Incorporating Showstopping Wooden Pieces

One way to incorporate wood furniture is to find a statement piece and make it the focal point of the design. There are a couple of things to keep in mind when searching for that perfect conversation piece for your space. When selecting that perfect wood piece, look for unique features such as intricate carvings, distinctive patterns in the wood grain, or bold finishes that catch the eye. Handout/TNS

By Katie Laughridge From Tribune News Service]

Wooden furniture has long been revered for its timeless beauty and versatility in home design and decor. From the ornate carvings of the Renaissance era to the sleek designs of modern times, wood furniture has evolved to reflect changing tastes and styles while maintaining its timeless appeal. People love it for its warmth, character and ability to add a touch of nature to any space.

Whether it’s the rustic charm of reclaimed wood or the refined elegance of finely crafted hardwoods, wood furniture continues to captivate homeowners and designers alike, standing the test of time as a beloved staple in interior design.

As beloved as it is, our designers are often asked how to incorporate a new piece of wood furniture with a client’s existing décor. And I completely understand the trepidation; surely there must be some unspoken rules about mixing and matching wood tones, right? Well, I’m here to assure you that while there are no absolute do’s and don’ts (we’re in the world of design after all and here, rules are made to be broken), I do have a few tidbits that might help make your life a little easier when it comes to incorporating show-stopping wooden pieces.

Look for an Inspiration or Conversation Piece

One way to incorporate wood furniture is to find a statement piece and make it the focal point of the design. There are a couple of things to keep in mind when searching for that perfect conversation piece for your space.

When selecting that perfect wood piece, look for unique features such as intricate carvings, distinctive patterns in the wood grain or bold finishes that catch the eye. Additionally, consider the size and scale of the furniture piece in relation to the room to ensure it complements the overall design aesthetic without overpowering the space.

Finally, think of your furniture as functional art. Opt for a piece that sparks conversation and adds character to the room, creating a memorable focal point for guests and residents alike.

Consider Scale

When integrating a new piece of wood furniture into a space, it’s crucial to consider scale as it can significantly impact the overall look and feel of the room.

Wood furniture isn’t merely functional but also serves as aesthetically pleasing focal points within a room. Instead of a blank wall adorned with a piece of art, imagine a stunning backdrop created by a few striking bookcases bunched together. Additionally, you can opt for smaller pieces that can be seamlessly tucked next to a sofa or chair or nestled into the corner of a room, effortlessly blending functionality with style.

Layer With Texture

A statement wood piece is complex in the best way. It’s a texture in and of itself. Wood furniture is both décor itself and also offers places on which to showcase décor, offering flat and sturdy surfaces upon which vignettes can be built and displayed. A sideboard can be home to an amazing pair of lamps and serve as the foundation to a gallery wall or show-stopping piece of art; bookshelves can be styled to perfection, with or without books (we vote with—it’s all about that “bookshelf wealth” these days), both showcasing beloved items and adding to the space aesthetically.

In a room packed with upholstered furniture, wood pieces play a critical role in achieving balance; they add structure in a space that might otherwise read too soft. Incorporating wooden pieces into your room decor is not just about the furniture itself but also about layering with texture to create depth and dimension.

Introducing woven rattan baskets, textured jute rugs and plush wool throws alongside your wooden furniture adds tactile interest and visual warmth to your space. Or, consider accessorizing with smaller pops of wood throughout your space, with wooden trays, bowls and decorative objects to infuse your home with natural charm and rustic elegance.

Mix and Match

As beloved as it is, our designers are often asked how to incorporate a new piece of wood furniture with a client's existing decor. And I completely understand the trepidation; surely there must be some unspoken rules about mixing and matching wood tones, right? Well, I'm here to assure you that while there are no absolute do's and don'ts (we're in the world of design after all and here, rules are made to be broken), I do have a few tidbits that might help make your life a little easier when it comes to incorporating show-stopping wooden pieces. Handout/TNS

Long gone are the days of matching wooden furniture sets adorning every room. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different wood finishes and styles to create a curated and collected look in your home. Combining pieces with varying wood grains, tones and textures is what adds visual interest and personality to your space.

You can mix and match wood differently to achieve different aesthetics. If you are more into neutrals, maybe you do choose pieces that are more cohesive in finish. However, if your style tends toward the eclectic, the range of combinations is virtually limitless. The key lies in how you blend these varied wood tones to achieve your desired outcome.

Experiment by pairing a reclaimed wood console table with a polished walnut sideboard or layering diverse wood accents like a cherry wood mirror alongside a maple wood bookshelf. This approach creates a curated and collected feel, fostering an inviting and lived-in atmosphere. In certain spaces, wood tones can even serve as a versatile “neutral,” offering a supportive backdrop to accentuate features like highlighted wallpaper in a dining room.

Mixing new pieces of wood furniture with old pieces can add depth and character to your space, creating a timeless and curated look. And while we’re speaking of older pieces, I would be remiss if I failed to mention my deep respect and admiration for antique furniture. In fact, in my dining room you’ll find a mix of pieces, some new from the shop and others handed down through my family over generations. You can mix old and new in a way that looks collected and purposeful and meaningful.

Embrace Contrast

Whether it’s contrast within the furniture piece itself, the space it’s in, or with the other wood pieces, there are many juxtapositions to consider when creating an impactful design. One of the most effective ways to make a wooden piece stand out in your room decor is by embracing contrast. Pairing rich, dark wood furniture with light, airy surroundings creates a striking visual contrast that draws the eye and adds depth to the space. For example, a sleek mahogany dining table surrounded by white upholstered chairs creates a dramatic focal point in a neutral dining room, while a rustic oak coffee table atop a plush ivory rug adds warmth and texture to a contemporary living room.

Don’t Forget the Details

In the realm of wood furniture, attention to detail reigns supreme, much like in the world of fashion. While women's fashion boasts an abundance of styles and options from which to choose, the landscape of men's fashion is comparatively more limited. Consequently, it becomes crucial to accentuate the smallest elements to elevate their prominence. Similarly, in wood furniture, the significance of these minute details cannot be overstated. Features like pulls, the placement of doors within a base, or the design of the legs can wield a significant impact on the overall aesthetic and functionality of a piece. Handout/TNS

In the realm of wood furniture, attention to detail reigns supreme, much like in the world of fashion. While women’s fashion boasts an abundance of styles and options from which to choose, the landscape of men’s fashion is comparatively more limited. Consequently, it becomes crucial to accentuate the smallest elements to elevate their prominence. Similarly, in wood furniture, the significance of these minute details cannot be overstated. Features like pulls, the placement of doors within a base, or the design of the legs can wield a significant impact on the overall aesthetic and functionality of a piece.

Adapted from nellhills.com. Katie Laughridge is the owner of Kansas City interior design destination Nell Hill’s. For more information, contact Katie at [email protected]. Copyright 2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Dear Readers: We would love to hear from you. What topics would you like to read about? Please send your feedback and tips to [email protected].