Think Tongue and Groove Boards Are Only Farmhouse Style? Think Again

Large rustic furniture, vintage enamelware and neutral colours are just a few elements the farmhouse style brings to mind.

However, another thing that has become synonymous with this style is wood panelling, specifically tongue and groove panels. 

Inviting in the natural element of wood adds a cosy and nostalgic feel to the space. 

But what if you have tongue and groove panels and want to update to something more modern, or you love the panel style but want to be more experimental?

Luckily, there is a lot of fluidity to this panel shape. Whether you want to achieve the modern farmhouse style or a look so contemporary that it barely nods to tradition at all, there are plenty of ways to utilise these boards.

Why farmhouse remains popular 

Farmhouse style can be a beautiful aesthetic. It brings cosiness and a traditional charm to a space, qualities that are still very much valued by many decorators and homeowners. 

“Farmhouse” transcends pure style alone; it evokes a feeling of nostalgia and understated decor. Florals, backersfield sofas, soft textiles, and of course details like tongue and groove panelling all work together to create a cohesive space that truly speaks of home.

Over the past couple of years, this aesthetic has had somewhat a revival with the rise of “cottagecore”, a style, or some could say movement, inspired by the aesthetics and idyllism of the countryside.

However, many people are using the trend as a springboard for evolving traditional farmhouse. For those who love the modern side of interiors yet love the clean lines of tongue and groove, there’s good news: this panel style is incredibly versatile.

Below, we explore 6 ways you can give tongue and groove boards a new look. 

1) A bold, modern colour 

One way to diversify this panel design is by pairing it with a bold, contemporary colour that instantly shifts the mood.

Traditional farmhouse palettes are typically neutral and soft, imagine duck-egg blue, soft browns and beiges, as well as earthy greens - these colours tend to evoke a cosiness. 

To modernise, try painting your panels a colour that will invert this style stereotype, such as:

• Inky, saturated blues
• Delicate, blush pinks
• Rich burgundies
• Vibrant citrus oranges or terracotta
• Deep forest blacks and charcoals 

These colours can add a bold twist to any space. Looking for some paintable tongue and groove boards? Explore our full collection. 

2) Full walls for full impact 

Traditional farmhouse interiors often feature half-wall panelling with a decorative moulding wrapping around the top for detail.

To modernise the look, take the panelling all the way up. Full-height tongue and groove that reaches the ceiling, creates clean lines that feel contemporary, without losing the cosy quality. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with panel drenching, where you panel one or more full walls, sometimes even the ceiling, to create a cocooning effect in your space. 

It’s bold but impactful!

3) Great function with a shelf 

Try replacing a traditional moulding on your half-height panels with something super functional. A great way to add some practicality to the space is by finishing the top of the panels with shelving.

A shelf ledge can: 

• Add storage and display opportunities
  
• Break up tall panelling in a fresh, functional way
  
• Work beautifully with minimalist decor
  

It’s a simple update that instantly shifts the look from cottage to contemporary. 

4) Colour drench your boards and walls 

Colour drenching is an increasingly popular interior approach that creates a visually seamless space. 

This technique softens the transition between materials and helps tongue and groove boards feel more contemporary by turning them into subtle features. 

Colour drenching works especially well in smaller rooms too, as the uninterrupted colour can make a space feel larger and more intentional. Choosing deeper tones, like forest green, creates a more ‘curated’ feel while lighter shades like warm whites or soft greys offer a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired look.

Whether you want drama or tranquility, it’s a simple but transformative way to modernise tongue and groove panelling.

5) Built-in storage 

In traditional farmhouse design, you’re likely to see panelling that runs the length of a living room or kitchen, rarely does it feel architectural (like it does in lodges or spaces that are mid-century-inspired). 

But modern interiors prioritise smart storage solutions. Tongue and groove boards can integrate beautifully into built-ins such as:

• Hallway benches
• Window seats
• Alcove cupboards

Using the boards in cabinetry or storage nooks not only gives you a more purposeful design, but it might also create some more functional space for you too. 

6) Extra-wide panelling

Why not try switching from traditional narrow boards to extra-wide tongue and groove panelling?

 The wider proportions create a cleaner, more streamlined visual effect, instantly reducing the “country cottage” feel. Because there are fewer visible seams, the eye reads the wall as calmer and more cohesive - great if you prefer a minimalist look!

It’s a very subtle shift that instantly modernises the space, especially when combined with a bold colour or full-wall installation.

If you’re inspired to try the look, explore our wide tongue and groove options and find the perfect fit for your next project.