5 Designer Tips to Mix Wood Tones Like a Professional
After working on hundreds of design projects, you begin to notice a few typical design blunders in people's houses. Certain design details, such as too-high drapes and matchy-matchy furniture, tend to throw people for a loop (and we totally get why).
We'd like to add combining wood tones to this list. We frequently see homes with a single wood tone throughout, producing a one-dimensional image devoid of contrast (especially when paired with hardwood flooring). Consider an oak dining table with matching wood chairs or a low-slung TV stand in the same stain as the wood flooring.
As a result, we're formally releasing our comprehensive guide on combining wood tones like an expert. Continue reading for more helpful hints!
1. Choose your dominant wood tone.
While blending wood tones is a tried-and-true designer approach, if you don't start by anchoring your room with a dominant wood tone, it may rapidly become too chaotic. Do you have wood floors? Then it's a piece of cake - that's your dominating tone. Otherwise, let the most conspicuous wood object in your room take center stage, whether it's a statement sideboard, dining table, or bookshelf. It's critical that the different wood tones you put into the scene compliment the main character. For example, if you have light oak wood floors, choose comparable warm tones (such as sand and walnut) rather than contrasting them with dusty driftwoods.
2. Go high-contrast
If you're like most people and have a more challenging time mixing wood tones, it's likely because you're worried about your new piece clashing with your hardwood (or other dominant) flooring. This is why we suggest high-contrasting woods. For example, introduce a new oak table and pair it with a walnut chair. The two pieces will still have that classic wood tone you love, but will have enough contrast to keep the pieces looking cohesive in your space.
3. Tone it down with natural tones
If the high-contrast concept still feels too risky, we suggest slowly introducing wood tones that have a natural finish and aren't one of a kind. Our favorite is oak, which comes in a multi-colored tone and is subtly different from any hardwood flooring you may have in the space. If you're feeling spirited, add in a piece of driftwood furniture to avoid any unexpected clashes altogether.
4. Mix textures
Just like you would with fashion, take the same approach with your wood tones. Mix rustic wood pieces with sleek ones and keep the finishes relatively the same. This provides a sense of consistency without feeling overly matchy. A favorite is a mid-century dining table with a base made from driftwood or a rustic sideboard paired with a sleek vase of flowers - both are a great example of mixing wood tones in a space.
5. Break the monotony with a rug
Anytime you're feeling like your wood tone is becoming a little too run-of-the-mill, simply throw down a colorful rug. A bold red, purple, or orange carpet can instantly transform the feel of your space. We also love an animal print or even a geometric pattern to break up a bunch of similar tones. Bonus points if you introduce a rug that features a touch of wood.
Conclusion
While you don't need to replace every piece of wood in your space, it's fun to mix and match the tones to create a dynamic, exciting look. Start with your flooring, introduce a new piece of furniture, and then slowly layer on different wood tones. Just be sure to stick to a similar finish and texture, and you'll end up with a beautiful space that's uniquely yours.
Orange Coast Interior Design is the best interior decorator in Orange County, CA. We create beautiful home spaces that reflect our clients' unique needs and personalities. Let us build a design plan for your home that you will love to live in. Contact us today to get started!