The rustic wooden decor creates a homey feeling. The atmosphere is inviting and warm with an earthy undertone. Wood gives warmth and makes you feel more comfortable. Wood is a ubiquitous material in interior decor, and can be found in everything from ceilings to furniture and flooring. Therefore, it requires a subtle, aesthetic approach so that it does not overwhelm the space. Read on as experts share fun tips and tricks on how to incorporate wood elements.
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Wooden furniture
Wood furniture is a classic and never goes out of style, but with such a variety of options available, it can be difficult to know where to start and how to move forward. Experts shared their thoughts on how to install wooden furniture.
- Start small: Hardesh Chawla, Monika Chawla, Principal and Creative Director, Essentia Environments, suggested starting small. They said. “Start small by introducing wooden furniture such as coffee tables, bookshelves or consoles to assess how well it complements your space. Experiment with mixed tones and finishes – combine light oak with dark walnut, or choose matte and polished finishes to enhance functionality and aesthetics.”
- A mixture of materials: Wooden furniture can be mixed with other elements for an interesting visual juxtaposition. Saba Kapoor, co-founder of Nivasa, said: “Choose pieces with clean lines in natural tones, such as a reclaimed wood dining table or a rustic coffee table. Mix materials such as leather, cane or metal to break up the monotony and introduce subtle contrast.”
- Parts of the statement: After building up slowly, you can go bold with sharp details. Amrut Sempige, co-founder of Dash Square, advised: “Anchor the design with statement wooden pieces such as a dining table, sideboard or headboard, and complement them with soft neutral textiles such as rugs, cushions or curtains to balance out the rustic style. atmosphere”.
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Wooden paneling and flooring
Wooden paneling on the walls, floor or special wooden beams can become a feature of the room. Here’s how you can master paneling and other wood ceiling treatments to elevate and enhance your space.
Cladding
Paneling is a decorative wall treatment and wood paneling specifically includes wood strips to decorate that wall. You can go for partial wall cladding with wooden panels to create a focal point so as not to overwhelm the room as suggested by Hardesh Chawla, Monika Chawla of Essentia Environments. A wood paneled ceiling treatment, plain or ribbed, is usually ideal for rooms with high ceilings, adding sophistication and depth. As an alternative, Nivasa’s Saba Kapoor advised selective use of wood panels, such as an accent or half wall, which can be combined with neutral tones such as white or gray for brightness.
However, if you’re in the mood for variety, Pratyusha Reddy and Dhatri Dabbar, co-founders and principal architects of Studio Dvara, suggest adding wood paneling or wainscoting alongside painted walls. If you’re considering the aesthetic of wood paneling in general, Natasha Jain, co-founder of Natelier by Bent Chair, suggested, “Subtly layer wood pieces for a cohesive look—like a wood dining table paired with accent walls or ceiling beams. .”
Flooring
Wood flooring requires a subtle approach, from choosing the right tones to adding texture. If you’re not sure how to envision your wood floor design, Nivasa’s Saba Kapoor recommends, “Choose a matte finish or lighter wood tones for a fresh look. Mixing board styles adds texture while maintaining cohesion.” To ensure the space remains open and airy, Hardesh Chawla and Monica Chawla of Essentia Environments suggest choosing neutral wood-finish flooring paired with neutral-toned rugs to create a contrast of texture.
Lighting to highlight wood
Wood has a bright personality, so it is important to choose the right lighting for it. Dash Square’s Amruth Sampige suggested using natural lighting, stating, “Large windows play a vital role in allowing natural light to flood the space, keeping it airy and moody.” This ensures that the wooden elements remain bright and welcoming. Meanwhile, Hardesh & Monica Chawla of Essentia Environments recommended lighting in warm tones to bring out the natural grain of the wood without overpowering the space.
Greenery and other accessories
Wood is an earthy material, so Dash Square’s Amrut Sempige suggested adding greenery by placing potted plants for a refreshing contrast. Meanwhile, Pratyusha Reddy and Dhatri Dabbar of Studio Dvara recommended mixing wood with stone, leather, linen and fur to add character and depth to the space. Saba Kapoor emphasized layered textures, incorporating textiles such as linen, woven rugs or plush cushions to soften the aesthetic and add color contrast. For Indian homes, Pratyush Reddy and Dhatri Dabbar of DvaraStudio Dvara also suggested using local woods such as teak or mango, mixing rustic elements with Indian crafts or patterns for a cultural appeal.
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Additional colors
The balance of wood with complementary tones is fundamental to achieving a harmonious space. Natasha Jain, co-founder of Natelier by Bent Chair, recommends: “Balance wood with neutral tones such as white, beige or soft gray to create a harmonious, open feel that highlights its natural beauty.” This approach helps maintain an airy, welcoming atmosphere while allowing the warmth of the wood to take center stage.
