The natural tones and textures of timber infuse a sense of cosiness and personality into homes, so it’s no surprise that it’s a widely favoured choice for renovations across the globe. With its adaptability and the wide array of tones and hues, it comes in, wood seamlessly complements various design aesthetics. It’s an ideal choice for integrating into any contemporary room.
A growing number of home remodelling projects now embrace the inclusion of deep, rich wood in elements like dining tables, beds, cabinets, and coffee tables. Here are a few of our preferred methods to incorporate this trend into your living space!
Embrace a Mix of Materials
The timber is strong and lends a luxe vibe to a room due to its sturdy appearance. While you can’t physically change the shape or style of the wood itself, you can make the room feel inviting and friendlier by adding natural touches and smooth shapes. Combining timber with sleek materials will help add interest to the space. Use wood for an accent wall and balance it out with crisp white cabinetry. Alternatively, pair a timber coffee table with metal legs with a modern sofa. Mixing natural and industrial elements creates an inviting, eco-chic look. You can also blend timber with contrasting materials like concrete, steel, or lucite to add a modern edge. Try a timber entertainment unit alongside concrete bookends and leather armchairs, or pair a natural wood dining table with sleek metal chairs. Contrasting textures prevent an overly rustic feel.
Opt for Lighter-Toned Woods
If you’re unsure, go with a gentle yet cosy colour range. Consider lighter timber shades like ash, maple, birch, or oak, which feel more airy and contemporary. Darker woods like walnut and mahogany can feel imposing or old-fashioned if used too liberally. Bleached, washed, or whitewashed timber also gives a more modern, Scandinavian-inspired look. Weathered grey wood also feels cooler and more coastal than dark or red-toned woods. Distressed finishes or rough-hewn textures add to the modern appeal.
Favour Clean Lines
Soften the edges of traditional wood elements by choosing clean-lined timber furniture with straight, angular silhouettes. Avoid ornately carved trim or decorative flourishes. Simple, streamlined shapes keep the wood looking crisp. Try asymmetric shelving, rectangular dining tables, or handle-free cabinets.
Limit Wood Surfaces
Resist the urge to panel entire rooms in wood. Opt for timber accent walls or furniture pieces instead. Break up wood surfaces with plenty of drywall, tile, windows, and light-reflecting finishes. Built-in cabinetry along one wall balances timber tones without going overboard.
Enhance Wood Finishes with Natural Light
Natural light has an enchanting ability to breathe life into indoor spaces, especially when it comes to showcasing the beauty of wood finishes. Illuminating wood finishes with natural light not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of interiors but also creates a harmonious blend between nature and architecture. If you use wood panelling or cabinetry in your home, large windows and glass doors play a vital role in bringing in natural light. For smaller spaces like hallways or enclosed rooms, get creative with reflections. Strategically place mirrors across from windows or wood accent walls. The reflections will give the illusion of more space and light.
Other ways to maintain a modern look with timber include opting for reclaimed or weathered grey wood instead of traditional stains and grains. Keep clean lines instead of ornate trims. Surround wood finishes with modern art, lighting, and greenery. A few contemporary timber pieces can add organic warmth without sacrificing your modern aesthetic.
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