I have a love affair with wood, but I don't like the golden wood tones that come along with wood that is clear coated or lightly stained. Do I have lots of golden wood tones in my home?
Yes, history looks after that because my home was built in the 80's when oak was the standard for hardwood floors and furniture. When all your furniture is handmade with love, it's difficult to get rid of it, so I accept my golden tones as period pieces.
As I've renovated the upstairs portion of my home, I moved to natural maple flooring which is about as warm as I can stand.
This beautiful cardboard/ brown paper bag colour is very popular right now, and it is a warm tone that isn't too overwhelming. The great hardware makes this chest look distinctive and sophisticated, but it's not mine! When I designed my summer home, my mantra was think driftwood. Everything there is new, but looks bleached and old!
There are alternatives for people like me - naturally weathered wood, bleached wood, wood that has whitewashes or gray washes. These tones seem to go so much better with today's modern interiors. Let's explore the options....
When you make your own furniture you have more options to get the look you want. This new bed made from oak doesn't have a hint of yellow or orange in sight. I controlled the warm tones by using a greenish grayish wash before the final semi gloss clear coat. The old mid century modern dresser was stripped and treated in the same way, but I rubbed more of the wash off so the two pieces didn't look like a perfect match - I like harmony with variety.
This is another example of a washed gray finish that allows the wood grain and imperfections in the wood to shine through. While it is more traditional in design, the overall look of this piece would allow you to use it in most rooms. Give chests like this a chance in your bedroom, bathroom, hallway, foyer or living room .
This traditionally designed sideboard made from mango wood could be used in any room decor.
Mango wood is a hard, dense wood that has been seasoned and kiln dried. If left unfinished it has hues of green brown and yellow which can be interesting . Because mango is quick growing, hard and harvested after the tree has stopped giving fruit, it is considered the wood of the future. I'm in love with the cool tones in this room, buy I would like to see a little more variety in the various wood tones used. The bench could easily be removed and then the sideboard which is beautiful, could shine. Everything here is light and airy. The floors seem to go on forever. It is truly a room that would let you breathe. If I built a new home this would be my floor choice. White always looks so fresh when paired with bleached or toned wood. You have to be careful when you choose lighter woods because they are easily overwhelmed by stronger colours. How do you feel about bleached, washed or otherwise light woods?
