Amthal Karim – Head of Design at Furniture And Choice – shares her monthly overview of on-trend styles and interior looks currently inspiring furniture buyers.
Along with the popularity of black wood, we’ve also noticed an increase in demand for dark oak, walnut and teak tones in furniture. Whereas mid-century silhouettes have traditionally been combined with dark wood to create stylish, must-have pieces, the modern aesthetic is reimagining contemporary shapes with walnut or dark oak finishes.
The inspiration for warmer wood shades seems to have evolved from the combination of a few popular trends. The 1970s revival is going strong and currently there’s nothing more retro than a living room in earth tones offset by timeless, dark wood furniture. Quiet luxury also has much to answer for as the sophisticated, elegance of a classic walnut or teak coffee table or sideboard offer unmatched value. And, of course, biophilic design — rapidly becoming a contemporary mainstay — encourages cosy, natural materials such as wood, to enhance wellbeing and make you feel connected to nature.
Also driving popularity of dark wood dining is the sheer variety of looks you can create around a walnut or dark wood table. Traditional wall panelling, colour drenched in a soft neutral provides a chic, backdrop for a pedestal table. Alternatively, a dining room painted in period greens or blues marry beautifully with a dark wood dining set for a modern, maximalist feel.
We’ve noticed furniture brands offering warm woods in many different shades. Everything from ebony and black wood — a nod towards Art Deco — to teak, cherry wood and even mahogany! Indeed, the resurgence of mahogany in particular, emanates from a strong desire to mix old and new. We’re noticing vintage furniture becoming ever more desirable, with one-off pieces — new, inherited or upcycled — sitting perfectly within an otherwise contemporary space.
As the dark wood trend permeates throughout interior retail — flooring, furniture, lighting and wall décor — the customer is left to decide how best to match its intrinsic luxury with their décor. Do you contrast the opulence of dark wood with a neutral, minimal space to showcase quality, or balance it with equally deep, dark paint tones to create cosy, cocoon-like spaces?
Indeed, while the recent popularity of dark wood furniture has highlighted a penchant for retro design, it’s the versatility to work across multiple interior styles that has truly made its comeback most welcome.
