Forget Wallpaper: Why Drew and Jonathan Scott Say This Detail Is Smarter

Wallpaper is always a good idea. It’s one of the quickest ways to inject a space with a heavy dose of personality. But there may be an even smarter way to create visual drama and interest in a room — one that also adds a bit more function than meets the eye. According to HGTV megastars and interior designers Drew and Jonathan Scott, it’s time to skip the wallpaper and paint and bring back a vintage staple instead. 

They’re bringing wood paneling back via their collaborative line with Wood Veneer Hub. And in an interview with Homes & Gardens, the Scott brothers say there are so many advantages to going with wood accents over alternatives like wallpaper. It has me thinking: Why haven’t I considered this before?

“Whether it’s wall panels, wood furniture, even interesting decorative elements like frames or lamps, wood’s not going anywhere,” Drew told Homes & Gardens. “It has that perfect balance of feeling modern and interesting but also natural and not too overpowering. It’s a classic for a reason.”

It’s the perfect in-between for those who find wallpaper too intimidating — but want to make their space more unique than what a flat paint color can give them. That’s because wood paneling is three-dimensional, offering a natural texture and pattern that’s easy on the eye but visually interesting. And Drew notes that wood paneling also brings a visual warmth to a space that you just can’t get with other wall treatments.

But the big draw to choosing paneling over wallpaper is its sound-absorbing quality. Drew shared that “if acoustics and impact are what you’re going for, wood surfaces are an excellent solution.” And that’s because the soft surface acts as natural sound absorption, similar to those acoustic wall panels. Offices, music spaces, nurseries, and open-concept spaces with the dreaded echo immediately feel cozier and more intimate with wood paneling.

Acoustic wood sound panels come in so many different wood finishes, so you can make them work in any space. Just attach them to your wall with screws or renter-friendly removable adhesive strips, and you’ll instantly notice the difference. Their collection with Wood Veneer Hub has an acoustic slat wall panel that comes in either oak or walnut. But acoustic sets are also available from places like Wayfair; these come in finishes including maple, driftwood, embossed black, oak, walnut, or even a gray tone.

“We’ve had a few years now where grays and creams were really the supreme color palette,” Jonathan added. “But I think people are leaning back more into adding personality and warmth into their spaces.”

And similar to installing wallpaper or repainting, adding wood paneling is an easy DIY project that doesn’t take much time — and won’t require any major renovation. You can totally transform the look of a space in your home in a single weekend with just a few panels. Wood paneling is back and better than ever. Take it from the Scott brothers: It’s the new way (with a vintage twist!) to revamp a space without much effort.