Retro Wood Is Back in a Big Way

Add wood to the list of seemingly “outdated” trends getting a 2020 makeover. If the spaces of Galerie Provenance, Giancarlo Valle, Stefan Dorata, and Nick Nemechek are any indication, warm woods ranging from kaleidoscopic burl wood to rich mahogany are making their triumphant comeback.

This trend falls in line with the general resurgence of natural, imperfect materials in design, like rattan, bamboo, cane, raw timber, stone, marble, and more. In stark contrast to the white-washed spaces of Scandinavian persuasion, wood accents warm up a space and make just enough of a statement.

With roots in the 1970s, a wood-filled room (whether in the form of paneling, accents, or furniture) may feel incredibly retro. To bring your wood-adorned space into 2020, take note of our styling tips below.

Pair with Olive Green

As evidenced by the above spaces designed by Giancarlo Valle and Stefan Dorata, deep wood pairs flawlessly with olive green. Style a burl wood table with verdant botanicals, or introduce some green velvet to play up the 1970s feel.

Mix & Match

Don’t be afraid to play with different wood shades and finishes. For example, the above right space designed by Galerie Provenance features a classic warm wood lounge chair by Pierre Jeanneret and a dark centuries-old wabi-sabi armoire.

Play With Unique Accents

If you’re not quite ready to delve into the world of wood just yet, skip expensive furniture and invest in subtle accents instead. While Nick Nemechek’s Copenhagen apartment has clearly embraced the wood trend with open arms, his space also features some great accent pieces, like the three-legged side table, decorative wooden sculpture, and curved wood floor lamp.