Nature has always been an important factor when it comes to reducing our stress levels. We are aware of this and professionals in the mental health space have been preaching it for as long as time.
Visit any rehabilitation center where people are going through an alcohol or drug detox, for example, and you’ll find counselors encouraging people to get out into nature and utilize its calm and tranquility as a coping mechanism.
So, it’s perhaps no surprise that utilizing wood in your home is also valuable in creating a stress-free environment. Or at the very least, a calmer atmosphere.
However, what are the best ways to use wood in the home to get such an outcome?
Embrace Natural Elements
Introduce natural wood elements throughout your home to bring a sense of the outdoors inside. Opt for wooden furniture pieces such as dining tables, coffee tables, or sideboards crafted from solid wood. Choose finishes that highlight the grain and texture of the wood, whether it's smooth oak, rustic pine, or elegant walnut. Incorporate wooden shelving units or bookcases to display plants, books, or decorative items, enhancing the organic feel of your space.
Choose Soothing Color Palettes
Wood pairs beautifully with a variety of color schemes that promote relaxation. You’ll find that soft hues such as cream, beige, and greys can work as a harmonious backdrop that then allows the natural look of wood to really stand out. Alongside this, more earthy tones like moss or terracotta can add a cozy feel to your home.
Incorporate Wood in Flooring
Wood flooring is one of the most common ways to integrate wood into your home and provides a timeless feel to it. Hardwood flooring like oak or maple are both durable and visually appealing, with the natural grain patterns creating a comforting foundation for interior design.
Paired with plush rugs in complementary shades and you’ve got yourself a peaceful space to relax in.
Utilize Wooden Accents
Using wood more subtly and using it for picture frames, decorative bowls, or in shelving is a good way to add that natural feel to your home on a much smaller scale. What’s more, it’s a much more affordable option and can have a similar impact. Infusing your home with wooden accents can bring that small touch of nature without going overboard, and can really add something to a space.
Create a Relaxing Bedroom Retreat
Transform your bedroom into a tranquil sanctuary by incorporating wooden elements into your sleep space. Invest in a sturdy wooden bed frame with a comfortable mattress to promote restful sleep. Enhance the calming atmosphere with wooden bedside tables or chests of drawers for storage. Soften the room with cozy bedding in soothing colors and textures. A wooden armchair and a quiet reading nook may also be a good option and the perfect spot to unwind at the end of a difficult day.
Maximize Natural Light
Wooden surfaces really do embrace natural light and interact in a way that can create a bright and airy space in the home, ideal for boosting mood and well-being. Arranging furniture strategically so it benefits from the light can aid a space while using light curtains or blinds will also maintain privacy. Alongside this, you may wish to position mirrors to reflect that natural light and create a more open and inviting space.
Balance with Other Materials
To create a harmonious and balanced environment, mix wooden elements with other natural materials such as stone, metal, or glass. Incorporate houseplants to add a touch of greenery and further connect with nature indoors. Combining textures and materials creates depth and interest while maintaining a cohesive overall look.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia Poglianich
Content Strategist
Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the wooden crafts and 3D product design space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.
