Five ways to incorporate the warmth and timeless beauty of wood in your home

27 November 2023

Emma Lucey

Research throughout the years has consistently shown that humanity has an innate and profound connection with the natural world. Experiencing that connection first hand can significantly enhance our well-being, productivity, and overall quality of life, and one way of doing so is by bringing nature into our homes, whether with houseplants, design elements or materials like timber. 

Incorporating wood elements not only provides comfort but also fosters a sense of harmony with the environment. In this article, we’ll explore five ways to do just that, all while keeping sustainability in mind. 

1. 1. Organisational aspects 

2. Choosing wood for organisation solutions provides the same or even better functionality than plastic alternatives, while generally looking significantly better. For example, instead of buying plastic dividers for a cutlery drawer – look to a wooden alternative. After all, some of these drawers we use every day! Why not make them beautiful and sustainable?

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4. 2. Little details 

5. Small wooden details can make a significant impact on the overall ambiance of your home. Think about where you can incorporate natural pieces in each space. Wooden peg hooks in the hall or bedrooms for example. An easy way to start your biophilic design takeover is choosing wooden kitchen tools like utensils, trays and chopping boards for an organic element in your culinary space.   

6. 3. Antique furniture 

7. Antiques not only add character but also connect you with a story from the past. Wooden furniture locks in carbon for the long term and buying antique means each piece could have been storing carbon for decades!

   

8. 4. Warm minimalism 

9. This style of interior design and decoration takes traditional minimalism and adds elements such as organic texture and earthy tones to create a cosy feel in a space. To create an elegant and warm minimalistic space, consider the following: 

   • Wood selection: If you’re choosing your own timber of recycled wood and you already have other wood pieces in the room, a good rule to stick with is to match the ‘warmth’ of the wood. If you’re working with warm tones such as red or orange, stray away from cool undertones such as grey, white or cool colours. 

   • Sustainable sourcing: Always opt for responsibly sourced wood products that bear labels such as PEFC, Responsible Wood and FSC. These certifications ensure that the wood used in your minimalist design has considered biodiversity, deforestation, fair wages, and employment throughout the entire chain of custody.

2. 5. Artwork – Nature-inspired masterpieces  

3. Pieces like wooden sculptures can create a captivating focal point in your home. Each piece of wood is unique, and artists often incorporate the natural texture and grain of the wood into their creations. This adds a distinctive and organic quality to the artwork. Using wooden frames to showcase your cherished artwork not only enhances the connection between your wood pieces but also imparts a timeless and sophisticated appeal to your display.

By incorporating wood-based elements into your home, you can create a space that not only reflects the beauty of the natural world but also pays homage to the spirit of sustainability and responsibility it deserves from us. The next time you choose wood for your home, remember to look for the PEFC, Responsible Wood and FSC labels. By doing so, you’ll be contributing to a more sustainable future while also enjoying wood in your living space.  

Emma Lucey

Emma brings experience in digital media and communications with a background in several industries such as tourism and hospitality. Prior to joining Planet Ark in 2022, Emma spent 5 years living abroad in London & Amsterdam where she developed a greater interest in the environment and sustainability. Outside of work Emma enjoys gardening, camping and crocheting.