L ess is more. A few carefully chosen wooden accents can do wonders for your space, adding a touch of formality, luxury or elegance. Even a simple crown moulding or wainscoting can transform your room from boring to appealing. So why not embrace this organic material that brings nature into your home instead of going for modern-day options like metal or leather?
How to. So how do you change the look of your room without a substantial hit to your budget?
Pick a piece of furniture that works as the focal point of your space. It could be an entertainment centre in the lounge, a curio cabinet in the living room or a wood-topped island in the kitchen. Play up the woodsy look with contrasting collectibles. Change your floor (strip, plank or parquet), choose furniture with wood detail (exposed legs or finials), or go all out with an antique four-poster bed.
Create visual interest by grouping together wood elements, be they bowls, artefacts and collectibles together. Use wood to enhance the exterior of your home, especially if you live in an old building. Even if you don’t, consider installing modern shutters, trim and corbels.
Mix and match. Who said the floor should match the cabinets, which should match the photo frames? Using an eclectic variety creates visual interest in what would otherwise be a boring space. Try a darker wood on your floor and a lighter one on your cupboards.
Put it up. Wood doesn’t have to be on walls and floors only. Using wood panels/strips on the ceiling can give a lounge a warm and cosy look. You can choose from simple, coffered or panelled ceilings. Those on a budget can opt for laminates.
Wall treatment. Using wood on a wall to create a focal point works well. Work strips of angled wood, panelling or wooden wall art (a display of wooden masks on a bright red wall?) to create an eye-catching wall.
Bedroom story. A wood head and foot board add a certain elegance to a bedroom that no modern bedroom equipment can. String up a gauzy canopy around the bed and wake up to a completely new look.
Wooden details. Wooden frames in varying sizes and shapes can display family photos and art. Display handcrafted bowls, figurines and artefacts. Pine cones and dried flowers (spray-painted gold) set off wooden vases wonderfully.
Screen things. Decorative wooden screens, available in a variety of styles, colours and finishes, can help divide a space. You can also opt for a screen that lets you display photographs or even hang memorabilia.
A new door. A routine door can make way for a fancy wood one (decorative glass and raised panels) or an old jharokha -style entrance. You get an entryway that’s a sure-fire conversation starter.
Window dressing. Use wood shutters or blinds to keep the light out of your room. Louvered doors and windows look beautiful whether open or closed.
