Creating Calm with Woodtones and a Natural Color Palette

Home is one of our most intimate spaces. It is our respite, our sanctuary, and our atelier. In this way, home design becomes much more than aesthetics, trends, or a collection of décor – it shapes the way we feel and experience our environment. Color is often at the center of this expression. Organic hues, woodtones, and natural materials connect our homes to nature promoting a sense of ease that restores the mind and body.

As we continue our five-part series exploring color, we take a moment to examine how natural palettes influence the experiences we have within our homes. As you develop your life of beauty join us in exploring nature’s influence on interior design.

Draw from a Biophilic Foundation

Biophilic design is the art of connecting nature to indoor spaces. Although the concept can be expressed in many ways, philosophies often focus on incorporating organic elements like plants, water, and natural light. These concepts can be further enhanced by adding earthen and nature-based color palettes and natural materials like wood, stone, or terracotta. Building this foundation can help promote feelings of calm while also inspiring a sense of wonder and positivity. 

Create Harmony with Undertones

As you immerse yourself within the natural world, you’ll likely notice the nuances only Mother Nature can create. The cool shades of slate and stone. The warmth of clay and teak. And how seemingly opposing elements align naturally in balance. Drawing from a cohesive arrangement of undertones creates harmony while allowing us to pull from an array of hues, textures, and materials.    

Incorporate the Beauty of Wood

Renowned artisan George Nakashima believed natural elements like wood furnishings or cabinetry were not simply inanimate objects within our homes. Instead, he believed these natural elements provided the lifeforce necessary to energize interior spaces. At Wood-Mode, our dedication to craftsmanship ensures the distinctive and defining qualities inherent to wood remain within our cabinetry and custom creations. From the cut of our wood and our extensive collection of species to our time-tested finishing practices, each phase in our process is designed to preserve and highlight the natural beauty of wood. 

Add Natural Forms & Textures

Nature often feels unrestrained. However, upon deeper inspection, inherent patterns and repetition quickly appear. These repeating rhythms, sometimes referred to as fractals, create visual balance that can ease the mind and calm the spirit. Similarly, these elements can be incorporated within our homes through woodgrain, natural stone, organic materials, and plants. Layering these details creates a depth and richness that feels immersive and multidimensional – much like nature itself.  

Creating Your Life of Beauty

Whether it’s portrayed through art, fashion, or home design, the power and beauty of nature often provides an unmatched muse. The natural world awakens the senses and provides an unequivocal sense of inspiration and awe.

Creating your unique life of beauty often requires a process of quiet introspection and asking what inspires you, what elements fit within your lifestyle, and how you want to feel within your most intimate space. 

Once you have envisioned your life of beauty, contact an experienced Wood-Mode designer in your area who can help you translate that idea into a space ideal for your home.