Does your home need a refresh? You’re ready to give a modern twist to your interior design. Even if your heart is set on designing a wood-themed interior, you might not know where to start. Do you add hardwood floors? Wooden panels on the walls? What about wood furniture?
Too little (or too much) wood can make a room feel a bit off. You’re trying to strike the perfect balance in your interior design. And we’re here to help. Check out these tips on how to use wood in your home design:
Combine Different Styles
Wood is an incredibly versatile material. By pairing one wood tone with another, you can highlight the contrasts between them. It creates an eye-catching and undeniably alluring look.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match! If you only use one type of wood, it may blend into the background. Instead, add some contrast to the mix by pairing birch with mahogany, maple with black walnut, or ash with cherry.
Use Live Edge Wood
If you have the budget for it, make wood the centerpiece of your living room by adding a live edge dining table.
Or, take a more subtle approach, and use live edge slabs to create floating shelves along the wall. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they double as a convenient storage space.
Hardwood Floors
Of course, you can always opt to add classic wood floors throughout your home. Rip out that old carpet and replace it with lustrous hardwood flooring. It’s a popular choice, and for a good reason: New flooring will do more than improve your interior design; it will also increase the value of your home by 3-5%.
Add Kitchen Cabinets or Counters
There’s no place quite like the kitchen. You want to design it in a way that feels inviting and inspiring. For that, you need a few pops of wood. But how should you use it?
It might be time to replace your kitchen cabinets with new wooden ones. Since cabinets are a dominant feature, it’s important to pick a type of wood that goes with your kitchen.
Alternatively, you can replace drawer fronts or change both to create a whole new look. You might choose a lighter wood for the cabinets and a darker one for the drawers!
Wood countertops are another option; they make for a great working surface. Keep in mind that wood counters require occasional maintenance. Apply mineral oil to condition the wood and protect the surface.
Wood Frames
Wood details make any room look more dynamic. But you don’t need to make wood the focal point of your interior design. Instead, try adding subtle, tasteful accents.
Seeking some inspiration? Here are a few suggestions:
- Picture frames
- Door frames
- Window frames
- Baseboards & crown molding
- Wood blinds
Pairing Paint Colors With Wood
We suggest matching the paint colors you choose to the undertones of the wood. For example, if you’re working with cherry or mahogany, you’ll want to choose paint with warm undertones. Consider colors like burnt orange, sienna red, or sunny yellow that will pair perfectly. Or if you prefer cool undertones, pair ash with soft greens, watery blues, or deep purples.
If the undertone of your wood isn’t quite right, you can always add a stain on top. Feel like adding more flair to your room? Paint your room two-toned for an extra burst of color. Again, we recommend sticking to colors that have similar undertones.
Step up your interior design by adding beautiful wood accents. While everyone has unique style preferences, it seems like there’s one thing we all agree on: Wood looks great when used in interior design. Make your home truly stunning by incorporating wood into your design.
Images by Depositphotos
