DIFFERENT TONES OF WOOD

A question we get frequently when working with clients is:

I bought an apartment with warm yellow wood tone floor. Should I now stick to it in my furniture? How do I mix wood tones in a way that they complement each other?

Photo: Muk

First of all my main advice would be: You can and should mix wood tones. Using the same tone in a space can make everything look flat, so don’t shy away from combining various shades and colours. For example, if your floor is yellowish go for more whitewash oak tones to soften up a little. I recommend going for a layered look, with several wood tones that both compliment and contrast each other. As you decorate your home over time, you will eventually add new pieces along the way. These pieces won’t match and that’s fine and, in my opinion, the best part.

Ironically most people agree that using a spectrum of colours and tones in your home create beautiful contrast but when it comes to wood many are afraid to experiment outside of their monochromatic comfort zone.

Photo: Muk

That being said, let’s talk practicality: First, find your dominant wood tone. This could be the floors or the largest piece of wood furniture, wall or kitchen cabinets. After that add some contrast. Mixing a light wood with a dark wood will look intentional -which we love. An easy rule we like to follow: Choose a light, medium, and dark tone. And remember that trying to match colours will never work so why not try and mix it up a little.

Photo: Muk