Mid-century decorative walls

We are wanting to install these 2 types of decorative walls. (see attached)

1.) blue paneling that's super high gloss. Does anyone know what they are using behind trim to achieve such a clean look? Could it be drywall, or is it a mdf sheet, etc.?

2.) Plywood look. Would appreciate any advice on how to achieve this really clean look. I've messed around with it before, and it's kinda hard to get it to look really clean like this.

thanks!
mj

 

The blue wall is most likely sheetrock with 1x4 or smaller, attached for the design effect. Caulk all the joints and paint with a semi gloss. Use a good quality trim paint. paint all the trim boards then paint all the center panels. Use a brush to brush it out or you will have the slight texture from a roller. If you can, spray it.

For the wood panel, choose a good quality panel, 1/4". Oak, birch or pine. Use a small finish nail long enough to get to the stud plus 1 inch and panel adhesive. Set the nails slightly. Stain the panels if so desired. If you decide to stain use a pre stain product. Use a filler for the holes. A sort of crayon in the color that best matches the stain. If you are not staining, apply the hole filler after the seal coat. Apply a poly seal coat with a brush. Lightly sand the seal coat. Wipe down the walls to remove dust. Apply a second coat with a brush. Lightly sand. Wipe it down again. Apply the final coat. Finished. I would use a satin finish. It will show the character of the wood but not highlight the imperfections that a gloss or semi gloss would show.

 

super helpful Dan! thanks so much!