It helps to protect the ozone layer. It’s completely renewable. Durable? Not a question worth asking. Some of the oldest constructions in the world owe their longevity to this product. And what about its decorative qualities! Wood impresses us century after century.
It is often said that nature provides us with the best decorative material: wood, stone, bamboo, slate. Maybe because they are rough, authentic, without pretence. In an era of green housing and natural decoration, they are more popular than ever.
Before the green wave, wood was seen as a traditional material that succeeded in lasting over time. Why? Because there’s nothing like it to warm up an atmosphere. The presence of wood evokes our grandmother’s kitchens, tea time or daydreaming in front of candles. Not surprising that fans of peace homes appreciate wood.
Wood has a thick skin. It has resisted all decoration revolutions. Even contemporary decors have ended up adopting it. You just have to turn the pages of the bibles of this decorative style to see for yourself: wood is omnipresent.
Wood has stood up because it’s flexible. Not only does it blend with its natural companions: stone, wicker, brick, leather, dried flowers, slate, but it adds a rich decorative aspect to concrete, steel and glass.
As the focal point of a room’s décor, wood does not overpower and it does so with dignity: cedar panels on walls evoke the art of Scandinavian living or the warm ambience of a sauna, rich wainscoting highlights a window or adds a relief to a ceiling, close complicity between the wood of the furniture and the parquet. Opt for wood and a warm wind will blow through the room.
Wood alone is able to create an exceptional décor, such as a magnificent arch at the entrance to a room or a sumptuous staircase. Crafted wood works wonders! And working with wood opens the door to the wonderful world of mouldings and exposed beams.
On the contrary, small touches of wood, or crafted wood, adds charm to a room: panelled flooring around the bath, driftwood as a headboard or to frame a mirror, wood accents in a staircase.
It may be on the floor that wood has the greatest impact. Parquet blends with all styles. Dark or clear, glossy or flat, with or without knots, filled with grains or veins, wood floors attract attention. Wood floors have the gift of enhancing a room. Sometimes all it takes is inserting wood strips with contrasting colours in the floor to give it a breath of fresh air.
Beige, ivory, sable, black, grey are colours that are easily merged with blond, honey or caramel coloured wood. That’s not surprising given the legendary rustic charm of wood. Have you ever seen a dark wood floor in a room overflowing with orange? It’s hot, hot, hot. Once we saw violet side by side with dark wood. Striking.
Because it is a living being, wood will always be at its best if it blends with nature. Install many windows in your home and the woodwork will fit right in with the outdoor scenery, especially if there is abundant vegetation. Serenity guaranteed.
Photos: iStock.com