If you’re wondering, “Is panelling still in fashion in 2025?”, the answer is a stylish and confident yes—especially in coastal, design-savvy communities like Mornington, Australia. Once considered a vintage trend, wall panelling has undergone a massive revival, reinventing itself for the modern Australian home. Whether you’re renovating a classic Federation cottage in Mount Eliza or updating a coastal retreat in Main Street Mornington, panelling remains a go-to for adding texture, warmth, and timeless sophistication.
But panelling in 2025 isn’t just about tradition—it’s a canvas for contemporary innovation, blending minimalist aesthetics with functional design. With options ranging from VJ panels and board and batten to shiplap and reclaimed timber, it’s easy to see why this design staple has remained relevant. With Leona Rodriguesi of Mornington Cabinet Makers, let’s explore why wall panelling continues to thrive, what’s trending this year, and how Mornington homeowners are using it to elevate their interiors.
The Evolution of Wall Panelling: From Heritage to High Style
Historically, wall panelling was used for insulation and protection, especially in chilly Victorian homes. Fast forward to today, and its function has evolved from necessity to statement feature. With roots in European design and a firm foothold in modern Australian interiors, panelling has adapted to current lifestyle needs—namely, sustainability, ease of installation, and visual impact.
In Mornington Peninsula homes, especially those balancing beach house charm with modern elegance, wall panelling acts as both an architectural anchor and a decorative highlight. Think coastal Hamptons style mixed with modern Australian minimalism.
Why Wall Panelling Remains On-Trend in 2025
1. Texture and Depth Without Overwhelm
Interior designers in Mornington emphasize the importance of tactile finishes. Painted walls may be sleek, but they lack the visual storytelling that timber panels provide. Whether it’s a tongue-and-groove wainscot in a Mornington nursery or full-height batten walls in a modern Mount Martha living room, panelling gives that soft, shadow-play texture designers crave.
2. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Choices
As eco-conscious renovations become the norm in areas like Mornington, Red Hill, and Blairgowrie, panelling made from FSC-certified timber or recycled composite materials is increasingly popular. These choices support green living without compromising on style—a big win for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint while staying chic.
3. Panelling in Unexpected Places
In 2025, panelling is breaking out of the traditional hallway and into surprising spaces. Locally, you’ll see powder rooms in Portsea decked in dark-stained batten panels, or kitchens in Mornington showcasing painted VJ panels as splashbacks. Even home offices and laundries are getting the panel treatment, reinforcing this material’s versatility.
Popular Panelling Styles in 2025: What’s Hot in Mornington
🔹 Vertical VJ Panelling
The darling of Australian interior design, vertical VJ (vertical joint) panelling is beloved for its clean lines and adaptability. In 2025, it continues to dominate—especially in new builds across Mornington East where it delivers warmth without overpowering a minimalist palette.
🛠️ Expert Tip: Choose VJ panels pre-primed for quick DIY installation and smooth paint application.
🔹 Board and Batten
Perfect for adding drama and depth, board and batten panelling works beautifully in heritage homes across Frankston South and Mount Eliza. This style brings structure to larger walls, giving homes a custom-designed, architectural feel.
🖼️ Pair with matte-black fixtures or brass accents for a sophisticated contrast.
🔹 Shiplap and Timber Slats
Natural materials continue to trend in 2025. In Mornington’s beach-adjacent homes, shiplap or horizontal timber slats offer a nod to nautical themes while maintaining a sleek, contemporary finish.
🎨 Paint in off-white, sage green, or soft charcoal to evoke calming coastal tones.
For professional needs, visit https://morningtoncabinetmakers.com.au/.
Local Mornington Designers Embrace Modern Panelling
Interior design firms like Mornington Interiors Co., The Coast Creative, and Peninsula Living Spaces are embracing panelling as a core element of their 2025 home styling guides. According to designer Amelia Kerr, founder of The Coast Creative, “Panelling lets us bring texture into a space without relying on colour or pattern. It’s timeless but adaptable—exactly what our clients in Mornington want.”
These designers often blend panelling with natural stone, rattan furniture, and neutral palettes, all of which dominate Mornington’s relaxed-yet-elegant aesthetic.
Is Panelling a Good Investment?
From an ROI perspective, yes. Adding or upgrading wall panelling in your home can increase perceived value, particularly in real estate hotspots like Mount Eliza, Somerville, and Safety Beach. Buyers are drawn to the custom, designer look that panelling offers. In a competitive market like Mornington, that extra bit of character can make a sale.
How to Style Panelling in Your Mornington Home
- Living Rooms: Use full-height VJ panelling behind your sofa to create a cozy focal wall.
- Bedrooms: Add painted wainscoting up to 1200mm for traditional charm.
- Entryways: Mix shiplap with statement lighting to welcome guests with personality.
- Bathrooms: Pair moisture-resistant panels with encaustic tiles for a luxe coastal spa feel.
Panelling Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping primer: Especially in humid climates like Mornington, unprimed timber can warp or absorb paint inconsistently.
- Overdoing it: Panelling every wall in every room can make your space feel heavy. Use it strategically to define zones.
- Ignoring paint quality: Low-VOC, high-durability paints are a must for panelling longevity—especially in family homes.
Final Thoughts: Is Panelling Still in Fashion in 2025?
Absolutely. In fact, panelling isn’t just in fashion—it’s foundational in today’s design landscape. For Mornington homeowners, it strikes the perfect balance between coastal casual and refined detail. Whether you’re reviving a classic Victorian in Mornington Central or bringing personality to a new build in Tuerong, panelling remains a high-impact, low-fuss way to elevate your space.
As trends move towards “quiet luxury” and nature-inspired finishes, expect wall panelling to stay not just in fashion, but in demand. It’s not a fleeting trend—it’s a design classic, reimagined.