Move Aside, Ply—Designers Are Loving This Wood for Its Captivating Pattern

The article explores the emerging 'twisted wood' trend in interior design, presenting it as a refreshing evolution of traditional wood decor. It highlights how this trend offers a playful and distinctive approach to home furnishings, moving away from the previously dominant minimal and smooth styles. Interior designer Lauren Saab notes that after years of plain, straight furniture, consumers are seeking something different that feels less cold and more crafted. Twisted wood introduces movement, texture, and personality to pieces that might otherwise appear static or unremarkable. Twisted wood details are described as having a dynamic, almost kinetic quality, with their spiral forms interacting uniquely with light to create changing shadows as one moves around them. This effect adds depth and visual interest to a space. The trend is versatile, applicable to items of various sizes, from small stools and mirror frames to larger consoles and bar carts. Its ability to transform a room's feel, prevent it from appearing lifeless, and add shape is emphasized. Whether used as a bold statement piece or a subtle accent, twisted wood adapts to different interior styles, drawing the eye on larger items and providing a hint of texture on smaller ones. The article showcases several examples of how this trend can be incorporated into a home, featuring a diverse range of products. These include a table lamp with a dark, gray-toned twisted wood base and a pleated shade, praised for its tasteful blend of whimsy and traditional design, capable of elevating any tabletop. A braided wood finish oval wall mirror is presented as a mesmerizing piece that captures the sculptural and coiled effects of the trend, adding texture to walls. A wooden barley twist display ladder offers a stylish alternative to storage baskets for blankets, towels, or clothes, suitable for bare walls. In the kitchen, the braided wood serving set by Sarah Sherman Samuel demonstrates how the trend can make ordinary utensils more interesting, preparing homes for holiday dinner parties. A braided accent table with three twisted wood legs is highlighted for its visually appealing detail, bringing a playful and unique touch to a living room. A barley twist wooden shelf is suggested as a stylish wall decor idea, capable of adding artistic flair and serving as a spice rack. An accent chair with a twisted wood frame and white cushions combines traditional elegance with a playful touch, suitable as a unique style statement in a living room or bedroom. Smaller items like the wooden barley twist taper holder are recommended for those looking to cautiously explore the trend, offering a traditional charm with a subtle twist. For a more significant addition, a barley twist bar cart with brass handles and elegant twisted wood legs is presented as a stylish and functional piece for entertaining. A barley twisted floor lamp, with its 4.5-foot height, is noted for its ability to provide both ample light and effortless style in a reading corner. Finally, a barley twist round accent table, made from mango wood, is described as a tastefully elegant piece for living rooms, and Newport frames from Pottery Barn offer a subtle application of the trend, enhancing images with their textured design. Saab advises homeowners to integrate twisted wood details thoughtfully, emphasizing balance to prevent the space from feeling overdone or staged. The key, according to Saab, is to start small and strategically place pieces to create a dynamic yet harmonious interior. The trend is seen as a way to infuse classic interiors with a fresh sense of energy, allowing for personalized and distinctive home environments. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #WoodFurniture #TwistedWoodTrend #FurnitureDesign #HomeStyling #DesignTrends #TexturalElements #DecoratingTips

Wood has long been a fundamental material in furniture design, valued for its durability, availability, and versatility. It allows for diverse forms, from linear to sculptural, and offers a wide range of colors depending on the timber species, such as cherry, oak, or walnut. This enduring appeal of wood is being revitalized by a new wave of designers, particularly those based in Los Angeles, who are approaching this traditional material with fresh and innovative perspectives. These creatives are experimenting with shape, color, and overall style, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with timber. The article highlights several designers and their unique contributions to this resurgence of wood furniture. One featured piece is the 'Sweater Chair' by Sam Klemick, who brings a background in fashion design to furniture. This chair features a surreal element: a carved wooden sweater draped over its back, meticulously crafted to mimic the delicate hang of fabric. This piece functions as both a statement and a conversation starter, showcasing an unexpected blend of materials and aesthetics. Nik Gelormino's 'Shell Stool' is another example, known for preserving the natural texture and hue of the original timber while completely re-imagining its form into a swirling, sculptural design. Gelormino's work is recognized in both private residences and prominent online shops, reflecting a blend of organic inspiration and refined craftsmanship. The Los Angeles-based studio Base 10, founded by Lindsey Muscato and Joshua Friedman, presents the 'Bowtie Chair.' Influenced by Japanese woodworking techniques and the inherent qualities of the wood itself, this chair highlights the beauty of elm wood, subtly enhanced by small bowtie inlays along its legs, which also give the piece its name. Adi Goodrich, who grew up in her father’s woodshop, explores the interplay of color and wood in her 'Sketti-S Side Table.' Her collection of tables, chairs, and stools demonstrates how vibrant colors can accentuate the natural beauty of wood, with blue, for instance, providing a striking contrast against natural cherry wood. Tristan Louis Marsh’s 'Elephantine Chair' represents a different approach, where the designer opts to smooth over the raw qualities of wood. This chair is created using a technique that coats the frame in resin, resulting in a smooth, almost otherworldly effect that transforms the perception of the material. Finally, Shin Okuda’s studio, Waka Waka, focuses exclusively on wood furniture, producing designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The 'Leaning Cylinder Chair,' with its distinctive barrel-backed silhouette, is one of Okuda’s more recognizable pieces, available in various colors such as indigo, green, and red. These designers collectively illustrate how an age-old material can be given a contemporary and often surreal twist, making wood furniture cool again through innovative techniques and artistic vision. #WoodFurniture #FurnitureDesign #LosAngelesDesigners #ContemporaryWoodworking #InteriorDesignTrends #SustainableMaterials #ArtisanFurniture #DesignInnovation

Wood paneling, often associated with outdated 1970s dens or 1990s basements, is undergoing a modern resurgence in interior design. Designers are re-embracing this material to inject warmth, architectural interest, and character into both new constructions and historical homes. Emily Ward of Pierce & Ward notes a shift away from minimalist white interiors, indicating a desire for more textured and character-rich spaces. Austin-based designer Shannon Eddings emphasizes that while wood paneling may have been overused in the past, it remains a classic element that can be refreshed with new paint or stain. The contemporary approach to wood paneling prioritizes real wood and high-quality craftsmanship, moving away from the laminate and vinyl products that contributed to its dated reputation in the 20th century. Roman Alonso of Commune Design advocates for using local, native woods to connect the interior with its natural surroundings. Various types of wood paneling offer distinct aesthetic possibilities. Beadboard, traditionally characterized by beaded and beveled edges, creates a cottage-like atmosphere and is now available in convenient sheets for easier installation. V-groove paneling, with its chamfered edges forming V-shaped notches, offers a more versatile, formal, and modern alternative, often featuring wider planks than beadboard. Board-and-batten paneling involves flat wood panels with vertical strips (battens) covering the seams, a style originally used for weatherproofing exteriors but now popular in interiors, often made from vinyl or fiber cement board. Wainscoting refers to decorative paneling typically covering the lower third of a wall, initially serving insulation and protection purposes. This technique can incorporate various paneling styles such as raised panel, V-groove, shiplap, and beadboard. Shiplap, composed of wooden planks fitting together at a 90-degree angle with a distinct nickel gap, traditionally waterproofed ships and now adds a nautical flair to interiors, famously endorsed by Joanna Gaines. Flat paneling, as its name implies, consists of plain wooden strips with minimal decorative elements. Raised paneling creates a grid effect with framed insets and beveled edges, commonly seen in kitchen cabinets and Victorian interiors. Tongue and groove paneling, a system where each board has a ridge (tongue) that fits into a corresponding slot (groove on opposing sides of another board), ensures a snug fit. Cost considerations for wood paneling vary significantly. Installing wood paneling in a 12-by-12-foot room can range from $1,000 to $15,000, with real wood being pricier than faux alternatives. MDF or plywood are at the lower end of the real wood spectrum, while exotic woods can exceed $40 per square foot. These costs do not include painting or staining. To modernize wood paneling, designers suggest mixing and matching materials, such as combining wood with metals or incorporating harmonizing color palettes. Choosing the appropriate paneling style is crucial; smaller paneling might evoke a classic or English cottage feel, while wider tongue-and-groove designs lean more modern. The choice of paint color also influences the overall aesthetic. For a glamorous update, Elizabeth Pash recommends high-gloss paint, especially for existing paneling, to add color and drama. Wood paneling can be purchased in sheets for easier installation. While not primarily a noise-canceling solution, its added layer can reduce noise. Wood paneling is generally more expensive than drywall alone, and it is usually installed over drywall, requiring budgeting for both materials. #WoodPaneling #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #ArchitecturalDetails #DIYProjects #WallCoverings #MaterialSelection

Wood surfaces add warmth and a welcoming feel to spaces without overwhelming other materials, making them a timeless and neutral choice in design. Madera, a US-based wood design studio founded in 2012, specializes in creating wood flooring, millwork, and furniture. Their products range from white oak stairs to sustainable exterior decking and facades. Madera offers a "Seamless Wood Design" system, ensuring that various wooden elements like stairs, architectural panels, grilles, vents, interior doors, cabinet fronts, and millwork complement each other and the flooring according to client preferences. The Peconic House in New York, designed by Mapos, integrates natural materials to blend with its Long Island bay setting. Inside, Madera's Northern White Oak Flooring and white walls create bright, airy spaces, while the brand's grey-toned Hurricane recovered Ipe Decking enhances the exterior's weathered look. Desai Chia Architecture's Ledge House in Connecticut features a charred cedar exterior, reflecting the rocky landscape. Inside, Wide Plank European Oak Flooring by Madera contrasts with the dark facade, providing a light interior. Recesses lined with panelling from Madera's Stockholm Collection match the flooring, maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. Twentieth in California, by Woods + Dangaran, centers around an old olive tree. The white brick, three-story home offers both indoor and outdoor living. Madera's Wide Plank European Oak Flooring from the Stockholm Collection creates a warm backdrop, allowing natural light to form patterns across its surface. For the Moore House in California, a 1965 Craig Ellwood design, Woods + Dangaran undertook a sensitive restoration. The interior features Madera's wooden teak flooring and panelling, with custom Reclaimed Teak Flooring created to match existing teak elements, bringing warmth to the space. NoMad Loft in New York, renovated by Worrell Yeung, highlights classical materials in a contemporary setting. Drawing from the building's 1871 history, the design emphasizes materiality with a simple color palette. Madera's European Oak Flooring from its TRA collection is used alongside curved, grey-plastered walls and black and white furnishings. Arnold Studio's Clinton Residence in New York combines old and new by adding a two-story apartment to a historic brick house. Pale European Oak Flooring by Madera lightens the space, contrasting with dark wood ceiling beams. White oak stairs, made from the same Madera product, brighten the stairwell. The Cedars in New York, restored by Office of Tangible Space, features crisp white interiors and cedar cladding. Madera's whitewashed European Oak Flooring and white walls create bright, light-filled spaces, with black furnishings and frames providing a contemporary contrast. Di An Di, a Brooklyn restaurant designed by Office of Tangible Space and Huy Bui, aims for a bright, community-focused environment. Madera's American Ash furniture and millwork, paired with distressed timber flooring and deep green walls, create a simple, timeless interior. The David Rubenstein Forum in Chicago, a university building by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, is recognized for its six cantilevering blocks and glazed facades. Wide Plank Northern White Oak Flooring by Madera reflects light from the windows, and wood-paneled walls and ceilings add warmth to the lecture hall. Industrious at Equinox in New York, a co-working space, features Madera's Wide Plank European Oak Flooring in private offices and social areas. Klippa and Yarrow stairs from Madera's Stockholm and Terra Collections, combined with black balustrades, create a dramatic material palette, aligning with Equinox's luxurious aesthetic. #WoodDesign #InteriorDesign #MaderaSurfaces #ArchitecturalWoodwork #LuxuryInteriors #SustainableMaterials #FlooringDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #CommercialDesign

The article explores the enduring and evolving trend of using natural wood in home design, highlighting its resurgence in contemporary interiors. It posits that while wood has always been a staple, modern applications are elevating it beyond traditional forms like paneling or shiplap, focusing on fresh applications, diverse tones, and modern twists. Several Dallas-based designers showcase their approaches to integrating wood into various home settings. Chris Angelle, facing space constraints in a high-rise condo, utilized custom wood built-ins and cabinetry to connect the dining area with the kitchen, providing storage and visual coherence while maintaining warmth in a compact space. He emphasized the use of a transparent table to open up the area, balancing the warmth of the wood with functionality. Allison Seidler, another featured designer, created an attention-grabbing focal wall with custom gridded white oak paneling, visible from the home's entrance. She cautioned homeowners about the higher cost of stain-grade wood compared to paint-grade options and the inherent variances in natural materials, which she considers part of their charm. Seidler believes natural wood walls are a lasting design element that adds warmth and character. Joshua Rice, in collaboration with Smitharc Architecture + Interiors, designed a continuous wood-wrapped entry for a home. This project featured different woods for the exterior and interior: thermally treated ash with a vertical grooved pattern for the outside and fumed white oak veneer for the inside. Rice emphasized a commitment to natural materials, explaining that fuming is a natural chemical process that aligns with their design philosophy, contrasting it with staining. Cynthia Collins designed an intimate inglenook, cladding every surface of the conversation space in white oak to create a cocoon-like, inviting effect. She highlighted wood's versatility and its ability to ground a space with its earthy, timeless quality. Collins asserts that wood tones will always be a lasting feature in design. Morgan Farrow tackled the challenge of creating an elegant yet approachable formal sitting room by incorporating an intricately patterned natural wood ceiling treatment. This design choice aimed to draw the eye upward and prevent the space from feeling overly feminine. Farrow considers ceilings her favorite place to use wood, describing its effect as a "warm hug" that draws individuals into a room. Mary Beth Wagner chose to embrace existing wood paneling in a home office rather than painting over it. To refresh the space, she added wallpaper to the coffered ceiling squares and complemented the cherry stain with soft blue and taupe furnishings. Wagner noted that the once-popular painted navy study is no longer as exciting, and re-embracing wood allows for greater creativity with color palettes and textures in design. The article underscores that current wood trends are about celebrating the natural material's inherent beauty, texture, and warmth through thoughtful, modern applications. Designers are moving away from covering up wood with paint or overly rustic styles, instead opting for techniques that highlight its grain and character, making it a sophisticated and enduring element in contemporary home design.

The article discusses the resurgence of 12 vintage decor trends anticipated to dominate in 2025, particularly those aligning with a country aesthetic. This trend forecasting addresses the cyclical nature of design, where styles once considered 'out' often return to popularity. The editor-in-chief of Country Living highlights insights from various design experts and observations from fashion shows and furniture markets, indicating a continued preference for laid-back country styles. Dark wood cabinetry is making a significant comeback, moving away from all-white kitchens. The modern approach involves integrating unpainted wood cabinetry with open shelving or mixed materials to prevent a dated appearance. Lighter wood options like oak or bleached wood are also gaining traction for those preferring a less intense wood grain. Folk art-inspired stencils and motifs, drawing from Pennsylvania Dutch traditions and German design, are experiencing a revival. This decorative style, characterized by intricate painted motifs featuring flora, fauna, and pastoral scenes, is being reinterpreted by contemporary decorative painters and designers. DIY options are also available through various chalk paint purveyors and stencil libraries. Quilted upholstery is another prominent trend, with assorted pieced and patchwork motifs appearing in fashion and home decor. Designers are utilizing heirloom quilts to re-upholster furniture pieces such as wing chairs and headboards. The practicality of using quilt tops, which are more economical and adaptable for upholstery, is also noted, though designers advise using older quilts on less frequently used items due to wear. Wood-paneled walls are seeing a strong return, contradicting previous trends where homeowners painted over knotty pine. This resurgence emphasizes warm wood tones, with designers increasingly opting for natural wood finishes over painted surfaces. Copper accents are becoming popular beyond cookware, extending to kitchen fixtures like backsplashes, worktops, hoods, and hardware. This metal offers a warm patina similar to unlacquered brass but provides a less ubiquitous alternative, adding a rustic yet refined touch to interiors. Barbour coat colors, encompassing rich olives, earthy ochres, and ruddy clays, are influencing interior paint and fabric choices. These outdoorsy hues, rooted in English and American workwear, are favored for creating a cozy, nature-inspired palette, particularly in country settings. Lighter khaki and pinkish-brown tones are suggested for those desiring a softer look, with textiles from companies like Schumacher reflecting this color trend. Patterned sofas are gaining widespread popularity, serving as a solution to avoid large blocks of solid color in a room. The use of patterns allows the eye to travel across the furniture piece, contributing to a more cohesive room design and offering a practical advantage in being more forgiving than solid colors. Colorful bath fixtures, reminiscent of the pastel dominance in 1950s bathroom design, are returning. This trend, driven by a demand for dopamine-boosting decor, includes pastel porcelain basins and tiles, reflecting a renewed appreciation for historically charming aesthetics. Tables in lieu of traditional kitchen islands are becoming a preferred choice, especially for smaller spaces. This trend aligns with unfitted kitchen designs that incorporate more freestanding furniture, promoting a casual and inviting atmosphere that encourages family gatherings. Stained glass windows, historically present in residential designs from Arts & Crafts to Art Deco, are seeing renewed interest. The demand for handcrafted and unique items has brought artful stained glass back into focus, with contemporary artists and designers integrating bespoke pieces into modern interiors to add unique character and soft color. Welsh blankets, known for their rich colors and bold patterns, are becoming a key decorative element. These woven wool throws, a product of Wales' long tradition of sheep farming, are created using a signature double-cloth construction and offer both warmth and vibrant design. Family companies and modern makers continue to produce these blankets, often used as wedding presents or for adding a cozy, colorful touch to homes. Finally, Tyrolean chairs, also known as Swiss mountain chairs, are appearing in design projects. These whimsical chairs, named after the Alpine region of Tyrol, are characterized by their quirky, curvy silhouettes. They are being used as versatile accent chairs in various settings, adding charm and character to dining areas or cozy corners. #VintageDecor #HomeDesignTrends #CountryLiving #InteriorDesign2025 #WoodPanelWalls #FolkArtMotifs #QuiltedUpholstery #CopperAccents #ColorfulBathFixtures #StainedGlass

Timber, a material celebrated for its warmth, natural aesthetic, and sustainability, often presents a challenge in conveying dynamism due to its linear and repetitive grain. Unlike metallic or stone surfaces that offer varied light reflection and irregular finishes, timber can sometimes appear static. The innovative use of wooden slats, however, offers a solution by introducing movement, curves, and a visual rhythm not typically associated with this material. Designers are increasingly deploying wooden planks and fins in various architectural and interior applications, from residential kitchens to corporate lobbies and external facades, to achieve these effects. In a contemporary country house in the Cotswolds, timber slats serve to seamlessly connect a 19th-century threshing barn with a modern 10,000 sq ft wing. Vertical timber cladding forms a central link between the old and new structures, while internally, wood planks create curved partitions, screens, and a sweeping ceiling feature. This design choice, according to Ben Twells of SOTA Design, extends the visual connection between interior and exterior spaces, providing an aesthetic atmosphere and technical achievement that a painted plaster ceiling could not match. The neutral palette of the wood complements the historic stone, ensuring the modern additions enhance rather than detract from the original barn. In a South London Edwardian terrace extension, wooden planks are used to create a hidden storage wall and a discreet opening to a gallery. This timber and expressed-steel kitchen and dining area features a wall of vertical wooden slats that conceals fridges, a pantry, and a technical room. Laura Carrara-Cagni of Cagni Williams highlights how these textured oak panels function as secret doors, providing extensive storage that keeps clutter at bay. The client praises the glowing oak wall as both useful and elegant. Additionally, timber planks form shutters that link the dining room to the gallery space, further integrating the design elements. The central atrium of The Acre, a London office redevelopment in Covent Garden, utilizes wood slats to inject warmth, texture, and functional design into a large corporate environment. Valeria Segovia, design director at Gensler, notes that the slatted panels introduce rhythm and playfulness, allowing the wood to express structure and create gentle curves. The strategic application of wood in areas where visitors congregate, flowing from ceiling to wall to seating, unifies the building’s spatial elements and encourages interaction, contrasting with the building’s brutalist form. At Two Pancras Square in King’s Cross, existing wood paneling was re-stained and veneered during a renovation to give it a modern update, demonstrating a commitment to longevity and circular economy principles. Henry Shearer of the King’s Cross Group explains that 95% of the original wall lining was recycled, achieving a high-quality finish while preserving resources. This approach highlights how original features can be revitalized to meet contemporary design standards while aligning with sustainable practices. Architectural design studio Echlin, in collaboration with NCA Architecture, employs timber planks and fins to effectively divide rooms without resorting to solid walls in an Oxfordshire home. This technique creates subdivided spaces and zones while maintaining an open feel, allowing for light and shadow play. The exterior planks are stained black for dramatic effect, while internal slats manage sightlines, offering glimpses into spaces and texturally demarcating areas for specific functions like a study. Creative director Samuel Pye explains that this approach represents an evolved form of broken-plan living, which is incorporated into nearly all of their projects. The complex and intricate slat-work, such as the balustrade around the escalators in the rejuvenated Arding & Hobbs shopping centre in Clapham, further exemplifies the potential for ornate and significant applications of wood slats in modern design. #WoodSlats #InteriorDesign #Architecture #TimberConstruction #SustainableDesign #ModernArchitecture #DesignTrends #ArchitecturalFeatures

The perception of interior design trends often revolves around overarching styles, color palettes, or patterns, but less frequently on specific material tones like wood. While light-toned woods, popular in Scandinavian and minimalist decor, continue to hold their appeal, there is a notable resurgence of medium and dark wood tones such as walnut, cherry, and mahogany. These rich, deep, and chocolatey finishes are making a comeback, offering an aesthetic that blends old-world charm with contemporary warmth and character. Experts in interior design, color theory, and branding suggest that this shift is a natural progression from the overall trend towards warmer and more welcoming interior aesthetics in 2024. Interior designers link the return of darker woods to the growing popularity of beige and a general move away from gray tones. Warm, dark woods are seen as a perfect complement to warmer-toned neutrals, contributing to a cozy yet sophisticated feel. These woods, particularly those with warm undertones like mahogany and oak, are well-suited to aesthetics such as rustic, cottagecore, and dark academia, especially when paired with rich textures like cashmere, wool, velvet, and hair-on-hide. This trend is not confined to period homes; the richness and depth of warm wood tones can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere in any style of home, including contemporary spaces. Darker stained oak can offer a rich warmth without being as intensely dark as mahogany or walnut. The integration of darker woods with modern design’s earth tones and pastels is seamless, with darker woods providing warmth and comfort that can act as a focal point, especially when paired with lighter pastel tones. There are four primary ways to incorporate darker woods into home design. First, richer wood tones are emerging as a significant trend in kitchen design, with unpainted kitchen cabinets allowing natural wood grains to shine. Walnut, for instance, is highly favored for its rich and dark aesthetic, contributing to a warm and homely feel in both modern and contemporary kitchens. This shift is driven by changing kitchen color palettes that lean towards warmer hues, which natural wood effectively achieves. Espresso-stained cabinets, teak countertops, or mahogany islands can transform a kitchen into a luxurious space. For those not ready for a full remodel, a vintage freestanding pantry or restaining old butcher block counters can introduce this element. Second, dark wood floors can ground a room, creating a sense of sophistication and warmth. These transitional, old-meets-new elements add an elegance unique to deep hues. Using dark wood for flooring can create a cocooning effect, connecting the space to nature and providing warmth. It is also a durable and timeless investment. In home offices, custom walnut bookcases, wall panels, and traditional lighting can echo original wood flooring, creating a nostalgic, old-world feel. Subtler uses, like mahogany side tables or walnut paneling, can add weight, depth, and texture, drawing the eye into the room. Third, pairing dark woods with warm, rich tones for an enveloping color palette is crucial. While some warm woods suit minimalist spaces, deep, saturated hues such as burgundy, forest green, ochre, and navy blue, when combined with dark wood, create a cocooning effect and a curated, luxurious, and lived-in mood. This approach emphasizes comfort, coziness, and an inviting, relaxed, yet casually luxurious ambiance. Dark brown woods or accents paired with rich burgundy can bring rustic warmth, particularly in well-lit spaces, and can be layered with natural materials like ceramic clay vases and textured fabrics to soothe the senses. Fourth, selecting one or two accent pieces is an ideal way to introduce dark wood without a full commitment. A side table, bookshelf, or statement chair in a deep wood finish can integrate seamlessly with existing decor, adding personality without being jarring. A well-chosen dark wood accent against a neutral background can elevate the entire room. In a dining room, a dark oak table can become a focal point. Stained or lacquered rattan offers a softer alternative, with its tactile texture softening the dark hue and suiting both traditional and contemporary settings. Ultimately, styling dark wood pieces with confidence, letting them harmonize with existing decor, allows them to bring character to any room, easily interchanged and enduring as a timeless trend. #InteriorDesign #DarkWood #HomeDecorTrends #KitchenDesign #FlooringIdeas #ColorPalettes #AccentFurniture #WarmInteriors #WoodTones

Moiré fabric, a textile with a distinctive, water-like pattern, is experiencing a significant revival in modern interior design. While dating back as far as the early 1600s, this centuries-old material is being reinterpreted by designers to add a unique blend of regality and contemporary flair to spaces. The fabric's characteristic shimmery, wavy effect, often described as a conversation between silk and rippling light, creates a hypnotic visual that brings depth and movement without being overtly dramatic. Experts highlight that moiré fabric, technically a pattern formed by two interfering, repeating designs, adds a 'soft formality' and 'quiet drama' to interiors. Stéphanie Lizée, a Paris-based interior designer, emphasizes its 'old-fashioned yet timelessly elegant' nature, noting that while its traditional use can be pompous, its modern application introduces a necessary 'touch of accident' for balance between antiquity, preciousness, and modernity. Laura Karasinski, founder of Atelier Karasinski, points out its highly graphic quality and its ability to change appearance depending on the viewing angle, offering versatility for both decadent and retro aesthetics. The interplay of moiré with light is a key advantage, as its texture subtly changes throughout the day, providing dynamic interest. This makes it particularly effective in rooms with ample natural sunlight. The fabric can be used extensively, such as drenching an entire space or lining a wardrobe, as suggested by Karasinski, who recalls a memorable limy yellow silk moiré-lined wardrobe. Alternatively, it can be incorporated in smaller doses through lampshades, cabinetry interiors, or cushions, with Karasinski even using it on the backs of showroom curtains for a subtle reveal. The consensus among designers is that moiré fabric can be applied in almost any imaginative way. For a contemporary look, designers suggest breaking away from traditional uses like curtains and cushions, instead opting for more 'relevant and subtle ways' to showcase its nuanced ability. If a simpler approach is preferred, selecting colors aligned with current trends can ease its integration. When styling moiré fabric, designers note its compatibility with various aesthetics. It can evoke a Space Age feel when paired with chrome decor and mushroom lamps, transporting a room back to a specific era. Additionally, moiré wallcoverings create an intriguing backdrop that allows other patterns and furnishings to stand out without competing. The fabric also creates a harmonious balance when juxtaposed with natural textures like brass, rattan, and aged wood, as these materials offer a tactile contrast that enhances moiré's inherent 'soul'. Philippe Desart, managing director at Arte, a luxury wallcovering brand, observes that moiré, once a feature of grand European estates, has found renewed appeal in modern interiors due to its capacity to add depth and detail through a delicate shimmer, maintaining subtlety rather than overwhelming the space. This revival of moiré fabric reflects a broader trend in interior design where historical patterns are reimagined for contemporary living, offering a sophisticated and visually rich element to homes. #MoiréFabric #InteriorDesignTrends #FabricTrends #LuxuryInteriors #HomeDecor #Wallcoverings #TextileDesign #ModernInteriors #DesignRevival

Interior design trends, much like fashion trends, are constantly evolving, with certain styles falling out of favor to make way for new and innovative approaches. One prominent trend that designers are now moving away from is the accent wall, where a single wall in a room is painted a different color or given a unique treatment to create a focal point. Designers express a desire for more comprehensive and confident design choices, advocating for bold statements rather than subtle introductions to visual interest. The emerging consensus among design experts is that the ceiling, often referred to as the "fifth wall," is becoming the new frontier for incorporating visual interest and defining a space. Traditionally overlooked, the ceiling is now being recognized for its potential to elevate a room, create balance, and express personal style. Designers are exploring various techniques to transform ceilings from a neutral backdrop into a captivating design element. One approach involves visually altering the perceived height of a room. For spaces with high ceilings, designers suggest adding wallpaper with gentle colors and unique patterns to both the ceiling and a few feet of the walls beneath it. This method helps to visually bring down the height, making the room feel less overwhelming and more cohesive. This treatment also provides an opportunity for homeowners to express their personal style through color and pattern. Color-drenching is another favored technique, where an entire room, including the ceiling, is immersed in a single color or a harmonious palette. This creates a cohesive and immersive experience, exuding confidence in the design choice. Designers encourage clients to fully commit to color, utilizing materials like lime paint, wallpaper, or plaster to achieve a bold and unified look. Color-blocking offers a more dynamic option, combining two complementary hues to create a striking visual effect on the ceiling. This method provides unique visual weight and adds an unexpected mood, effectively defining spaces within a larger open-plan layout. When attempting color-blocking, it is recommended to choose shades that are opposite on the color wheel to ensure a harmonious yet impactful contrast. Wallpaper is also making a significant statement on ceilings. Designers advocate for bold and eye-catching patterns that command attention, arguing that a wallpapered ceiling appears complete and purposeful, unlike an accent wall that might suggest an incomplete design. This technique draws the eye upward, creating interest and an illusion of height in any room. For those seeking drama and sophistication, dark and moody treatments for ceilings are gaining popularity. Incorporating metallic elements, such as dark paints with metallic sheens or actual metal finishes, can create a luxurious and dynamic effect. These metallic surfaces interact with natural and artificial light, producing a constantly changing visual experience throughout the day. This approach offers an unexpected, elevated, and impactful design statement. Finally, creating architectural details with paint and wallpaper on ceilings is a clever way to add bespoke character to a home. Techniques like wraparound wallpaper treatments highlight changes in ceiling height, making architectural features appear intentional and sculptural. Similarly, painted lines that mimic wainscoting or paneling can introduce a timeless and grounded feel, even in contemporary settings. This method offers a bold, creative, and relatively simple alternative to full-scale renovations, proving that smart design can be both stylish and accessible. #InteriorDesignTrends #CeilingDesign #HomeDecor #ColorDrenching #WallpaperCeilings #ArchitecturalDetails #ModernInteriors #DesignInnovation

The article explores the interior design trend of layering different tones of wood to create rich, warm, and sophisticated spaces. This approach moves away from monochromatic wooden furniture and single-tone finishes, advocating for a varied wood palette in surfaces, furniture, and accessories. Key advice from designers Alexy Kos and Che Huang of Child Studio emphasizes using sustainable, indigenous wood species like pine, oak, cherry, and maple, while strictly avoiding exotic and endangered woods. The article presents five examples that showcase the effective application of this trend. The first example features a dining room designed by Child Studio, incorporating mahogany library walls paired with Rosso Levanto marble and a round maple table. The choice of woods with slightly reddish tones contributes to a deep, opulent feel. The designers highlight that layering various wood tones and textures creates a timeless atmosphere, making a home feel warm and lived-in. They suggest that understated designs, where timber serves as a background element, age more gracefully, allowing accessories or art to update the space. The second illustration focuses on a lighter, brighter application of layered woods within another Child Studio project. Curved walls, furniture, and screens, all made from different wood tones, demonstrate how careful selection of wood grain can unify a space dominated by timber. The designers stress the importance of choosing specific pieces of timber with attractive natural patterns and soft, natural grain patterns. They also advise against high gloss levels, recommending oils and varnishes to preserve an organic appearance, avoiding an artificial or plastic look. A kitchen-diner designed by Melbourne architects Kennedy Nolan serves as the third example, featuring wraparound tonal wood paneling on walls and ceilings. This design prioritizes warmth, texture, and durability. Founding partner Patrick Kennedy explains that eliminating white and lining all surfaces in timber amplifies the material's warmth and softness, enhancing views. While initially hesitant to mix timber species, the studio carefully balanced tones, avoiding high contrast and selecting timbers for their inherent qualities, following a tradition seen in vernacular architecture. The fourth example showcases a vignette at Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, designed by NICOLEHOLLIS. Here, Douglas Fir-clad walls and ceilings are combined with a mix of wood furniture, including a deep red-brown sideboard and a pale-framed armchair, with cane elements drawing the natural materials together. Alexy Kos and Che Huang suggest pairing light and dark timbers to create contrast and interest. They recommend using different shades of oak for lighter tones and cherry and walnut for darker ones, using one as a backdrop and highlighting with the opposing shade. This contrast can yield a smart, sharp look, while softer, subtle tones create a more casual feel. The final example is an architectural hallway by Jake Arnold Design, where a subtle difference in wood tone between the staircase and columns highlights the architectural beauty of these elements. A stone table provides a contrasting focal point against the deep woods. The designers suggest that natural elements like marble, limestone, brass, and wool textiles complement mixed woods beautifully. This overall approach of layering wood tones and textures is presented as a sophisticated and welcoming interior design trend. #InteriorDesign #WoodLayering #DesignTrends #HomeDecor #MaterialMixing #ChildStudio #KennedyNolan #NicoleHollis #JakeArnoldDesign

The interior design landscape is currently undergoing a significant shift from the previously dominant minimalist aesthetic of bright white walls, beige accents, and sparse decor. A new trend, dubbed "Dark Glamour" by Benjamin Moore, is emerging, characterized by deep, moody hues, rich jewel tones, dusky neutrals, and metallic accents, often with a gothic undertone. This shift emphasizes creating spaces with more color and emotional depth, moving away from a strictly neutral palette. Local interior designers are embracing this change, offering insights into successfully integrating these richer palettes into home environments. Tammie Ladd, owner of Tammie Ladd Design, highlights the importance of incorporating living elements like plants to prevent dark spaces from feeling too heavy. She also stresses the significance of contrast, drawing parallels to black-and-white photography, where a balance between light and dark elements—such as a dark floor with white walls or dark cabinetry with lighter hardware—creates visual interest and energy. Ladd illustrates this by describing a home study she designed with midnight blue walls contrasted by an untouched warm-toned wood ceiling, noting the complementary energy between blue and orange tones. Kasey Dobbins of Foxwood Design Co. shares a similar perspective, suggesting that for those hesitant to paint entire walls dark, painting the ceiling can be an effective alternative. She advises against an all-black-and-white scheme, preferring rooms within a mid-tone range for a more inviting feel. Dobbins encourages homeowners to select colors they are inherently drawn to, suggesting that personal comfort and preference should guide color choices, allowing homes to reflect individual personalities. Lighting plays a crucial role in these richly colored spaces. Ladd acknowledges the contribution of lighting specialists, emphasizing that strategic lighting can transform a dark room. Dobbins advocates for a layered lighting approach, combining various sources such as can lights, ambient sconces, and table lamps to create depth and warmth. She also provides practical advice for naturally low-light areas like basements, recommending medium-tone colors over very dark or stark white options, as white can make such spaces feel institutional. Beyond color and light, texture is another essential element for enhancing moody interiors. Ladd favors velvet for its calming properties and visual interest, while Dobbins is drawn to nubby bouclé fabric. Other textural elements like woven shades, sisal rugs, and waffle weave blankets can also enrich dark spaces. The article notes that even sheepskin throws, when used judiciously, can contribute to this textural complexity. Grasscloth wall coverings, reinvented with contemporary colors, are also recommended for adding a sophisticated textural layer. For luminous touches, natural stone, mirrored materials, and metals are suggested, particularly to complement candlelight. This trend towards rich colors and textures is seen as a corrective response to the previous monochromatic design extreme, aiming to reintroduce warmth and energy into living spaces, offering numerous options for homeowners to create refreshingly moody and personalized interiors. #InteriorDesign #DarkGlamour #ColorTrends #HomeDecor #TexturalElements #LightingDesign #MoodPalette #DesignTips #SpokaneDesigners

The article explores the anticipated furniture trends for 2025, as predicted by various interior designers. These trends offer diverse approaches to home decoration, ranging from material choices to furniture silhouettes and overall aesthetic integration. Each trend is presented with insights from a specific designer, providing context and practical application. One significant trend identified is the resurgence of rich-toned woods, moving away from lighter hues to embrace walnuts and dark oaks. Brad Thornton notes that these materials bring warmth, luxury, and a grounded feel, also facilitating the integration of antique pieces into contemporary designs. This trend suggests a desire for depth and timelessness in furniture. Another emerging trend involves custom skirts on seating. Bria Hammel highlights that specialty skirts, such as box pleats, fan pleats, ruffles, or scallops, can personalize upholstered furniture, adding texture and character to a space. This indicates a move towards more bespoke and detailed design elements. Patinaed antiques are also expected to gain popularity, with Christine Markatos Lowe emphasizing the fresh appeal of mixing these pieces with contemporary furnishings. The juxtaposition of a dark walnut desk with a light upholstered chair, for instance, creates visual interest without making a space feel dated. Natural stone tables are predicted to inspire color-saturated rooms. Autumn Oser of Haldon House explains how materials like emerald marble or chocolate-toned marble can influence the entire room's color palette, leading to cohesive and immersive atmospheres. This trend encourages a unified design approach where furniture dictates the color scheme. Accent pieces with organic, fluid lines are continuing to trend, driven by a desire to connect with nature. Margaret Donaldson points out that hand-forged iron consoles or furniture with natural wood tops and curvy forms bring the outdoors in, softening architectural straight lines and adding visual appeal. The comeback of vintage starburst mirrors is also anticipated. Betty Ann Gilrain suggests that these mirrors, especially vintage ones with intricate details, can serve as captivating focal points, directing attention and adding a 'wow factor' to any room. This reflects an interest in unique, statement-making accessories. Upholstered chair legs are noted as a fresh and special look by Michelle Gage. While classic turned legs remain popular, upholstered legs offer a modern yet timeless silhouette, contributing to a sense of luxury and unique design. Statement coffee tables are expected to anchor living spaces in 2025. Audrey Scheck advises opting for sculptural tables made from natural materials or using unexpected items like vintage trunks. This trend emphasizes the coffee table as a central element for infusing personality and interest into a room. Murphy beds and other smart storage solutions are seeing an uptick in appreciation, according to Liz Hoekzema. This trend highlights the growing need for functional and space-saving furniture, particularly in smaller living environments, while still allowing other decorative pieces to shine. Curved furniture, already gaining momentum, is projected to expand beyond sofas to include beds and chairs. Rachel Reider notes that curved forms add softness and warmth, effectively breaking up straight architectural lines and enhancing visual interest. Blonde wood finishes are poised to introduce 'light' into wood finishes. Tracy Morris suggests mixing light wood or white finishes with darker fabrics to create contrast, moving away from monochromatic dark schemes. This trend emphasizes balance and brightness in material selection. Finally, mismatched pieces are anticipated to gain momentum, with Miranda Cullen predicting a shift towards more expressive furniture with unexpected colors, textures, and patterns. This signals a move away from neutral furnishings, allowing homeowners to reintroduce color and bold design choices into their spaces. #FurnitureTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignersPredictions #RichTonedWoods #CustomSkirts #PatinaedAntiques #NaturalStone #OrganicLines #CurvedFurniture #BlondeWoodFinishes #MismatchedPieces

The article highlights the new Los Angeles showroom of the Australian floor-covering brand Armadillo, emphasizing the in-store experience for rug shopping, which mitigates the challenges of online purchases. Armadillo's showroom, located in a repurposed nightclub, showcases eco-friendly rugs made from materials like jute, silk, and wool. Cofounder Jodie Fried's commitment to sustainability influenced the showroom's design, which integrates existing architectural elements with new, environmentally conscious installations. A key design feature of the showroom is the innovative use of oak flooring repurposed as wall paneling. This technique, which Fried suggests can be replicated in homes, contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere. The design palette is consistent across Armadillo showrooms, featuring white oak, polished concrete, and crisp white, adapted to each location's unique characteristics. In the Los Angeles space, hardwood flooring was installed on the walls to complement the existing concrete foundation and white partitions. The showroom also offers practical design inspiration, such as a living room area curated by Swike Design. This space demonstrates effective rug layering techniques, using two similar-toned rugs—a quiet Eden style and a plush Mojave style—to add depth and texture. A glass coffee table in this area maintains visual openness while allowing the layered rugs to remain visible. Fried advises that rugs can be layered simply by centering a smaller rug on a larger one for a defined border or offset for a more relaxed feel. For consumers, the article underscores the importance of obtaining rug samples to view them in their intended space, under natural light, and alongside existing decor before making a purchase. While the showroom provides an immersive experience, samples are also available for online ordering, offering flexibility to customers. The showroom exemplifies Armadillo's dedication to sustainable practices, evidenced by the retention of original glass and metal windows and the installation of 100 percent renewable electricity. Overall, the Armadillo Los Angeles showroom serves not only as a retail space but also as a source of design inspiration, demonstrating how sustainable practices and clever material repurposing can create a homey and aesthetically pleasing environment. The wood paneling trick, derived from repurposed flooring, is presented as an accessible design solution for homeowners seeking to enhance their living spaces with warmth and character. #WoodPaneling #HomeDesign #Sustainability #InteriorDesign #RugLayering #EcoFriendly #ShowroomDesign #MaterialRepurposing #DesignInspiration

The article highlights a growing trend among interior designers and clients to move away from plain, flat-painted walls towards more textured finishes. Sondra Ganz of Studio Ganz notes that many clients are requesting walls with more visual interest, finding traditional painted walls to be boring. Textured walls offer a more transportive and bespoke feel, though they typically involve a longer-term commitment and may influence decor choices more significantly than a simple paint color. Several creative and daring designers shared their approaches to incorporating texture into wall designs. Becky Shea, an interior designer, advocates for bringing the outdoors in by using reeded wood paneling. In one bedroom, she installed reeded walnut paneling that extends behind the bed and onto the ceiling, creating a warm, enveloping effect. This method adds depth and visual interest without relying on traditional wallcoverings, resulting in an elevated and timeless space. Rachael Gowdridge introduced a unique method for uniform tiled walls, moving beyond typical high-gloss drama. She designed bespoke tiles inspired by a 19th-century yew tree sprig, using a repeat pattern to add whimsy. The bright white base of the tiles keeps the room feeling fresh, and extending the tiling to a monolithic basin shelf simplifies finishes and adds playfulness, especially effective in small spaces. Grasscloth is presented as a middle ground between paint and wallpaper, offering the solidity of paint with the dimension of wallpaper. Gowdridge utilized a rich green grasscloth to create a lived-in, layered feel in a room. She explained that grasscloth's natural variations in tone and weave instantly make walls more sophisticated, adding a tactile quality that softens the space and provides warmth without overwhelming the eye. Fabric folding screens, or room dividers, are suggested as a cost-effective way to add texture and define spaces. Marty Dykas used a fabric-covered custom screen to separate a dressing area from a bedroom and serve as a headboard, enhancing the visual appeal of a highly visible flat. The silky-smooth fabric of the screen contributes significant texture. Andy Barlow, head of interior design at Thesis Architecture, embraced original wood paneling in a family home built in 1914. This preserved architectural element served as a key design feature, influencing the decision to keep the kitchen light and bright to balance the darker, cozy wood tones on the main floor, ensuring the original character of the house was maintained. Exposed painted brick is another textural element discussed. Anshu Bangia, co-founder of Bangia Agostinho Architecture DPC, uncovered existing brick walls in a historic Brooklyn kitchen during renovation. Repaired and incorporated into the new design, the painted brick added texture and depth, acting as a light, airy backdrop in the open kitchen and along the stair hall, connecting all levels vertically. Patterned wallpaper remains a classic choice for adding personality and depth to walls. Miranda Cullen, a Colorado-based designer, frequently uses wallpaper in her projects. She noted that patterned wallpaper can highlight architectural features, add personality, or enhance a color palette. For example, in a breakfast nook, a subtle blue patterned wallpaper softened sharp architectural lines and created a cheerful backdrop, proving wallpaper's ability to add refined character without being overwhelming. #InteriorDesign #WallDecor #TexturedWalls #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends #Wallpaper #WoodPaneling #TileDesign #Grasscloth