• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

TerraMai

Contact Us
800.220.9062
  • Acoustic Panels
  • Modular Panels
  • Open Panels
  • Paneling
  • Flooring
  • Decking
  • Siding
  • Tabletops

Design Trends

Check out how rustic wood paneling for walls brings a modern flair to these 12 trendy spaces.

Exposed brick and rustic wood paneling in restuarant

Sometimes, contemporary design can suffer from appearing cold and clinical. If you’ve ever visited an intensely minimalist place, it may have rubbed you the wrong way, and that’s something psychologists are studying. But this problem is easily solved by adding some vibrancy, and one great way to add vibrancy to a space is to use rustic wood paneling for walls. Here are 12 remarkable examples of rustic wood paneling in use.

1. Rustic wood paneling brings complementary warmth to this pizza restaurant.

Rustic wood paneling adds warmth in pizza restaurant

When you think about pizza, you probably think of warmth, whether that’s the warmth of the pizza itself or even the colors. The pizza restaurant pictured above has done a great job of imbuing that warmth into the atmosphere, using rustic wood paneling around the pizza ovens. The darker paneling also complements the lighter wooden tabletops and the exposed lighting for a rural yet modern setting. While the rustic wood paneling is a focal point, it isn’t distracting. Instead, it balances the space by offering contrast and color.

2. Exposed brick and rustic wood paneling provide a one-two visual punch to this restaurant.

Exposed brick and rustic wood paneling in restuarant
A combination of exposed brick and rustic wood paneling

While exposed brick has surged in popularity recently, it’s a timeless style that’s been around for ages. Sometimes, exposed brickwork can make a space feel more like a warehouse, which isn’t always desirable. Here’s one solution to that problem. This restaurant pairs brick and rustic wood paneling to create a brilliant form of contrast that keeps the space cozy.

3. In this store, rustic wood paneling serves the space.

Rustic wood paneling gives this store an outdoorsy feel
Rustic wood paneling gives this store an outdoorsy feel

Rustic wood paneling is great, but it can tend to dominate a space if there’s a lot of it. This store uses rustic wood to frame the store and create a noticeable entrance to another part of the building. The “Fit Studio” sign integrated into the wood is a nice eye-catching touch.

4. This coffee shop strikes a balance of rustic and contemporary design.

Coffee shop with rustic wood paneling
This bakery/coffee shop from British Columbia is resplendent with rustic wood paneling

You’ve probably seen a thousand coffee shops that look something like this and for good reason––this industrial look makes for a great design. But what makes it so great? It’s all in the way the reclaimed, naturally distressed wood and the bright ambiance go hand in hand. The various shades of the rustic wood add even more visual interest.

5. This restaurant’s rustic wood paneling is simple and trendy.

Rustic wood complementing refined tile
Rustic wood complementing refined tile

Here’s a great example of a more minimalist approach to rustic wood paneling for walls. The focal point of this space is the bright red and white tile, and the rustic wood is used sparingly so it doesn’t look out of place. The takeaway: A little bit of rustic wood goes nicely with retro design.

6. This office entrance is hard to miss.

Conference room rustic wood entrance
Rustic wood provides a striking entrance to this office space

Office design is serious business. This simple office entryway works like a charm in the surrounding (and more traditional) setting. A 2006 Canadian study found that wooden decor can create a positive atmosphere, and that principle is at work here. The diagonal slant of the wood paneling isn’t obvious, but it lends a unique appearance.

7. This comfy coffee shop uses the power of reclaimed rustic wood.

Cozy coffee shop with rustic wood walls
Rustic wood paneling and simple furniture make this coffee shop nice and homey

Reclaimed wood paneling is a category all its own. It’s often used to give a pastoral feel, and this coffee shop is a prime example. The naturally distressed wood paneling has its own personality and makes this room feel like a woodside cabin.

8. Rustic wood paneling is the focus in this seating area.

Multi-dimensional rustic jakarta wood paneling
This seating area uses multi dimensional rustic wood paneling for a dramatic effect

Similar to the Dallas Amazon office, this space uses raised wood paneling. This is a great idea if you want to use rustic wood paneling but don’t want the typical rustic look. This room is delightfully modern and memorable.

9. This restaurant goes for a farmhouse look with reclaimed wood from an old barn.

Restaurant with rustic wood paneling
This Quebec restaurant is a fine example of rustic wood paneling done well

This room feels like both a quaint shed and a trendy restaurant. Structures like barns have become sources of inspiration for today’s design because of their simplicity. This room embodies that simplicity while adding little pops of flair like the flowers to change things up.

10. Simple rustic wood paneling brings verve to this room.

Multi-dimensional wood wall paneling
This room utilizes eye-catching, multi-colored rustic wood paneling

This use of paneling is straightforward and highly effective. The range in lightness makes the wall more interesting than it would be if it bore regular wood paneling. Similar to Dirty Face wood, this kind of paneling is great for spicing up a room.

11. Minimally rustic wood makes for a clean space.

Slightly rustic wood paneling in office
In this office space, a little rustic wood paneling goes a long way

Many of the types of rustic wood paneling I’ve showcased here have been very worn and character-rich. Sometimes, a less obviously rustic paneling is a better choice. This office’s paneling can be considered rustic but not noticeably so. It’s just distressed enough, and it makes the office look very neat and clean.

12. Rustic wood even works in a basketball court.

Rustic wood paneling basketball court
This proves that rustic wood paneling and basketball can go together seamlessly.

This is somewhat of an odd match, but it works extremely well. The walls of this basketball court are outfitted with a rich reddish wood paneling that mixes the urban influences of basketball with the bucolic feel of rustic wood.

Conclusion

Rustic wood paneling can take an already trendy space and step it up a notch. Restaurants, coffee shops, offices, and many more types of areas can all benefit from a little rustic wood. If you’re going for that countryside-meets-contemporary aesthetic, look no further.

These Are The Best Sustainable Design Buildings of 2017

Exterior of the R.W. Kern Center

Each year, the American Institute of Architects and the Committee on the Environment (COTE) choose 10 buildings to be recognized as the most sustainable design buildings. It’s just a bonus that most of these buildings are also awe-inspiring. Here are a few of my favorites from 2017’s winners.

R.W. Kern Center

Exterior of the R.W. Kern Center
From Architizer: The exterior of the R.W. Kern Center

Hampshire College’s R.W. Kern Center was named one of the Top Ten sustainable design buildings by COTE. This building is not simply sustainable design, it’s self-sustaining. This 17,000 square foot building produces its own energy, captures its own water, and processes its own waste.

Interior of the R.W. Kern Center
From GreenBuildingAdvisor: The interior of the R.W. Kern Center

The Kern Center is designed to be a multi-purpose facility. It’s home to classrooms, a coffee shop, a gallery space, and faculty offices. All of the materials used to build the Kern Center were local, sustainable, and nontoxic. Check out those gorgeous stairs!

Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage & Spring Street Salt Shed

The Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage & Spring Street Salt Shed
From Open House New York: The Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage & Spring Street Salt Shed

Who says government infrastructure can’t be sustainable buildings? The Garage and Salt Shed in New York combine sustainability, function, and design all into one building. The 1.5-acre green roof along helps to reduce the heat island effect, improve rainwater retention, and protects the roof membrane.

The Salt Shed of the New York City Sanitation Department
From National Geographic: The Salt Shed of the New York City Sanitation Department

The salt shed is designed to look like a grain of salt—but it’s more than aesthetics. It can store up to 5,000 tons of material for clearing icy streets. The cubist structure tapers at the bottom to create more space for pedestrians.

Brock Environmental Center

Children visit & tour Brock Environmental Center
From SmithGroupJJR: Thousands of children visit the Brock Environmental Center each year to learn about sustainability and caring for the environment.

The Brock Environmental Center is the home for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, which focuses on restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay. This sustainable design building surpasses the requirements for LEED certification in CO2 emissions, zero waste, and received a Living Building Challenge certificate from the International Living Future Institute.

The Brock Environmental Center
From ArchDaily: The Brock Environmental Center

The goal of the designers of this sustainable building was to surpass “do no harm” and create a building that has a positive and regenerative impact on the environment around it. Even the aesthetics of this building mirror the landscape around it with sweeping curves and gentle neutral tones.

Discovery Elementary School

Slide inside the Discovery Elementary School
From VMDO: A slide inside the Discovery Elementary School

Just imagine if your elementary school had a slide inside. This has to be the coolest school full of bright happy colors. In addition to its cool factor, Discovery Elementary School is also a sustainably designed building. This 98,000 square-foot building is the largest net-zero energy school in the United States.

Classroom at Discovery Elementary School
From VMDO: One of many varied classroom setting at the Discovery Elementary School

The primary goal of the designers was to create a place where kids couldn’t wait to get to in the morning and didn’t want to leave in the evening. The secondary goal was to create a sustainable design building that made a regenerative contribution to the world around it.

Exterior of Stanford University Central Energy Facility
From ArchDaily: The exterior of the Stanford University Central Energy Facility

The Stanford University Central Energy Facility replaces an energy center that was 100% fossil fuel based. This new system primarily uses electrical power, 65% of which comes from renewable sources. It also uses a heat recovery system, reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and water use.

Green space at Stanford University Central Energy Facility
From Architectural Record: A green space within the Stanford University Central Energy Facility

This sustainable design building supplies all of the water needed for the rest of the Stanford campus. The waste heat from the chilled water return is recovered to supply 93% of the hot water and heat for the rest of the campus.

As you can see, sustainability and amazing design go hand in hand. Each of these sustainable design buildings shows unique architectural characteristics as well as concern for the surrounding environment. There’s no reason for a sustainable building to be ugly. I hope you enjoyed admiring these award-winning sustainable building as much as I did. Which one was your favorite?

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 4
  • Go to page 5
  • Go to page 6

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • TerraMai Flexible Wood Panels: Curved Wall Installation
  • Oak Wood Flooring: From Light to Dark and Beyond with TerraMai
  • Wabi Sabi Design in Commercial Spaces
  • Wood Slat Panels Enhance Commercial Spaces
  • DesignLabs Color Tool: Design the Perfect Wood Slat Wall or Ceiling

View All Posts >>

Contact Us

Footer

Products

  • Acoustic Panels
  • Modular Panels
  • Paneling
  • Flooring
  • Decking
  • Siding
  • Tabletops
  • Stair Treads
  • Specialty
  • Trim

Technical

  • Acclimation
  • Aesthetics
  • Capabilities
  • Capabilities Brochure
  • Care & Maintenance
  • CEU – Designing Healthier Spaces with Wood
  • Fire Ratings
  • Grades
  • Installation Guides
  • LEED
  • Panels Brochure
  • Sourcing
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Warranties

About

  • Team
  • Careers
  • Our Story
  • Blog
  • eCards
  • Sustainability

Contact

8400 Agate Rd,
White City, OR 97503
United States

800.220.9062

Contact Us

© 2023 · TerraMai