The Quiet Luxury of Panelling: How Boiserie Transforms a Cotswold Home

pestridgegroup
4 days ago
3 min read

Panelling is having a renaissance — and not the loud, overcomplicated version you see in fast-fashion interiors. In the Cotswolds, panelling (or boiserie, as the French refer to it) has quietly returned as a refined architectural detail that softens, elevates, and frames every room it touches.

But true panelling isn’t trend-led. It’s craftsmanship-led.When done properly — with proportion, restraint and heritage sensitivity — it becomes part of the architecture, not just a decorative

overlay.

In today’s post, we explore how considered panelling can completely transform a space, drawing on a few examples from one of our recent refurbishment projects.

What Exactly Is Boiserie?

Historically, boiserie referred to intricately carved wooden wall panelling found in French châteaux from the 17th and 18th centuries. Think gilded rococo flourishes and ornate motifs. But modern British interiors interpret it with a lighter hand:

Clean frames
Subtle shadow lines
Soft heritage paint tones
A focus on proportion rather than ornament

This contemporary approach feels timeless — the kind of detailing that belongs in a period home without ever overwhelming it.

Why Panelling Works So Well in Cotswold Properties

Cotswold homes are rich in texture: stone, timber, lime plaster and flagstones. Adding panelling introduces a gentle architectural rhythm and balances those natural materials beautifully.

Panelling adds definition to long staircases. In the stairwell pictured, simple framed detailing draws the eye upward, elongating the walls and grounding the journey between floors. The light-catching profile adds movement without visual clutter and pairs perfectly with the soft neutral stair runner.

It also creates warmth in characterful rooms. In the sitting room example, panelling anchors the space. Against sanded timber floors and Cotswold light, the mouldings create a layered, considered backdrop, making even minimal furniture feel more intentional.

Panelling is one of the rare interior details that can unite a period property with modern comforts, achieving that balance of heritage and contemporary living that so many homeowners crave. It also photographs beautifully. For clients preparing holiday lets, sales listings or social media content, panelling adds depth and shadow that reads extremely well on camera. It is a subtle form of luxury.

Choosing the Right Style of Panelling

The key is restraint. When tailoring panelling for a heritage project, proportion and balance matter just as much as craftsmanship. Frame sizes are typically slimmer for cottages and broader for Georgian spaces. Half-height panelling works beautifully in many rooms, while staircases often benefit from panelling that follows the pitch of the steps for a more architectural finish.

Paint colour plays a vital role. Soft heritage neutrals such as Drop Cloth, School House White or bespoke-mixed tones that complement existing joinery create a sense of calm continuity. Spacing should feel considered and responsive to windows, doors and the natural quirks of older properties. Above all, panelling should feel as though it belongs to the fabric of the home rather than appearing as something applied on top.

When Should You Add Panelling to a Renovation?

Panelling is a beautiful addition to full room refurbishments, staircase redesigns, bedroom updates and hallways in need of definition. It works particularly well in Cotswold holiday lets and in extensions that need to blend sympathetically with the character of the original house. It is often one of the highest-impact, best-value ways to elevate an interior without the need for structural intervention.

Final Thoughts: Quiet Elegance Lasts

The beauty of boiserie lies in its quiet elegance. It doesn’t demand attention — it earns it. Whether you are renovating a century-old cottage or refreshing a modernised stone house, panelling is a design detail that brings cohesion, charm and architectural weight to your home.

If you are considering panelling for a Cotswold renovation, we would be delighted to guide you through the proportions, layout, colour and installation.

Every home deserves thoughtful craftsmanship — no shortcuts, just care, consideration and experience.

If you’d like support with your next project, we’re here when you’re ready.

Sarah xx