In any space, it feels like the wood of the furnishings can set the tone for the room as well as the entire home. Here, in these three examples we see lovely examples of light wood being used in both traditional and interesting ways to create a clean, fresh, and sophisticated vibe. Here, in this contemporary urban villa with a courtyard in Queens Park, Sydney, we see light wood carried throughout the open floor plan, first in the legs of the sectional and on the arms of the chairs in the living area, then in the cabinetry and into the dining table. As for the colorful woven rugs? We're in love. They bring it all together and add warmth to the space.
The birch table makes everything feel so open and light, enhanced by the many windows that allow for natural sunlight to pour in. Even the frames holding artwork are birch and in the living area, you can see the use of light wood in the architecturally inspired light fixtures. Interesting shapes and blend of both straight lines and curves soften the otherwise sharp angles.
Outside, the balance of curves and lines is continued with a simple white accent chair and smooth stones in the patio.
Upstairs in the bedroom loft, light wood plays center stage as the inspiration for the room's entire palette. Cheery bird artwork lends just the right amount of color to the otherwise neutral (but warm) tones. The birch headboard and bed, along with the woven rug and flooring, give the space even more openness.
In this next apartment, designed by Maruf Madiyarov, the use of light wood here is all about creating unique shapes and textures. Here, it becomes the focal point of the living area, as several tones of light wood are blended together in a striking arrow pattern. This is carried into the dining area, as light wood chairs with just enough curve balance out the clean lines of the arrows.
In another view of this space, light wood flooring and the continued use of neutrals with touches of warm yellow make this living and dining area inviting.
As you look toward the kitchen, wood plays another starring role, only this time, it's as seamless cabinetry. We love the way these cabinets show off the natural grain of the wood and the warmth they add to the open floor plan. Mirrored accents, cabinets, and appliances lend a modern look and feel. An excellent use of an otherwise one-dimensional space.
In the bedroom, mirrored surfaces and light wood in a honeycombed pattern continue this unique use of light wood. It's purely modern and to some, may feel even a little scientific (the pattern is reminiscent of DNA), but we love the bold statement it makes. Clearly, this is a room meant to impress.
The cheery blue night table adds just the right amount of color.
Across the room, the honeycomb pattern in the wood is used again brilliantly.
Finally, in this third space by Leks Visuals, the light wood here makes a dramatic statement with use in both furnishings and architecture. We love the interesting use of shapes and lines in this medium.
Although this space may look small, there's plenty of storage. Light wood cabinetry and built-in shelving allows for storage of books, vases, and other accent pieces to tie the room together. A perfect blend of both form and function.
The walls feature plenty of angles here, which makes this apartment even more visually interesting. The palette of blue, camel, white, and gray feels inviting and pairs perfectly with the use of light wood.
In the kitchen, it feels crisp and clean, but also cozy. Light wood accents are carried through in the shelving, and even in the cutting boards. Little bursts of lime green, purple, and pink give this kitchen a heartbeat that radiates throughout the rest of the home. Light wood is so incredibly versatile. When paired with other colors and textures, it can be either warm or cool, making it a marvelous material to work with in interior design.
