A Touch of Wood: The Material that's Here to Stay
If there is one material that people have loved for centuries, then it is wood. Used for weapons, tools, houses and furniture, it has been one of man’s best friends since the dawn of time. Thanks to its warmth, versatility, and great beauty, it continues to be a favorite among interior designers even today.
Types of wood
Softwood
Softwood is from fast-growing trees. Because of its great resistance, malleability and affordability, softwood is the most popular type when it comes to interior decorating. Some examples of softwoods include pine, cedar, and fir.
Hardwood
Hardwoods are from slow-growing trees. Because of the length of time required before the trees can be cut down, hardwoods are more expensive than softwoods. They are usually used for high-quality furniture, as well as tools and decorative objects. Some of the most popular hardwoods include mahogany, teak, oak, and olive.
Wood finishes
One of the most common finishes is varnish. As well as giving it a unique look, it also protects the wood from humidity and ultraviolet rays. Varnished wood floors are ideal for humid areas, such as bathrooms, terraces or porches.
Natural, or raw wood, has been one of the most notable trends of the last two years. Furniture or decorations made from raw wood are full of character. Instead of masking its imperfections, designers take them and make them into something beautiful.
Dyes, unlike paint, preserve the natural grain of the wood, giving it a more unique and personal touch.
Driftwood is wood you find on beaches. Worn and bleached white by the salt water, this natural resource is washed up on the shore by the tide. You can easily recycle it and use it for decorating.
One popular technique involves distressing paint to give furniture an aged look. With the rising popularity of all things vintage, this is one of the most on-trend looks. It involves removing paint in such a way that it looks like it has been naturally worn away over time.
Maintaining wooden interiors
Part of your daily cleaning and maintenance routine should be to dust and clean any dirt to prevent it from staining the wood. A dry cloth or feather duster is ideal.
Olive oil or beeswax are perfect for caring for natural wood. Give your wooden surfaces a good coating of oil or wax once a month to help keep it in perfect condition.
If your kitchen is furnished with wood, you might find that it often gets greasy. We have the perfect solution to remove the grease without damaging it: white vinegar. Go over every surface with a damp cloth, making sure to scrub them well.
Next, clean your wooden surfaces with hot water, and leave it to dry. You might notice that it becomes slightly sticky as you clean it. This is because of the grease. Once you’ve removed it, your surfaces will be beautifully smooth and shiny.
The amount of resin, tannin, and oils that make up a type of wood are what give it its strength and durability. Mahogany, teak, and oak are the best woods for exteriors.
However, you also need to protect it from the sun’s UV rays, which can cause it to fade and lose its color. You should also protect it from humidity, as it can lead to mold. You can find many natural remedies online to help care for wooden interiors.
Wood trends
White furniture combined with natural wood has become one of the stars of hygge-style homes. Its warmth and simplicity are reminiscent of the Nordic style. Its great versatility means you have plenty of opportunity to play around with the other decorative elements in your home.
Raw wood is one of the most popular options when it comes to interior decorating. It is usually untreated. At most, it might have a coating of varnish, but the true aim is to conserve its natural shape, colors, and imperfections.
And this charming material has even had an influence on our walls. You can find floor to ceiling wooden interiors, or half-wood walls with elegant decorative moldings. Combine it with a touch of color for a truly stunning look.
Now that you know all about this amazing material, the different types, how to look after it, and the latest trends, we’re sure you’ll soon fall for its charms.