You already know the merits of adding wood to your home; this material is durable, highly valued, and beautiful. By adding hardwood floors, you can increase the value of your home by 3-5%. But how do you design the interior to match your new addition?
Whether you have wood trim, furniture, floors, or tables, choosing colors to match them can tie a room together. Alternatively, select contrasting colors to add dimension.
You’ve decided that you don’t want to paint the wood in your home—doing so would hide its intricate grain pattern and natural character. But if you leave it bare, you’ll need to find other ways to make it match the rest of your home.
We’re going to share our thoughts on which shades will work best in your home:
Warm Colors
Shades with warm undertones have a way of creating an atmosphere that’s comfortable, welcoming, and cozy. They’re perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas. From buttery yellows to sun-kissed reds, warm shades make your house feel like home.
If the wood you’re working with already has a warm undertone/stain, then colors like orange or red might blend in too well. A bit of contrast can do wonders with wood. If you’re working with honey-colored wood, pair it with a darker shade like burnt pumpkin.
A light Birchwood will pair wonderfully with a vibrant yellow, gold, or red. For deeper woods, we suggest using pops of sienna or dark brown.
Cool Tones
Most types of wood lean towards the warmer side of the color spectrum. By introducing cool tones in your home, you can create a beautiful contrast. Here are a few ideas you can use:
Pale green adds an earthy and natural theme to a room. Other than painting your walls, you can also purchase live plants and hang them near your windows. Sage green is one of the colors that make a room look bigger.
Violet will look stunning with deep Walnut or dark Oakwood. A color that’s associated with royalty and class pairs perfectly with natural wood features.
Shades of blue never seem to fall out of style. Whether you prefer a pale sky blue or a deep navy, they create an atmosphere of cleanliness and class. Blue goes well with light or dark wood.
When paired with warm wood, cool colors can look dramatic and artistic. They won’t take away from the beauty of natural or stained wood; rather, they’ll enhance it.
Neutral Shades
If you’d like to keep the focus on the wood, and not the colors that surround it, stick to neutral shades.
You can’t go wrong with white walls when you’re working with wood; for example, ivory will work with live edge slabs. Off-whites, grays, and shades of beige will always be in style. A cool neutral shade like greige will make your space feel modern, while white or light brown can create a timeless look.
A creamy base looks good with a range of wood shades, from light blonde to deep brown. However, if the wood itself is also a neutral shade, it may blend in too well. Add some contrast by using colors that are lighter or darker than the wood.
Decorations to Accentuate Wood
Now that you’ve picked the perfect color scheme, how do you use it tastefully and tactfully in your home? Try these decorative tips to infuse your house with a bit of color:
- Rugs. An intricate rug framed by rustic hardwoods will take your floors to the next level. The right rug will make your hardwoods look and feel even better.
- Curtains. If your windows are framed by wooden trim, a curtain can be an eye-catching addition. It’s a great opportunity to use a contrasting color that makes a room more dynamic.
- Pillows and blankets. In a living room or bedroom, you can use the fabrics on the bed or couch to showcase your color theme. Placed next to a wooden table or seat, they can accentuate the natural beauty of the material.
Whether you prefer natural wood or choose to apply a stain, this material is sure to add an element of class and sophistication to your home. Part of using wood tastefully is surrounding it with complementary colors. We hope this post has inspired your next interior makeover!
Need help bringing your vision to life? Genesis Pro Painting & Restoration has offered professional-grade service to the community for 20+ years—get in touch with us to book a consultation!
