the stylish Milanese interiors of modern architects such as Piero Portaluppi: it is no coincidence that the source of inspiration for Vincent Van Duyen’s latest Molteni&C catalogue. Portaluppi’s Villa Necchi exudes the chic, roaring atmosphere of the Italian interwar period. But there’s more than Milan: Eltham Palace, just outside London, also has a luxurious interior with sophisticated paneling, designed as a backdrop for lavish parties. Or as a contrasting background for art objects. That’s what dark paneling does best: show off art or design. Just look at Maniera. The Brussels gallery presents contemporary design objects in a 1930s Brussels mansion full of dark wood. Bold, but pretty posh.
‘Paneling, a comeback? At Obumex we never stopped doing it,” laughs CEO Thomas Ostyn. ‘We currently notice a strong preference among architects for solid wood and deep mahogany colours. Minimalism is gradually disappearing. Classical architecture returns, but in a contemporary, refined way. To me, paneling is more of an architectural element than a decorative element. You can cover entire walls with it, in which doors or cupboard space are seamlessly integrated. Wainscoting blurs the transition between cabinet and wall,” he says. ‘I see it as a playing field for interior architects. You can incorporate beautiful details into paneling, for example in bronze. Or you can create a patchwork of veneers with different grain directions.’
Belgian (interior) architects are starting to experiment with paneling, even in unexpected places such as Knokke, where sand tones, light textured paints and mortex are still trending. Interior architect Merijn Degraeve combined brutal concrete beams with rosewood wall cladding in a Knokke doctor’s home: a touch of Brazilian modernism on the Belgian coast. The architectural firm Linsen Van Diest is currently delivering an apartment in Knokke with ceiling-high paneling in walnut and ceilings in black larch. “This means that the owners can also enjoy this cozy second home during the Belgian gray winter months,” says Steven Van Diest. ‘Paneling has a pronounced spatial effect. A vertical grain pattern makes a room appear visually higher. We like to use wood veneer with a subtle pattern, which immediately creates a warm atmosphere and a feeling of luxury.’
The latter is not necessary at all. You can also create perfect paneling with expressive types of wood or veneer. Interior architect Jean-Philippe Demeyer is currently working on an exuberant interior, using wall coverings in white ebony. The Italian veneer specialist Alpi is in great demand for so-called ‘Ettore Sottsass’ veneer with a highly contrasting grain structure. Sabine Marcelis recently covered her custom-made bed with it. The Amsterdam DAB Studio created an entire accent wall with it in a recent realization, the images of which went around the world.
Welcome to the Dark Side of Interior Design!
Well, folks, it seems the world of interiors has taken a page out of a gothic novel. Nicolas Bloch, that harbinger of trendiness from his branding agency King George, confirms something we’ve all been secretly wishing for: dark interiors are back in style! Gone are the days when our homes looked like sterile showrooms or sad, uninspired expressions of minimalism. Now, we can cocoon ourselves in swanky wooden walls that offer a comfy redoubt against the unforgiving world – or as he puts it, ‘cocoons that transport you to another world.’
A Renaissance in Elegance and Etiquette
Meanwhile, Hilde Francq cleverly coins the term ‘pretty posh.’ Sounds like the sort of thing you’d overhear at an overpriced art gallery while sipping a fancy drink and pretending to understand modern art. But let’s not dismiss her prediction too quickly – the revival of lambris isn’t just about flashy aesthetics; it’s about reinstating those good manners we all pretended to leave behind during the last rounds of 2020 existential crises. Yes, she’s proclaiming a return to Italian elegance like it’s the arrival of a long-lost friend. It’s a bit like saying, ‘Guess what? We can be stylish AND know the difference between a fork and a spoon!’ The chic interiors of Milanese architects like Piero Portaluppi are being held up as the temple of taste – which, darling, does sound terribly exciting, doesn’t it?
Oh Paneling, You Tease!
Maybe you don’t have the luxury of a Villa Necchi or a posh London pad, but fear not! Thomas Ostyn from Obumex can ease your fears by laughing off the notion of paneling being ‘out.’ He claims it’s more of an architectural renaissance, with deep mahogany colors reemerging like they were last seen at an exclusive soirée in the 1930s! We’re talking about wall coverings that can seamlessly blend into cupboard space – an architectural wizardry that should honestly be illegal. Isn’t wood just the friendliest of materials? It’s like that one reliable friend who brings over snacks that don’t break the bank – classy and comforting all at once.
The Glamour of the Unexpected
Hold on to your hard hats, though, because those Belgian architects have their sleeves rolled up and are experimenting with paneling in places you wouldn’t expect. Knokke, known for its beachfront glamour, is adding its own twist with rosewood cladding nestled next to brutal concrete beams. Yes, you heard me right – it’s the architectural equivalent of peanut butter and jelly… if peanut butter were fantastically rich and jelly was just a hint of insane genius. Isn’t it refreshing to know the Belgian gray winters can now feel like a warm embrace instead of an icy prod at your sanity?
Push the Boundaries
And now, let’s get really daring. Interior architect Jean-Philippe Demeyer is tossing caution to the wind and covering beds in white ebony! Yes, that’s right. White ebony – the sacred wood of indulgence! Meanwhile, the Italian veneer specialists at Alpi are rising to fame with their ‘Ettore Sottsass’ veneer, kicking its heels and daring everyone to notice its contrasting grain structure. It’s utterly flamboyant. Even the Amsterdam DAB Studio joined in on the fun, creating accent walls that have gone viral faster than a cat meme on social media.
Conclusion: Get Ready to Go Dark!
So, dear reader, whether you’re looking to transform your home into an Italian villa or just cozy up with some ambitious paneling, it’s clear that dark interiors and wood paneling are back with a vengeance! Forget the endless expanse of white walls; it’s time to embrace the cavernous depths of color and character. Now, if only someone could find a way to make that feel just as luxurious as it sounds. Until then, cheers to a chic and ‘pretty posh’ interior revolution!
‘Dark interiors adorned with rich, deep colors, wall-to-wall carpeting, and luxurious wooden wall finishes are undeniably making a grand comeback,’ asserts Nicolas Bloch, a keen observer of interior design trends through his branding agency, King George. ‘Today, homes are transforming from cold, lifeless showrooms into inviting cocoons that whisk you away to another realm. In spaces featuring vast expanses of glass, wooden walls offer a warm, comforting contrast. While these surfaces flood the area with light during the day, as dusk falls, they morph into darker, cooler spaces that evoke a sense of sophistication and mystery,’ he explains.
Hilde Francq connects the lambris revival to a broader aesthetic trend she dubs ‘pretty posh.’ ‘We are witnessing a return to the elegance of Italian design. There’s a renewed appreciation for style and refinement, as well as decorum and etiquette,’ she forecasts, highlighting a shift in design sensibility. One cannot help but conjure images of the refined paneling characteristic of the stylish Milanese interiors crafted by modern architects like Piero Portaluppi; indeed, it’s no coincidence that his illustrious designs serve as the creative inspiration behind Vincent Van Duyen’s latest Molteni&C catalogue. The grandeur of Portaluppi’s Villa Necchi, with its chic ambiance reminiscent of the Italian interwar milieu, encapsulates this aesthetic. Yet, Milan isn’t the sole reference point; Eltham Palace, situated just outside London, showcases luxurious interiors adorned with sophisticated paneling, thoughtfully designed to provide a stunning backdrop for lavish parties and to accentuate art objects. This is precisely what dark paneling excels at—acting as a canvas for showcasing art or design pieces. A prime example can be found at Maniera, a Brussels gallery that elegantly displays contemporary design objects within a 1930s mansion featuring rich dark wood details. Bold, yet undeniably posh.
‘Paneling making a comeback? At Obumex, we never truly abandoned it,’ chuckles CEO Thomas Ostyn. ‘We’re currently witnessing a significant surge in demand among architects for solid woods and deep mahogany hues. The era of minimalism is slowly fading away, making way for the resurgence of classical architecture, albeit interpreted in a contemporary and refined manner. To me, paneling serves more as an architectural component than merely a decorative one. Entire walls can be adorned with it, seamlessly blending in doors or storage areas. Wainscoting effectively erases the boundary between cabinet and wall,’ he elaborates. ‘I view it as a canvas for interior architects to explore. One can incorporate exquisite details into paneling, perhaps with bronze accents, or create a patchwork of veneers that play with various grain directions.’
Belgian interior architects are beginning to push the boundaries with paneling, even in unconventional locales like Knokke, where sand tones, light textured paints, and mortex still reign supreme. Interior architect Merijn Degraeve artfully melded brutal concrete beams with luxurious rosewood wall cladding in a doctor’s residence in Knokke, infusing the coastal property with a hint of Brazilian modernism. The architectural firm Linsen Van Diest is finalizing a stunning apartment in Knokke, featuring ceiling-high walnut paneling and ceilings accented in striking black larch. “This design ensures that the homeowners can revel in this cozy second abode even during the dreary, gray winter months that Belgium is known for,” remarks Steven Van Diest. ‘Paneling exudes a pronounced spatial influence. A vertical grain structure can visually elevate a room’s appearance. We prefer to utilize wood veneer with subtle patterns, which instantly imparts a warm ambiance and a sense of opulence.’
The creation of perfect paneling isn’t just about the subtle; it can also embrace expressiveness through bold types of wood or veneer. Interior architect Jean-Philippe Demeyer is currently engaged in crafting an exuberant interior, experimenting with striking wall coverings made from white ebony. The Italian veneer specialist Alpi has garnered immense popularity for their sought-after ‘Ettore Sottsass’ veneer, renowned for its dramatically contrasting grain structure. Sabine Marcelis recently adorned her bespoke bed with this captivating material. Meanwhile, the Amsterdam-based DAB Studio showcased their creative prowess by fostering an entire accent wall using this veneer in a recent project, the images of which have captured global attention.
How can unexpected combinations of materials enhance the aesthetic appeal of luxurious spaces?
>While the trend of light, minimalist interiors has dominated for years, we’re witnessing a revival of darker, more luxurious spaces that speak to comfort and sophistication. Architects and designers are skillfully integrating rich materials like wall paneling into modern interiors, asserting that these elements are not just decorative, but serve a functional purpose that enhances the architectural identity of a space.
In recent projects, such as those in Knokke—a coastal city in Belgium known for its opulent beachside residences—designers are embracing unexpected combinations: think brutalist concrete juxtaposed with warm rosewood cladding. This innovative approach demonstrates that paneling can be both a bold statement and a welcoming embrace, perfect for enjoying winter months in the typically gray Belgian climate.
The use of high-quality woods and exotic veneers is experiencing a renaissance, and designers like Jean-Philippe Demeyer are further pushing the envelope with things like white ebony wall coverings that add flair and sophistication. Not to mention, Alpi’s well-regarded ‘Ettore Sottsass’ veneer showcases dynamic grain structures that serve as eye-catching focal points.
As we explore these contemporary interpretations rooted in timeless elegance and functionality, it’s clear that the once-neglected art of paneling is not just back—it’s evolved into a pivotal element of design. Embracing this trend invites warmth, character, and a sense of style into our homes, transforming them from mundane living spaces into luxurious retreats.
So, as you contemplate your next home renovation or decor update, consider the power of dark interiors and custom paneling. With a nod to elegance and a wink at artistic audacity, it’s time to unleash your creativity and transform your spaces into something that not only reflects your taste but also envelops you in a cozy, stylish cocoon. Cheers to this exciting interior design renaissance!