Inside Sandra Ashton’s Stunning Panelled Feature Wall Transformation
When interior content creator Sandra Ashton (known online as @sandra.ashtonn) shared her latest home makeover, it quickly captured attention across TikTok and Instagram.
Using out ribbed panels, Sandra transformed a plain corner of her studio into a warm, textured feature wall that adds instant depth without overwhelming the space.
The project inspired lots of comments from homeowners looking to recreate the same look, with social media users describing it as "so cosy", "absolutely stunning" and "such a cool idea."
If you've been thinking about adding wall panelling to your own home, here's everything you need to know about Sandra's transformation.
Watch Sandra’s transformation
🎥 Watch Sandra's TikTok transformation
📸 Watch the Instagram Reel
Sandra's Project at a Glance
When Sandra Ashton shared her latest studio makeover on TikTok and Instagram, it didn't take long for people to start asking questions. What panels had she used? What size were they? Was it really as easy to install as it looked?
The transformation quickly struck a chord because it proves something many homeowners are looking for: you don't need a full renovation to make a room feel more sophisticated and put together.
And instead of relying on bold colours or lots of decorative accessories, you can use contemporary wall panels that feel structural and intentional for the room’s shape and size.
It's an understated look, but one that's had a big impact.
Does this feature wall work?
One of the reasons this project feels so successful is that every design decision works together.
The vertical ribbed panels immediately elongate the walls, making the room feel taller and more spacious. As daylight moves across the wall, the grooves catch the light to create subtle shadows that change throughout the day, giving the space a softer, more layered feel.
The paint colours play just as important a role.
Sandra chose Duvet Day by COAT Paints for the panels and Safe Play for the surrounding walls. Rather than creating a dramatic contrast, the two complementary shades work together to highlight the ribbed texture while keeping the room calm and inviting.
It's also a great example of restraint. Instead of panelling every wall, Sandra focused on a single feature area, allowing it to become the focal point without overwhelming the room.
Sandra's tip: "The panels are so easy to cut and just use the self-adhesive to attach to the wall."
That simplicity is one of the reasons a ribbed panel has become such a popular choice for DIY projects. They deliver wall detailing without the time and precision needed to build traditional panelling from individual mouldings.
How to Get Sandra's Look
Love Sandra's transformation? Here are the key ideas you can take from her project.
1. Start with one feature wall
Rather than panelling an entire room, choose one wall or corner that naturally draws the eye. A single feature section of wall creates impact while allowing the rest of the room to remain light and balanced. Sandra makes a clever choice by installing the panelling in a corner, this gives the design a natural flow, rather than a hard edge that finishes in the corner.
2. Let texture become the statement
Sandra's room doesn't rely on bold colours or oversized artwork. Instead, the modern wall panelling provides all the visual interest the space needs.
Using larger-format ribbed panels also creates a clean, uninterrupted finish. Sandra used one 2440 × 1220mm portrait panel.
3. Keep the colour palette tonal
One of the smartest decisions in this makeover is the choice of paint.
Using similar shades on both the panels and the surrounding walls means the ribbed texture becomes the hero of the design. The result feels sophisticated, timeless and cohesive.
4. Keep the styling simple
Once the panelling is in place, there's no need to over-style the room.
Natural textures, soft furnishings and carefully chosen décor allow the feature wall to remain the focal point. It's a great reminder that sometimes the biggest design statement comes from the room itself rather than what's placed in it.
The Questions Everyone Asked
Sandra's transformation has generated plenty of discussion online, with people keen to recreate the look themselves. Here are some of the most common questions.
Did you need to sand the panels before painting?
Our panels generally don’t need sanding. However, if you do notice slight roughness or small imperfections, light sanding is recommended to smooth the surface and help the primer adhere better. Use fine to medium grit sandpaper.
What paint colours did Sandra use?
The ribbed panels were painted in Duvet Day by COAT Paints, while the surrounding walls were finished in Safe Play.
Do ribbed panels need special paint?
Not necessarily. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations before decorating, but many interior paints are suitable when the correct preparation has been carried out.
Are they suitable for DIY installation?
According to Sandra, yes. One of the highlights of the project was how straightforward the installation proved to be, thanks to the self-adhesive design.
Inspired to Create Your Own Feature Wall?
Sandra's studio is proof that you don't need to completely redesign a space to give it a fresh new feel. Thoughtful panelling style, a soft colour palette and well-chosen materials can make a huge difference.
“If you are considering panelling for your next project, well, this is the easiest way to panel! We used the RIBBED panels from @Panelsbysofia, but there are lots of different styles available”.
Whether you're updating a living room, bedroom, hallway or dining room, consider how you can subtly add feature wall panelling as a way to introduce warmth and architectural character to your space.