The '60s And '70s Design Trend That's Having A Bold Revival In Homes Today

While wood furniture, paneling, and flooring have always been a staple in most homes, no matter the design style or era, certain decades particularly love the look of all-natural wood, reveling in various wood tones and varieties as their chief guiding force. This was particularly true in the 1960s and 1970s, when you were likely to find mid-century modern homes decked out in wood in various kinds mixed expertly together. Other eras also loved wood as a material, including the famous homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and Craftsman-style interiors. This classic trend is making waves in today's design world, where homeowners and designers are once again filling their homes with an abundance of wood. Whether they are perfectly mixing wood tones or achieving a richer look with wood drenching, the approach is a great way to give a retro feel and cozy warmth to your space.

With many of today's interiors trending toward strict minimalism or opulent maximalism, wood can create the best of both worlds at the same time, allowing even the most austere spaces a certain richness in texture and interest through the use of wood — from your furniture to accessories. Depending on the style of the wood pieces and elements you choose, layered wood tones can easily read as decidedly vintage or sleek and contemporary, making them perfect for a vast array of aesthetics. Incorporating textiles, metal, and glass elements can help bring balance to a wood-drenched motif.

There is much sage advice when it comes to mixing and matching wood tones in your home. Wood pieces come in an abundant variety of woods, from pale white oak to rich and dark ebony, creating infinite possibilities for blending and layering. Designers recommend being careful when mixing wood tones by choosing tones that are distinct enough to look intentionally varied, with no two pieces or elements too close in appearance. 

High contrast between light and dark can be a stunning way to decorate with both very light and very dark pieces. When it comes to choosing warm, cool, or neutral tones, it can be helpful first to identify your dominant wood. This typically includes items like paneling, flooring, cabinetry, or larger pieces of furniture. Examine the undertones and add additional pieces accordingly. You can also create a sense of continuity by matching similar grains and finishes, like distressing, matte, or glossy.

The other materials you bring into a room can also help make your wood look even more fabulous. Using brown and tan furniture in rich materials like leather, suede, and corduroy that add more texture with similar color tones. They also create a sense of softness to complement the hardness of layers of wood while still feeling intentionally unified. In addition to larger elements and furniture, wood tones can also translate to décor pieces like lamps, vases, bowls, and other smaller items that are made of wood or have a faux-wood finish.