Panelling for the kitchen: What's a good style

If you’re thinking about updating or remodelling your kitchen, you’ve probably spent a lot of time scanning through Pinterest boards, flicking through design mags, and scouring social media for inspiration, and come to the same conclusion: there’s a lot to choose from!

Somewhere in all that research, you’ll have seen beautiful kitchens that incorporate panelling into their designs. 

A beautifully panelled kitchen feels rich and layered, no matter what style you choose to go for. But a poorly chosen panel can feel fussy, dated or simply out of place. We’ll help you determine the difference. 

In this article, we’ll help you think about what panelling will or won’t suit your kitchen, as well as some inspiration from trendy designers. 

Where can you put panels in the kitchen? 

One great benefit of panelling is its functional versatility. You might think that panels only belong on the wall, but they can do so much more than that!

Co-founder of wall panelling company Panels by Sofia, Summa Costandi says:

"Sometimes kitchens can feel a little sterile and lack character. So wall panelling is a great way to introduce a bit of warmth, texture and personality. Many of our customers choose to panel surrounding kitchen walls, but we're also seeing growing demand for panelled splashbacks and kitchen islands to create a more bespoke, designer-inspired finish."

Panel splashbacks

Panels can be both aesthetic and functional - panel backsplashes are a perfect example of that. 

But as you can see from the image above, you can be as traditional or creative with your style choice. 

This kitchen design from home interior creator Kerry Kellett features a single strip of panelling that extends through the full height of the cabinetry and integrates with the shelving above. It’s striking as a stand-alone feature.

If you’re installing a splashback particularly for a sink or cooker area that is prone to spills and stains, we recommend opting for a flatter panel style. Tongue-and-groove and beaded panels don’t have as deep-set grooves, making them a little easier to clean and maintain (especially in messy kitchens!). 

Panelling for a colour pop 

Kitchen panelling can be as much sophisticated and subtle as it can be loud and fun. If you’re looking for maximum impact in your kitchen, use panelling as a springboard for colour. We love this green-on-green panelling moment. 

And equally, you can double up on texture (like they have above) by utilising both wall and cupboard panels. 

There’s something reassuringly tactile about panelled cabinetry. In an age where so much design is focused on flawless surfaces and invisible technology, panelling brings texture back into the mix. 

Kitchen nooks and recesses

You can also make panelling understated, it doesn’t have to be as bold as a feature wall or be experimental with colour. 

If you want a style that’s soft and subtle, adding panelling to small nooks and crannies can still elevate your space. In fact, using it in a more unconventional way can look incredibly chic. 

In the instance above, the designer uses ribbed panelling, giving the side of the recess an interesting texture but ensures it stills feels light with the colour choice of white. 

Kitchen island panelling 

The kitchen island is often the focal point of a kitchen, and at half-height, it’s a great place to install panels without the worry of overwhelming the room. 

When it comes to style, the sky is the limit, whether you choose a classic framed design, decorative moulding or subtle vertical grooves, island panelling can add subtle depth and character. 

Again, Kerry’s choice of black panelling is smart. Not only does it match the black cabinetry at the back of the kitchen, making the style seem thoughtful, but the black panelling is bold without the risk of looking garish.

Zoning areas in open-planned living 

Many kitchens these days are not separate rooms; they incorporate dining spaces, and sometimes even living spaces. 

If you want to create better zoning between these areas in your room, so that there’s a strong connection and flow between the kitchen and adjoining living spaces, panelling is a great way to accomplish that. 

Full-height panels are a great choice for this, as they help fully section an area from floor to ceiling. If you want the transition to feel more natural, think about using neutral colours like off-whites, greys, and beiges, allowing the wall texture to complement the zone rather than a loud colour. 

Kitchen panel half-walls

Sometimes, when you’re decorating a busy area like a kitchen, you want a style that’s a little more integrated into the room and subtle. 

Home interior creator Magda has achieved that with her design above. Utilising half-height panelling, she’s broken up the larger kitchen wall into different spaces - the countertop and the shelving. 

The panelling and shelving create an opportunity for practical styling, whether that's displaying artwork, ceramics, cookbooks or favourite decorative pieces. This gives the space more function, while the panels themselves feel cool and stylish.