Modern interior design trends often feel a little cold and robotic to me. Yes, acrylics might be cheap and chrome metals can be very sexy. However, if you drift too out of touch with traditional features your home could end up looking like a morgue! Wood is one of the oldest building materials out there, and can be very effective if used properly. Here are some great ways to use wood in your home.

First of all, statement walls. These are becoming an increasingly popular trend in interior design, and when you see some of the best it’s not hard to understand why! Wood panelling and wainscoting are some of the better techniques when it comes to using wood on a statement wall. Start by looking up some designs which fit with the mood you’re going for. Home Design Lover has a great feature to check out. Whether it’s stained or natural, a few wood panels on the wall is a great way to add depth and warmth to a room. If you’re going for something a little more rustic with your design, try to incorporate unfinished panelling with a single, bold decoration. I’m sure you’ll find it as striking as I do!

Image: Wikimedia

Flooring is perhaps the most obvious way to utilise wood in your home. Although it may be a little over-used, that doesn’t mean it has to be boring! Study the room in question before going to a source. Reclaimed wood is cheaper and greener, but companies like Ted Todd wood flooring will offer a better selection. Whether you’re an oak or a cedar person, pay attention to the walls before settling on a particular wood. These should always be a foil to the shade of your wood flooring. If you’ve got a room with white walls, then choose a darker kind of wood to create a nice contrast. If the walls are maroon or a deeper colour, then go the opposite way. It may sound subtle, but the colours of your flooring and wall can make a big difference to how large or small a room feels.

Obviously the shade of the wood you use is an important thing to consider. Don’t forget about the other big feature though; the texture. Every species of wood has its own natural texture. For example, fir wood has a light, and consistently linear grain pattern. Pine, on the other hand, has a much more rounded, raw pattern in its texture. I know we’re getting into the nitty-gritty here, but you don’t want to make a decision and regret it once it’s all too late. Generally, subtler textures go well with the solid colours of a modern interior, and more pronounced ones are for rustic homes. However, it’s your home, so change up the style as you wish. Whatever you do though, don’t ignore the texture of the wood in your home.

There you have it; my best advice for using wood in interior design. Whatever kind of look you’re going for, this versatile material won’t let you down!