Mixing Woods in the Same Space

Mixing Wood Finishes in the Same Space?

This is the number one question as a designer we get asked. Can we mix wood species and finishes in the same space? Of course you can, if you can get past the mental block of a matchy-matchy world.

If you are of the baby boomer generation or on the cusp, you grew up wearing Garanimals, where you matched up the giraffe to the giraffe to make sure you matched. Woman have always had a thing about their purses must match their shoes and no white before Labor Day. Matchy-Matchy had a time and a place, just like harvest gold and alvocado green appliances had their place...back in the 70's.

At least once a week I do this little excercise with a client. Close your eyes. Imagine you are in a forest, birds are chirping in the distance, leaves are crunching under your feet, it's getting cooler as you walk through the canapy that the branches make above you, you feel at peace and contented. Now open your eyes.

What do you see?

The pine trees are next to the oak trees, across from the cherry trees, standing next to the maple trees and the ash tree is losing it's bark. They all stand together in the forest, in harmony.

The point being, don't be afraid to mix a pine hardwood floor with oak moldings and cherry kitchen cabinets. Throw in some espresso colored bar stools and give the room an eclectic natural look. The way nature intended it to be.

Today you are free to be you. Free to use color in your space. Free to mix wood species, textures and finishes.