Wood is one of the hottest interior design trends of 2024, with natural wood tones, painted panels, accents and details playing an important role in creating beautiful, warm spaces.
Decorating with wood is an art. The goal is to create an earthy depth that is light and airy, as opposed to dark and bulky, which is entirely possible given the visual and physical weight of wood as a design material.
Here are some tips on how to bring the warmth of wood into your home and make it a peaceful retreat.
Why is wood one of the hottest interior design trends in 2024?
Wood fits in with the popular biophilic and Japandi styles, where warmth and raw, nature-inspired colors and textures predominate. It helps recreate the calming feeling of being in nature.
“Natural wood finishes create warmth in our homes by showcasing the hue and beauty of the wood grain,” says WELL and LEED accredited interior designer Sarah Barnard.
“Wooden floors and paneling are used extensively in warm, natural wood tones, creating cozy spaces that convey the comfort and mindfulness of forest bathing,” says Barnard.
Mixing natural wood tones
It’s trendy to leave wood in its natural state, but it’s important to use a strategy so that you experience the beauty of the wood, not its mass.
The key is to mix wood tones.
“When mixing natural wood tones, play with shape and texture to create subtle contrast in a room. Using hand-crafted wood furniture can be a great way to use wood panels that have retained their original, unmilled shape on their edges,” says Barnard.
“Natural forms such as burl wood and tree stumps can be used to create beautiful and unique pieces of furniture with organic shapes that contrast with smooth wooden floors or wall paneling,” she says.
Choose matching wood tones, such as dark walnut next to oak or maple, to create visual balance.
The 60/30/10 color rule that designers use with paint colors also applies to wood tones. Choose 60 percent of a particular shade as the main color, 30 percent as a secondary, complementary color, and 10 percent as an accent color. You can use three different natural wood tones, or mix in paint colors as an option instead.
For example, matte black goes well with several wood tones and is a popular choice.
In addition to the color, pay attention to the wood grain as this influences the overall visual impression.
Overlapping is out, tongue and groove boards are in
Shiplap, often seen in the popular farmhouse, coastal, and cottage core aesthetic, is less popular. Wall paneling, particularly tongue-and-groove boards, is taking its place as one of the hottest interior design trends of 2024.
Wainscoting typically takes up the lower half of a wall and is used not only for decoration but also to protect the walls from wear and tear. It is often installed in dining rooms to prevent chairs from scratching the walls as they are pushed in and out for meals.
The classic, clean lines of wall paneling are timeless and versatile. You can opt for simple decoration or more complex geometric patterns.
Among the wall coverings, tongue and groove board is one of the most popular. Homeowners use it in the traditional wall covering style on a half wall or for entire accent walls, similar to how tongue and groove boards have been used for years. For a rustic feel, use tongue and groove boards on walls, floors and ceilings.
Use of natural wood tones in kitchen cabinets
After years of all-white kitchens, color has come back into fashion as a growing interior design trend in 2024. However, homeowners are understandably nervous about opting for bright and eye-catching colors.
Using natural wood tones, especially in kitchen cabinets, can provide a nice balance by subtly adding color and warmth.
Opt for lighter woods like oak, maple or birch for a pop of color. Darker woods like mahogany or cherry create a dramatic effect while also adding a more rustic feel. If you opt for darker tones, pay attention to the presence of natural light as well as the overall layout of the kitchen so that the space doesn’t feel cramped.
In addition to the color of the wood, pay attention to the grain as this plays an important role in the overall look of the cabinets. For a crisper looking kitchen, you typically want the grains to run in one line, while for a more rustic feel, the grain can be different, giving a rich, authentic patina.
Vertical grains are most commonly seen on traditional cabinets and take advantage of the fact that cabinets are usually taller than they are wide, drawing the eye upward. Horizontal grains are more commonly used for a modern feel on flat door styles, making the grain more of an eye-catcher.
If you prefer to stick with painted cabinets, you can bring in natural wood tones by installing wood countertops. Make sure the wood is well sealed, given the moisture in a kitchen. Marine wood tends to be more resistant to water than, say, butcher blocks.
Ribbed accents
Another wood element that’s garnering attention in 2024 interior design trends is grooved accents, which can be seen everywhere: on wall paneling, cabinetry, and on accents and decor. It’s a simple yet striking way to favor texture over color while adding visual interest.
The fluting is effective both because of its linear simplicity and because of its supporting role in minimalist design, and with its subtle, curved shapes it unobtrusively contributes to the aesthetic.
- A popular way to use grooved detailing is with slatted wall panels. Not only do they add timeless style, but they also provide soundproofing, making them a great choice for a home office or bedroom.
- If you don’t want to go for an entire wall, you can also incorporate fluting into a kitchen island, base cabinets or built-in shelves.
- The grooved pattern is popular in furniture, especially sideboards, cabinets, dressers, and dining and side tables. Smaller accents such as table lamps with intricate grooved patterns on the base are also pretty.
