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 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.

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.