Our experience of living through a pandemic has given us all an increased appreciation of the natural world and its health benefits. By introducing a natural look into our homes, we can continue to support our mental wellbeing even when we are indoors.

Recently, designers have been challenging our assumptions about how wood can be used in our homes. High end interiors are now giving pride of place to humble materials such as untreated plywood and chipboard while furniture designers have been creating imaginative pieces in organic fluid shapes that blur the boundaries between function and aesthetics. 

By changing the way we think about using wood in our homes and allowing the tone, texture and pattern of the material to take centre stage, we can create spaces that will nurture us. 

From the palest Washed Scandi Pine to the darkest Midnight Oak, our collection of wood design flooring offers endless possibilities but to get you started here are three popular styles to spark your imagination.

Knight Tile KP105 White Painted Pine

Pale and interesting

The lightest toned woods will introduce a sense of airiness and space. Whitewashed planks and driftwood bleached silvery grey by sun and sea offer interesting textures and patterns and barely there shades of colour. 

In this room above, Light Distressed Oak from our Van Gogh range adds a rustic naturally weathered texture with its pronounced grain and characterful knot details. Pairing the subtle colouring of this pale toned floor with a cool neutral shade on walls and light wood furniture has created a modern rustic country style that is perfect for relaxing.

To complete the casual, laid-back look simply add an eclectic mix of your favourite vintage pieces in muted colours and untreated materials such as wicker, tin and wool. Even better if they’re a bit rough around the edges as this will add to the soft lived-in feel.

Da Vinci RP104 Single Smoked Acacia

Warm and inviting

On a grey day the rich tones of a wood design floor will lighten your mood and make the whole world seem brighter. Keeping your room simple with a pared back approach to furnishings and colours will let the warmth of the wood shine through.

In this example, the focus of the room is a 1970s inspired easy chair in black leather and walnut plywood veneer. The sculptural nature of the chair lends the question: is it furniture or a piece of art?

Presenting a restrained and restful scheme, the warm walnut tones are echoed by the wooden shutters and classic mid-century sideboard, while the black of the leather is reflected by the painted brick wall and architectural accessories. 

Single Smoked Acacia, inspired by the natural wood of Australasia, brings a touch of the exotic with rich brown shades and striking tonal variation that is highlighted by the smaller planks of the Da Vinci range.

Korlok RKP8209 Salvaged Barnwood

Dark and mysterious

Create an air of mystery with the distinctive look of recycled timber. A burnt or age worn wood unashamedly celebrates its origin and its dramatic darker tones will combine well with metalwork and exposed brickwork to give a homely feel to an industrial style. 

This room above features a very muted colour scheme but it’s far from boring! Salvaged Barnwood from our Korlok range authentically replicates the different tones found in recycled agricultural timber and has been used to add interest and balance the cool stark lines of metalwork. The tonal variation of the reclaimed bricks used for the exposed wall continues the theme of texture over colour for a look that oozes elegance and resilience against the challenges of time.

Which style is your favourite? Join the conversation and find inspiration on our Instagram page @karndean_canada