Rooms with painted paneling are not exactly the same as rooms with painted drywall. The grooves in the paneling add a texture that, although subtle, influences the general feel of the room. Usually this added texture makes the room feel more rustic or casual. Rather than fighting against the grain, there are benefits to incorporating the wall texture into your design plan so that your decor looks intentional rather than what you had to accept.
1 Paint the walls a soft, pastel color if the paint on your paneled walls looks tired or dirty. Often paneled walls need to be repainted more often than drywall because the texture and grooving will collect dust, turning a painted finish into a drab and dirty finish. Brushing frequently with a semi-stiff brush will help keep the dust down.
2 Consider one of the following styles as a natural fit with painted paneled walls: Country, Modern Country, Shabby Chic, Eclectic, Ranch, Beach, or Cottage. Look at examples of each of these styles to see how rustic or textural walls are incorporated into the look. The most contemporary of these is the Modern Country look, which incorporates furnishings with modern lines finished in a slightly rustic way.
3 Select your floor finishes as the next largest element in the room. When possible, use a hardwood floor. If you are installing the floor, look at darker finish colors and those with a hand-planed texture to bring a more modern flavor to the room.
4 Choose your couch and chairs separately so they don't match. Look for classic lines and select fabric that is textural and plain. To anchor your room, choose an area rug with a simple design that is more abstract than traditional. Look for tables that make a strong statement but have simple lines.
5 Select credenzas, bookcases, tables, desks and other furnishings using the same basic concept of simple, classic lines, casual but crisp finishes, added texture and a soft color palette. Once you have your walls, floors, main furnishings, and window treatments selected, look for lamps, art and accent pieces that will bring a pop of color to the room.
6 Choose larger pieces of art that are sculptural or strong in color. This will play off of and reduce the impact of the lines of the paneling; smaller pieces may look busy and overwhelmed by the lines. Add a few floating shelves if you have lots of photos and smaller art to display. Select lamps that are interesting in shape or finish and seem likely to be conversation starters.
7 Bring in a bright, modern accent color using a few pillows, a throw, and small decorator pieces. Spread these objects around the room to keep the eye moving. You can change out your accent color seasonally to make the room feel fresh. Add large vases of fresh flowers to add that living element.
