Yes to painting the wall dark. I’d only paint the panel edges if they were unfinished, otherwise shadows will provide the same effect that paint would.

The REVEAL between ( "small margin of space" ) will probably be enough, but if worried, darken the wall behind.

What is the tan blob above?

It's typical that the wall would be painted dark. No to painting the edges, it will cheapen the look. There's trim on the bottom panel run, DK why. You'll want to upgrade your baseboard to match so you have a ceiling to floor run of walnut.

Yes to painting the wall behind the paneling dark. Unless you plan on having a wide gap between panels wouldn't recommend that you paint the panel edges dark especially if the edge of the plywood panels is the same as the face.

The inspiration photo doesn't have gaps. If you look closely it looks like there is a rounded/curved trim piece placed over the "seams".

That thing above the FP is amystery but ugly. Yes to painting the wall dark but the issue with painting the wall on the sides will be tricky to get right trying to match wood color with paint never works well I would look for some walnut trim to stain to match

Apartment Therapy featured an article on someone who did something similar, but just using stained plywood, not walnut, with her walls in a rental apartment in Irvine, Ca I wish I could send you the link but I found it by searching Apartment Therapy wood paneled walls Irvine. Maybe the article will help.

" The inspiration photo doesn't have gaps. If you look closely it looks like there is a rounded/curved trim piece placed over the "seams". "

Also walnut and it appears to be a half round profile. No reason you cannot do the shadow gap reveals but as noted that is not that way on the inspiration pic.

Millwork man thanks for input. Agreed there is a quarter round treatment between the bottom two panels. I believe there might Jan! You saved my brain! Yes!!! “Reveal” was the word. Thx for input

Millwork man. I believe the bottom row are drawers and honestly the panels themselves might even be push touch cabinet

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