Wood is on Trend for Sustainability
Rustic design is drawn from natural inspiration, using raw and often unfinished elements including wood and stone. The focus is to create a relaxing atmosphere by highlighting the use of wood, stone, leaves, and other organic elements. Soft natural wood is coming back in style, the colors can be warm, light, and can have all types of hues. By using natural materials, cutting back on energy costs with environmentally friendly designs and reducing your home's waste, you help to conserve the planet's natural resources. The beauty of wood is always in style, but it is on-trend for 2023.
Wood is a versatile and timeless material that can add warmth, texture, and natural beauty to your design decor. Wood is an organic material, and it is a strong symbol of life, growth, and strength. Using wood in an indoor environment can also help regulate humidity and improve indoor air quality because it absorbs and releases moisture into the air like a sponge.
When selecting wood for sustainable design, it's important to consider wood that is sourced responsibly, promotes forest conservation, and has minimal environmental impact.
Here are some sustainable wood options to consider:
FSC-Certified Wood: Look for wood products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). FSC certification ensures that the wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests that prioritize environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Reclaimed or Salvaged Wood: Reclaimed or salvaged wood refers to wood that has been repurposed from old structures, barns, or other sources. Using reclaimed wood reduces the demand for new timber and gives new life to existing resources.
Bamboo: Bamboo is a highly sustainable option as it is a fast-growing grass that can be harvested in a relatively short period. It regenerates quickly, requires minimal pesticides, and has a high strength-to-weight ratio.
Engineered Wood Products: Engineered wood products, such as plywood and laminated veneer lumber, are created by bonding layers of wood together. These products use smaller, fast-growing trees and minimize waste by maximizing the use of available timber resources.
Cork: Cork is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without harming the tree itself. The bark regenerates, making cork a renewable and sustainable material. It is commonly used for flooring, wall coverings, and various other applications.
Lyptus: Lyptus is a hybrid eucalyptus wood species that is grown on plantations. It has a short growth cycle, making it a rapidly renewable resource. Lyptus has properties like hardwood and can be used for flooring, furniture, and cabinetry.
Accoya Wood: Accoya is a treated wood product made from sustainably sourced softwood. It undergoes a non-toxic acetylation process, enhancing its durability, stability, and resistance to decay. Accoya is suitable for various exterior and interior applications.
When using wood, it's essential to choose suppliers and manufacturers with transparent and responsible practices. Look for certifications, such as FSC or other recognized sustainability standards, to ensure that the wood you select meets rigorous sustainability criteria.
(Photos by Unsplash)
Here are some wood ideas for incorporating wood into your design:
Wooden Furniture: Incorporate wooden furniture pieces such as dining tables, coffee tables, sideboards, and chairs. Choose different wood types and finishes to complement the desired style, from sleek and modern to rustic and farmhouse.
Wood Accent Walls: Install a wood accent wall to add visual interest and texture to a room. You can use reclaimed wood planks, shiplap, or wood panels to create a focal point that enhances the overall aesthetic.
Wood Shelving and Storage: Use wooden shelving units, bookcases, or floating shelves to display decorative items, books, and plants. Wooden storage boxes and crates can also serve as functional and stylish storage solutions.
Wood Ceiling Beams: Add character and architectural interest by incorporating exposed wooden ceiling beams. This design element works well in rustic, farmhouse, or traditional-style spaces.
Wooden Flooring: Choose hardwood flooring to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Different wood species offer various grain patterns and colors to suit your design style, from light oak to rich mahogany.
Wood Wall Art and Decor: Decorate your walls with wooden art pieces, such as carved wooden sculptures, wall hangings, or intricate woodwork. This adds a unique and artistic touch to your space.
Wood Trim and Molding: Enhance the architectural details of your space with wood trim and molding. Crown molding, baseboards, and window casings made of wood can bring a touch of elegance and craftsmanship.
Wood Veneer and Laminate: Incorporate wood veneer or laminate finishes on cabinets, countertops, or accent surfaces. These materials provide the look and feel of natural wood while offering durability and ease of maintenance.
Wooden Accessories: Add smaller wooden accessories to your decor, such as wooden bowls, trays, picture frames, and candleholders. These items can infuse a sense of nature and texture into your design scheme.
Wood Room Dividers: Use wooden screens, partitions, or sliding doors as room dividers to create separate spaces while maintaining an open and airy feel. These elements can add privacy and architectural interest to your interior.
It’s important to consider the wood species, finishes, and maintenance requirements when selecting wooden elements for your design. Wood also has healing properties relative to the human body, it is known to removes stress, restores the nervous system, improves sleep, increases physical activity, and creatively helps to promote thinking. Embracing the beauty and versatility of wood can bring a timeless and organic aesthetic to your space.
Click below for more blogs and updates and Contact me for your one-to-one sessions! Sign up for our newsletter and get a free Sound Healing meditation.