Our experience of living through a pandemic has given us all an increased appreciation of the natural world and its health benefits. By introducing a natural look into our homes, we can continue to support our mental wellbeing even when we are indoors.
Recently, designers have been challenging our assumptions about how wood can be used in our homes. High end interiors are now giving pride of place to humble materials such as untreated plywood and chipboard while furniture designers have been creating imaginative pieces in organic fluid shapes that blur the boundaries between function and aesthetics.
By changing the way we think about using wood in our homes and allowing the tone, texture and pattern of the material to take centre stage, we can create spaces that will nurture us.
From the palest Washed Scandi Pine to the darkest Ebony, our collection of wood design flooring offers endless possibilities but to get you started here are three popular styles to spark your imagination.
Pale and interesting
The lightest toned woods will introduce a sense of airiness and space. Whitewashed planks and driftwood bleached silvery grey by sun and sea offer interesting textures and patterns and barely there shades of colour.
In this bedroom, Grey Scandi Pine from our Rubens range adds a rustic naturally weathered texture with its pronounced grain and characterful knot details. Pairing the subtle colouring of this pale toned floor with a cool neutral shade on walls and light wood furniture has created a modern rustic country style that is perfect for relaxing.
To complete the casual, laid-back look simply add an eclectic mix of your favourite vintage pieces in muted colours and untreated materials such as wicker, tin and wool. Even better if they’re a bit rough around the edges as this will add to the soft lived-in feel.
Rubens Rigid Core SCBKP97 Classic Limed Oak
Warm and inviting
On a grey day the rich tones of a wood design floor will lighten your mood and make the whole world seem brighter. Keeping your room simple with a pared back approach to furnishings and colours will let the warmth of the wood shine through.
Here, the cool palette of a minimalist design has been lifted with pops of primary colours such as the bold red chairs and balanced with the soft tones and textures of Classic Limed Oak from our Rubens range. This characterful flooring features subtle copper tones, a distinctive grain pattern and limed finish to create a welcoming atmosphere that is ideal for an informal lunch.
Dark and mysterious
Create an air of mystery with the distinctive look of smoked oak. A burnt or age worn wood unashamedly celebrates its origin and the dramatic darker tones will combine well with metalwork and exposed brickwork to add a homely feel to an industrial style.
The kitchen-diner above features a very muted colour scheme but it’s far from boring! Charred Oak from the Van Gogh range sits harmoniously alongside the striking structural metalwork and distressed copper kitchen units. Authentically replicating the different shades of smoked oak with a blend of golden amber, dark chocolate and dusky charcoal hues, this practical flooring radiates bold warm tones. The tonal variation of the exposed brick wall continues the theme of texture over colour for a space that oozes elegance and resilience against the challenges of time.
Which style is your favourite? Join the conversation and find inspiration on our Instagram page @designflooring_int