Want to Feel Good? Just add Wood
Scientific evidence that adding wood to your space makes you feel good.
You know it.
I know it.
We feel it in our bones.
Scientific data with results to support a slight positive effect of wooden material on the mood of humans is just proof of what we already know.
The study* said:
“Wooden interior well-being effects were studied using a randomized controlled trial with a cross-over design (n = 61) in two rooms: a room with wooden elements and a control room without wood.”
“Overall, the results support slight positive effects of wooden material on mood on humans in the office environment..”
Timber Wall Cladding
Veneer
Timber Boards
Timber Battens
Ceiling
Kitchens
Furniture
Resources - where to look for suppliers.
Natural wood provided a visual complexity that appeals to our senses. The pattern in the grain is never exactly repeated yet also predictable.
Timber is warm, both in colour tone and to the touch. Personally I am drawn to the end grain, when the wood is cut against the grain and we see the top of a wood post. I challenge anyone to resist running their hands over a beautifully smooth piece of wood, we’re inexplicably drawn to it.
Wood Furniture
Add a tactile warmth to your home with wood furniture. Solid pieces add an earthiness to a space, from coffee tables, dining tables, chairs or even lighting.
If it’s a little or a lot - wood elements are a ‘must-have’ in any room. Here are some more ideas on how to incorporate timber in your space.
Wood Wall Cladding
We’re going all in baby! Wood walls make a space feel warm and enveloping. The honey tones are really easy to live with and work so easily with other materials and colours.
Veneer Wall Panels
Timber veneer is often used for wall panels or cupboard doors and the grain can be bookmatched. This means that there is a satisfying repetition in the wood grain patterning which is noticable in timbers like oak or walnut. Veneer is preferred for large panels because it won’t warp and move like a solid wood piece.
Timber Board Cladding
The default interior usually consists of a timber floor and plaster walls. But what if you flip it and put timber on the walls and a brick or tiled floor? That way we can really enjoy seeing the wood at eye level, plus if you use a timber floor board, it is very robust. Don’t worry about skuff marks or knocks as a timber board can take it, making them more durable than painted plaster.
Consider warm stains, black japan or of course, just keeping it natural.
Timber Batten Cladding
In recent years I’ve noticed that timber battens have been cladding internal walls and its brings a mid-century style whilst being quite classic.
Wood Ceiling Cladding
Don’t overlook the ceiling. Consider wood cladding to bring a beautiful warm softness to any space.
Timber Kitchens
The warmth that timber brings to the ‘heart of the home’ can not be matched. Timber is durable, warm to the touch and performs well acoustically. Plus it creates a space that we’re completely drawn to, it feels good to be in and in this case, reflects the Californian surroundings.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a kitchen that is absolutely surrounded in warm wood tones. However used intentionally in the kitchen cabinetry is equally as beautiful. Choosing a characterful timber such as a chocolatey brown or a bleached pine with an expressed grain adds a beautiful richness to a space.
Resources
Disclaimer - I’m only sharing suppliers that are nice and have cool things.
Timber Furniture
In Good Company: Solid wood tables made in Melbourne and available Australia wide.
Anaca: Australian made furniture including a sublime solid oak table as seen above.
Mark Tuckey: The OG for solid timber furniture.
Globewest: Although not made locally as far as I’m aware, there are so many pieces and the designs are looking so good recently.
Jardan: Made in Melbourne and built to last.
Fanuli: If you’re after something different, you’ll find it here.
Great Dane: Classic timeless pieces.
Timber Lighting
Marz: Locally made lighting with wood elements, so gorgeous.
Nightworks: We love this New Zealand brand.
Ajar: My favorite lamp Cestita by Santa & Cole.
Timber Wall Panels
George Fethers: Timber veneers and panels.
Porta: Timber dowel and panels.
Havwoods: Timber wall panels.
Look, I’m going to show you some options here that aren’t actually wood, because sometimes budget doesn’t allow for it.
Laminex: ok, so not technically real wood, worth mentioning as this is very realistic, especially the walnut and oak.
Thanks for reading!
*Check out the Journal of Environmental Psychology here.