Achieving the right balance of different wood tones and species in an interior can feel daunting. Too similar and the space feels too matchy-matchy, too different and the scheme lacks cohesion. Here is the technique we use to get it just right.
Why is using wood important?
Using natural materials in an interior scheme revitalises and reminds us of our inherent connection to the natural world. Natural materials and textures have been proven to lower stress levels and restore calm. Wood is a living material that has its own unique texture and unmatchable hand-feel. It is such a versatile material and should be a staple in any interior design.
Can I use just one type of wood?
Yes, using just one type of wood is a possibility depending on the look and feel you’re hoping to create. Sticking to one species, finish and texture will give you a unified, formal look whereas mixing wood species and tone adds character, texture and warmth resulting in a more relaxed feel.
Identify the dominant wood tone
To mix and match successfully, first identify the dominant wood tone of the space. Usually this will be the largest expanse of the material such as a wooden floor, ceiling or wall panelling but can also fall to the largest, most dominant piece of wooden furniture in the space.
Identify it’s undertones
Most materials and colours will have a warm, cool or neutral undertone, the same is true for wood too. To ensure different wood species work well with each other, make sure the undertones match. Take a good look at your dominant wood finish and find the undertones you want to draw out with another species of wood.
Complement or contrast?
For a more put-together look, opt to complement wood tones and colours. As a rule of thumb, we wouldn’t recommend using any more than three different colours or tones of wood, even if they all work with each other. When mixing wood in our projects, we also like to ensure each tone is balanced by using each one more than once.
Don’t forget black, white and grey
If wood tones in a space start to feel overwhelming, don’t hesitate to use a black, white or grey stain to act as a neutral. We recommend sampling a few different strengths of these stains to find the right level of finish, for example how much of the natural wood grain do you still want to see through?
Create balance with texture too
Different wood species also have varying levels of texture and grain expression. Reclaimed timber is unique, it’s texture often hewn through years of use or weathering, feeling very different to an antique, French polished dresser! Be mindful of how contrasting textures will work together, do they complement each other or feel overwhelming?
The takeaway
Designing with a mix of wood species can feel challenging but when it all comes together it offers texture, character and charm that is hard to beat with any other interior finish. In addition to this, we can capitalise on the wellbeing benefits of this versatile natural material and use it to strengthen our connection to nature.