I'm yet to see a room that can't be improved by paneling. Whether it's classic wainscoting, tongue-and-groove, or contemporary slats, all kinds of wall panelling have gained momentum in recent years, retrofitted in homes to add personality and charm to bland, builder-grade spaces. And the best part? It’s an achievable DIY using versatile MDF panels — or so I thought...
I was under the (perhaps misplaced) impression that MDF paneling was an entry-level project. Unlike paneling with solid wood, you can buy entire sheets that are pre-shaped — all you have to do is cut them to size. Smooth, uniform, and free from knots and grain, it resists warping and swelling and is light enough to be fitted with glue alone. Surely, then, this is an easy kitchen DIY? Confident that it would be the simplest option for a straightforward kitchen update, I set out to add beadboard panels to my backsplash.
