Have you noticed how timber in an indoor space gives you a feeling of comfort, warmth and makes you feel more at ease? Are you drawn to architectural or design elements that feature timber in some form?
Research has shown there’s certainly something innately alluring and comforting about the visual presence of wood and benefits for our wellbeing.
Yet, many of us forget to consider this connection to nature when planning to build, renovate or redecorate our homes. With trends towards more minimalist designs, particularly in urban areas featuring hard surfaces such as glass, steel and concrete, the use of wood brings warmth and can really help to soften a space.
Here are 7 reasons why it’s a good idea to consider incorporating some form of timber elements into your home.
01 SUSTAINABILITY
As a sustainable resource wood gets the double tick being both renewable and recyclable.
When sourcing new furniture pieces, or timber finishes such as flooring, it is important of course to check for sustainability credentials. (More information on FSC Certification can be found here)
Consider also using reclaimed timber or buying vintage or second hand finds. Timber is a material that overtime can gain a beautiful worn patina from years of use, and featuring a piece with a ‘worn in’ or ‘rustic’ look can add character to your space in spades. However, if rustic isn’t your thing it can always be sanded back and refinished to feel like new again.
A vintage assortment of timber chairs from 1st Dibbs
02 REDUCED CARBON EMISSIONS
Did you know wood not only requires less energy consumption in the production of timber compared to other building materials, but is also a long term carbon storage facility?
Approximately 50 per cent of the dry weight of wood is carbon, which remains locked in the wood for the life of the product. This makes the use of timber compared to many other materials a great choice for our planet.
03 ENHANCED PHYSIOLOGICAL WELLBEING
Similar to the use of plants in interiors, wood used in interiors helps to reconnect us to nature and has also been shown to enhance wellness through physiological effects such as reduction of blood pressure and heart rate.
Timber incorporated into the building structure and combined
with timber furnishings at Seville Estate Winery.
Pic via Est Living
04 BENEFITS ON THE BRAIN
Some of the positive psychological impacts that scientific studies have listed from the presence of wood in interiors include: improved emotional state such as stress and anxiety reduction, enhanced productivity, and increased social connections. Benefits that arguably make good sense to consider using timber in areas of your home when it is estimated the average person spends 70% of their time at home.
05 IMPROVED AIR QUALITY THROUGH MODERATION OF HUMIDITY
The humidity of an interior space fluctuates over the day. Wood has the ability to equalize indoor humidity, through acting as a 'moisture buffer'. With a more stable moisture level, these daily fluctuations are lowered resulting in less need for artificial ventilation and energy than when room surfaces are covered with materials that do not absorb water vapour. This ability to buffer moisture plays an important role in understanding the risks posed by biological growth such as mould in the home and the impact of indoor air on the health of occupants.
06 AESTHETIC IMPACT
From an aesthetic perspective, wood adds warmth, tactility and personality to a space. It is highly versatile with a range of grains, colours and can be used in many shapes and forms. It can be applied in both contemporary or classic designs.
Classic Timber Kitchen from Homes to Love
The incorporation of rustic timber elements and vintage timber pieces to this traditional style country kitchen make it feel warm and lived in.
Think timber kitchens are passe? The simple scandi style kitchen below from Liljen Crantz featuring timber cabinets in a modern day shaker profile is a great example of how timber can be used to add warmth in a contemporary design without feeling dated.
Contemporary use of timber in the kitchen via Liljen Crantz Design
Incorporating wooden elements, particularly in spaces that typically contain a lot of hard finishes such as tiles, concrete and glass, can add a softness and warmth making the space feel more inviting to spend time in and enhancing connection to nature within the home. Incorporating something as simple as a timber stool into a bathroom instantly adds warmth and more of a comforting appeal. This is why you will often see stylists incorporating timber accents into bathrooms for photo shoots, enhancing the visual appeal of the space.
Image via Pinterest
07 FUNCTIONALITY
Wood is extremely versatile – it’s benefits of being both strong and durable as a material mean it can be applied in many different forms and functions within the home. Flooring, cladding, shelving, hooks, handles, furniture - you get the idea!
Image: Muuto Dot Hooks via Frenchy_Fancy on Pinterest
Our indoor environments have a huge impact on our physical and mental state. Timber has been used in design for centuries and now backed by scientific evidence there is no doubt that utilising natural materials such as timber in the home can provide a myriad of benefits, both to us and for the planet, (which results in a feel good factor in itself). If you are updating your home and looking to understand better how you can consider ensuring your home updates will positively impact your quality of life, or would just like some help or guidance please reach out book in a consult with me here, or visit my pinterest page for further inspiration.
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