The welcome return of dark wood

Do you have that one item of furniture that has been with you through thick and thin? The one that feels like an old friend, witnessing you throughout your years, even though it's become out of fashion and doesn't quite match your current design aesthetic?

For me it is an old mahogany chest of drawers; a piece that has outlived my children, seen a multitude of my different homes, and remained an integral part of my bedroom for at least 30 years or so.

Throughout the years when design trends favoured lighter shades of wood, I have not been able to part with it.

The craftsmanship in these old pieces is unparalleled.

So I can’t help but feel sad when I watch up-cycling videos that feature painting over ‘brown wood’, sometimes destroying the very thing that makes a piece of furniture so special. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for up-cycling, especially when the item in question is beyond restoration - then a paint job might be the only solution but please do it in a style that honours the original craftsmanship.

In the past few years however the deep hues and charm of dark wood is reaffirming its place in our hearts, marking its timeless style in the world of interior design. So, perhaps from now on, finding a bargain to up-cycle may become more difficult.

Why now?

We are opting for warmer colours

Trends for 2024 and beyond see an embrace of a warmer palette! The ‘Scandi’ style’s prominence and our obsession with all things grey has given rise to a creamier set of neutrals and the return of rich, bold colours: terracotta, burgundy, deep blues and greens.

Making minimalism cosy

Minimalism remains a popular design philosophy, but recently, this timeless style has evolved with a growing trend towards adding depth and contrast - cosiness is on the rise! Since covid, our homes have become increasingly multifunctional. They have become a space for not just relaxation and entertainment, but also for work. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that creating a comforting and intimate environment is more important than ever.

And what better way to achieve this than with dark wood? After all, dark wood furniture exudes warmth and elegance, making near enough any space feel comfortable and inviting.

Going back to natural

One of the most significant trends in interior design is the move towards natural materials. In a world dominated by technology and synthetic materials, there's refreshing desire to reconnect with nature. Dark wood furniture, with its organic texture, perfectly embodies this trend, pairing well with materials such as bamboo and natural stone. For those seeking a tactile and earthy feel in their interiors, dark wood is your new best friend!

Artisanal craftsmanship

There is a growing appreciation for handcrafted artisanal design, from intricate carvings that tell a story and can reflect cultural heritage, these valued, one-off pieces are talking points in our own homes and reflect our own personal stories.

Sustainability is key

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a guiding principle for many homeowners and designers. Dark wood furniture, particularly when sourced sustainably, aligns perfectly with this mindset. Investing in high-quality, durable dark wood reduces the need for frequent replacements, minimising waste and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.

So, how do we start embracing dark wood within our homes?

Whether you opt for a mid-century design, a contemporary crafted centrepiece or an elegant antique, here are my tips and tricks to seamlessly infuse dark wood in a way that beautifully complements your desired design scheme.

Colour and balance

The deep hue of dark wood offers a stunning contrast to lighter colour palettes, such as creams or greige. Of course, this can enhance any design scheme, but it is particularly impactful for those who seek a contemporary look, prioritising clean lines and minimalism.

If your preference is for a moodier aesthetic, then the richness of dark wood paired with dramatic lighting will add to the cocooning effect with sophistication and depth.

No matter your design goals, your key consideration should be balance! Remember that dark furniture carries a significant visual weight, absorbing light rather than reflecting it, so be mindful of this before committing to a complete set for a your re-design.

One tip I often give to my clients is to start with a well-positioned statement piece and from there, orientate and build the rest of your design around it. In so doing, the dark wood will complement your space, remaining a harmonious and integral part of your design scheme.

Lighting

The brightness of your room will dictate its capacity for brown furniture. To bring out the best in your dark wood pieces, maximise natural sunlight by keeping windows unobstructed, as well as using light, airy window dressings.

Additionally, make use of reflective surfaces, such as mirror and glass, to add brightness and help eliminate shadows.

Ample light is dark wood’s best friend!

Work with your own style preference

For some of us this will come naturally; retro-lovers, for instance, gravitate towards the sleeker lines of furniture from the mid-century era. Likewise, those drawn towards a cosy, wistful vibe of Cottage-core wouldn’t even glance at a contemporary sideboard but would naturally favour vintage pieces that complement their floral patterns.

But in reality, our style preferences are rarely so black-and-white. To inject our own personalities into our homes we create our own forms of eclecticism, mixing colours, styles and eras to create an interior reflective of who we are. In this instance you can certainly mix woods…

Ebony, for example, works brilliantly with a light lime wood for an elegant look. I generally urge my clients to stick to an overarching guideline: limit yourself to three different wood tones - there is a fine line between complementary and overwhelming; and, generally speaking, three types of wood tones is all about a single room can handle without looking overly busy and mismatched.

Consider core materials

Given this, working with wooden floors can become daunting. I suggest, if you are adding a new wood tones (for example, a dining table), then consider using a rug to act as a buffer. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, balance is key!

Work with the bones of your property

It is fundamental to consider the architectural features of your home when incorporating dark wood. High ceilings, large windows and an open plan will increase your capacity for incorporating large amounts of brown furniture without making the space feel too heavy.

If you are lucky enough to have existing wood features, like hardwood floors, then a dark stain can look stunning! However, overhead is another matter (and this is a personal thing) but I would keep the colour of wooden beams as light as possible. 

If you are restricted on space and light, this does not preclude you from using dark wood; just be careful with the selection. A well-chosen antique will command attention in a room, seeming to draw all the other elements towards it and will mature any interior, in even the shiniest new build property! Equally, a sleek lined and sculptural mid-century teak sideboard will bring the same qualities, just with a more contemporary feel.

Combine dark wood with other natural materials

Natural timber, beautifully aged and patinated, is one of the loveliest colours you can have in an interior. Additionally, natural timber is incredibly inclusive, working well with a remarkable range of colours, patterns, and textures.

Wool, boucle and velvet complement dark wood with and add depth and texture to your space, creating a rich and tactile experience. A velvet sofa in a deep jewel tone or woollen throws in neutral shades can soften the look of dark wood and add a touch of luxury.

My final point is that nostalgia plays a significant role in contemporary design, with a strong revival of vintage and heritage aesthetics - so that old brown wood furniture has earnt its place in our homes and hearts.

This brings me back to my old chest of drawers, bought from a second-hand shop in Kilburn High Road about 30 years ago.  I’m glad I stuck with it and would have done despite any trend predictions just because I love it. 

If you need any help incorporating dark wood into your home designs, then do get in touch by clicking [HERE].