A Golden Opportunity for Appearance-Grade Lumber

HGTV designer Mika Kleinschmidt, star of 100 Day Dream Home, has declared it: wood paneling is making a comeback. In a recent interview with Country Living, Kleinschmidt noted that while shiplap has dominated design trends for years, homeowners are now embracing the beauty of natural wood in its raw form—not just as beams, but across walls, ceilings, and décor.

This resurgence is more than just a passing trend. It reflects a broader consumer desire to bring outdoor elements inside, pairing modern interiors with the warmth and texture only wood can provide. For appearance-grade lumber, this is a prime moment: paneling applications demand material that showcases natural grain, tone variation, and consistent quality.

Kleinschmidt also highlighted the return of sometimes even applied to ceilings, as another nostalgic trend with a modern twist. But when paired with high-quality wood paneling, these bold finishes create layered, timeless spaces. It’s a reminder that appearance-grade lumber doesn’t compete with design trends—it complements them, grounding interiors with authenticity and durability.

As homeowners and designers shift away from purely painted finishes toward visible natural wood surfaces, the demand for clear, defect-free, and visually appealing lumber will continue to rise. This creates new opportunities for sawmills, distributors, and retailers to showcase appearance-grade boards as a functional and aesthetic investment.

Source: Country Living – HGTV Designer Predicts This 1980s Trend Is Making a Comeback