Trends: How to Use Natural Wood to Stunning Effect
So much more than a material for chairs and tables, gloriously grained natural wood can add beauty and style in countless inspiring ways
Judging by the design shows this year, including London’s Clerkenwell Design Week back in May, natural materials such as wood are still very much in vogue, with a move towards leaving timber in as natural a state as possible. Products incorporating bark and twigs are one example of this, as is the resurgence of ‘pippy oak’ – oak with lots of knots in it, once considered a less desirable form of the wood.
There are numerous ways to enjoy the colours and textures of raw wood in your home, as these images demonstrate. Whether you prefer a subtle touch or a full-on feature wall, be inspired by these schemes and get ready to go with the grain.
There are numerous ways to enjoy the colours and textures of raw wood in your home, as these images demonstrate. Whether you prefer a subtle touch or a full-on feature wall, be inspired by these schemes and get ready to go with the grain.
Employ it as an artwork
Using reclaimed wood as art is a striking way to include it in a scheme. This is almost a feature wall, but by cutting the planks slightly shorter than the wall, they form a sculptural piece.
Using reclaimed wood as art is a striking way to include it in a scheme. This is almost a feature wall, but by cutting the planks slightly shorter than the wall, they form a sculptural piece.
Add warmth with weathered wood
Weathered wood has a warm, homely feel that works beautifully in a pale scheme. This cladding emphasises the height of the space and creates a chimney breast effect for the modern fire.
Weathered wood has a warm, homely feel that works beautifully in a pale scheme. This cladding emphasises the height of the space and creates a chimney breast effect for the modern fire.
Expose wooden beams
A simple way to incorporate this trend is to expose structural wooden beams already present within your home. Instead of painting them or boxing them in, leave them raw or give them a coat of wax to enrich the tones.
A simple way to incorporate this trend is to expose structural wooden beams already present within your home. Instead of painting them or boxing them in, leave them raw or give them a coat of wax to enrich the tones.
Mix different finishes
Floorboards can be mismatched to create interest and draw attention to the wood. Here, some of the planks are white oiled while others are left natural. For a similar effect, simply treat each of your floorboards with one of two or three washes, waxes or stains.
Check out the painted floor trend
Floorboards can be mismatched to create interest and draw attention to the wood. Here, some of the planks are white oiled while others are left natural. For a similar effect, simply treat each of your floorboards with one of two or three washes, waxes or stains.
Check out the painted floor trend
Take it upstairs
A staircase is a clever place for a feature wall – it connects upstairs with downstairs and provides some visual interest as people travel between the two. This panel of reclaimed wood has been framed with a white border to give it the feel of an artwork, while a pendant light really enhances the different colours in the timber.
A staircase is a clever place for a feature wall – it connects upstairs with downstairs and provides some visual interest as people travel between the two. This panel of reclaimed wood has been framed with a white border to give it the feel of an artwork, while a pendant light really enhances the different colours in the timber.
Juxtapose different timbers
Don’t be afraid to mix different types of wood and different finishes in the same space. This bathroom uses a combination of smooth, polished wood, cut planks and gorgeously knotty uncut pieces for a celebration of tones and textures.
Don’t be afraid to mix different types of wood and different finishes in the same space. This bathroom uses a combination of smooth, polished wood, cut planks and gorgeously knotty uncut pieces for a celebration of tones and textures.
Don’t forget the garden
While decking, fencing and the shed are more obvious uses of wood, consider something sculptural to make a real statement. This fabulous sphere is just asking to be touched and gazed upon.
Do you have a beautiful wooden feature in your home? Share your photos and ideas in the comments below.
While decking, fencing and the shed are more obvious uses of wood, consider something sculptural to make a real statement. This fabulous sphere is just asking to be touched and gazed upon.
Do you have a beautiful wooden feature in your home? Share your photos and ideas in the comments below.
Using wood to clad one wall is a lovely way to add warmth and interest without spoiling the crisp look of a white space. This wall forms a stunning headboard, bringing pleasing colour and texture to the pared-back scheme.
See more ways to create feature walls