It’s a question that gets asked a lot from clients and in online forums – do I need to match my timber furniture? The simple answer is no. But first I want to clarify that when styling your home, the aim is not to ‘match’ pieces. The aim is to create a cohesive space that tells your story. A space that is functional, practical, as well as beautiful. So mixing multiple wood tones is a good way to personalise your space.
To create a cohesive space, I start by knowing my client’s style goal and preferred colour scheme. Each style has patterns, colours, textures, materials etc. These elements work well to achieve that interior style goal. Of course, there are many opportunities to have fun and a random piece here or there and make a interior style your own.
Repeating wood tones is key
For example, you might like to use dark wood in a Scandinavian space. Even though Scandinavian style lends itself well to light timber such as pine and oak. But the key to making this work is repetition. And ensuring other interior design elements of that style such as line, and shape are considered.
When you repeat a material such as timber and another key element of an interior style, for example in Scandinavian style this would be a straight line, you can have a combo of dark and light timbers without losing the essence of the style.
In one of my projects, I specified a pine coffee table and black bench in a living room with a Scandi style. In a French Provincial style, you could have a dark timber dining table with French navy coloured cabinetry in the kitchen and a rustic oak buffet and hutch.
The value of wood in a space
Timber is a lovely addition to any space, it’s, a natural material, that naturally adds warmth and texture. Try as much as possible to find solid wood furniture. Rather than veneers or mixed materials such a as particle board. This way you will have an investment piece that doesn’t date.
So mixing mulitple wood tones in the one space can work because your space will also incorporate a variety of other interior design elements that communicate your interior style goal. The key is to have a plan and to buy pieces with intention and attention to ensure your space is cohesive.
