How 4 Different Homes Used Akupanels to Create Spaces That Feel as Good as They Look
Forget trends and color palettes — what if the most powerful change you can make is one you feel before you see? Interior designer Stine shares four transformations where WoodUpp panels turned cold, empty rooms into warm, personal spaces. It’s not only about decoration. It’s about atmosphere.
1. A bedroom designed for calm and warmth
A plain white space with no visual anchor becomes a warm, balanced retreat. By cladding the end wall in classic oak with grey felt, the bed suddenly has something to lean into.
“Suddenly, the space feels more intimate.” – Stine
Finishing trims at the top and bottom frame the wall with a clean, minimalist elegance.
An open bedside table adds lightness, and a bench at the foot of the bed brings balance.
Painting both walls and ceiling in the same color creates a sense of harmony and spaciousness – calm, but never cold.
2. From cold and empty to warm and inviting
A bright living room with high ceilings and white walls can easily feel sterile and impersonal. The fix? Akupanels from floor to ceiling.
The vertical lines make the ceiling feel even higher. And when the panels are placed in the corner, they create a natural cozy nook — perfect for time with friends and family.
“It’s the contrast that makes all the difference here.” – Stine
Using dark panels in the bedroom as well creates a sense of continuity throughout the home. The rich wood grounds the space and brings balance — especially in modern homes with lots of white and light.
3. A creative studio that feels like a conversation zone
When a space is meant for creativity and conversation, mood is everything.
This home studio is both a workspace and a social spot — and this is where dark WoodUpp panels do wonders.
“They make the atmosphere soft and inviting — people just want to stay.”
With the CREATE system, the wall becomes fully functional too: Mount your TV, add shelves, hang photos — and move things around without drilling new holes.
It’s flexible. Personal. Easy to adapt as your space evolves.
4. High ceilings meet warmth and structure
The final project shows the challenge clearly: A room with very high ceilings, raw concrete, and low furniture. The sound bounces, and the space feels… empty.
Again, floor-to-ceiling Akupanels are the solution. But here, they’re used strategically to frame a center section of the wall — creating a clear focal point.
“It feels luxurious and adds a sense of calm weight to the room.”
The high placement of the panels combined with low furniture makes the space feel even more exclusive.
And with the CREATE system, artwork and decorations can be swapped out in seconds — perfect for anyone who loves to refresh their look over time.
Conclusion: It’s not just about panels. It’s about how your home feels.
Stine’s four design projects all prove one thing:
With the right materials, you’re not just designing how a room looks — you’re designing how it feels.
They bring calm, structure, and personality — whether it’s in the bedroom, living room, home office, or open-plan kitchen.
“It’s about making your space feel like YOU, today, next week and whenever inspiration strikes“
Ready to transform your space?
Want More Interior Inspiration?
Explore more styling tips on our blog, or follow us on Instagram @woodupp_za to see how our community is creating warm, natural spaces with character.