Get Cozy with Mixing Woods: A How-To Guide

One question I have been asked a lot lately is: Can you mix wood tones?

My answer? Absolutely! By following a few simple guidelines, mixing wood tones in a space can be visually appealing and make it feel more warm and cozy, all while giving a nod to sustainability. Combining different wood tones and textures can help you achieve a harmonious and inviting atmosphere that’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally conscious.

Picture this: a rustic oak dining table paired with sleek walnut chairs. The contrast is not only eye-catching but also creates depth and interest. Now throw in a few wooden accessories, like a teak-framed mirror or a maple cutting board on the kitchen counter. Suddenly, your space has transformed into a warm and inviting haven brimming with character.

Let’s start with the why. Why is it a good idea to mix wood tones?

Coziness Amplified

Cozy is one of my favourite words and feelings. Nothing beats the comforting embrace of a well-designed space, and mixing woods is your secret weapon. Different wood tones add layers of texture and depth that instantly make a room feel lived-in and inviting. It’s like adding a fuzzy blanket to your decor – you just want to snuggle up and unwind.

A little bit of “Green Glam”

You may all know by now that one of my other favourite words is sustainability. By incorporating different wood types, you’re extending the life cycle of these beautiful materials and reducing waste. It’s like giving each wood species a second chance to shine. So yes, buy that teak wood bookshelf to go alongside your walnut coffee table. It creates a nice contrast while also helping the environment.

Warmth and Depth

Mixing woods adds a layer of warmth and depth to your interiors that’s hard to achieve by using only a single wood type. Using different textures and colours creates a contrast that adds visual interest to a room. Start with an anchor wood, a dominant wooden piece in the room and build around it with complementary wood tones that create just enough contrast but still keep the balance. Creating this contrast between wood types helps give the room more depth that is pleasing to the eye.

It can be a bit intimidating trying to figure out which woods to mix, so here are a few guidelines I like to follow for mixing wood tones in your space.

Create a Focal Point: Pick one wood type as the star of the show, and let the others play supporting roles. This keeps things visually pleasing and prevents overwhelm.
Pay Attention to Undertones: It is important to be consistent with what undertones your wood has. While the woods don’t have to match exactly, consistent undertones ensure a cohesive and harmonious look. For example, if your existing wood pieces have a grey undertone, avoid adding in woods with a red undertone. I am not saying it cannot be done, but a bit more work will need to be done to give a more cohesive look.
Texture Matters: Mixing woods isn’t just about colours; it’s about the textures too. Pair rough-hewn pieces with smoother surfaces to create a dynamic and inviting space.
Neutral Ground: If you’re feeling a bit nervous about mixing woods, use neutral backdrops – like white or gray walls – to provide a canvas for your wood tones to shine without overwhelming the space.
Accessories for the Win: Wooden accessories, such as frames, trays, or decorative objects, can help tie together different wood types, enhancing the cohesive and cozy look. I am finding so many wooden accessories this year!

Gone are the days of matching sets, so knowing how to mix wood tones properly will help you create a space that is not only warm and inviting, but one that will make Mother Nature proud. It also won’t look the same as anybody else’s, which is a nice added bonus!

Please don’t be afraid to try this. Remember, the most important thing is that you enjoy your home. So, happy mixing, and cheers to a wood-warming experience that’s as good for your soul as it is for the planet! You know where to find me if you need help.

Much love,