Interior Design Questions: Matching Wood Tones

In the past, the principles of interior design were fairly simple, with an emphasis on symmetry, cohesion, and neutral colours. However, today’s design standards are much more adventurous and creative, giving homeowners the opportunity to personalise their living space.

Even though modern design rules aren’t as strict as they used to be, there are still some widely-accepted interior decorating rules to keep in mind when you’re styling your home. Keep reading to get the answers to popular interior decorating questions and start to design the property of your dreams.

Should I match all my wood tones?

There’s no rule that says that your wood tones need to match. In fact, mixing different shades of wooden furniture is a great way to make your room more visually interesting and unique. Here’s how to do it.

First, select a dominant wood tone. If you have hardwood floors or cabinets, this choice will already be made for you. Otherwise, pick the largest piece of wooden furniture in your room (whether it’s a table, credenza or desk) to serve as your dominant tone.

Next, assess the undertones of your dominant shade. If they’re warm, choose other pieces that share the same tone. Similarly, try to pair cool undertones with wood of the same shade. Either way, make sure to spread your wooden furniture and decor throughout your room so that it feels even rather than clumped together.

Finally, use non-wood furniture and accessories to prevent different wooden pieces from blending into each other. Patterned rugs, suede sofas, and leather chairs are all excellent options to complement (and break up) wood tones.

Can I use dark-coloured paint in a small room?

You may have heard that dark walls can make a small room appear even smaller than it is. But the reality is that there are certain ways to use deeper shades without swallowing up your room.

Adding a singular accent wall is one of the best ways to bring dark hues into any room, but they can look especially dramatic in smaller spaces. Opt for a forest green, ruby red, slate grey or black accent wall, surrounded by lighter walls and ceilings. If it ends up being a bit more dramatic than you’d like, you can always add mirrors and glass to open up the space.

Do I really need an interior designer?

While it’s not mandatory to have an interior designer work on your home, it’s a great investment to ensure that you end up with a stylish space that suits your personality. Interior designers have an excellent grasp of key design principles and current trends and can put their expert knowledge to use on your house.

If you’re selling your home, property stylists can serve the same role. At Pabs, our property styling team knows exactly how to arrange and decorate your home to drive up its value in the minds of potential buyers – ultimately earning you a higher sale price.

Learn more about Pabs or request a quote by calling us on 1800 20 10 20 today.

Answering Your Common Interior Design Questions: Should I Match My Wood Tones?

Should I match all my wood tones?

Can I use dark-coloured paint in a small room?

Do I really need an interior designer?