Renovation planning, on the go
Save your favourite home ideas, enquire with firms and explore home deals.
Switch to the app
📢 [27-28 Apr] Skip showroom-hopping! Meet multiple interior designers on one weekend. Find out more ›
ARTICLES

9 Ways to Use Wood Accents to Create the Most Inviting Homes

It really is the most versatile material, and we have real-life proof!

In our books, one of the best ways to add warmth and depth into your home is through the use of wood accents. They are not only durable, they make a house feel more like a home – cosy and liveable.

Canberra Street by Urban Home Design 二本設計家
Save to Qanvast Board
282

View this project by Urban Home Design 二本設計家

That said, there’s a trick to acing it. You’ll have to balance out the look with neutral-coloured focal points to prevent your interiors from looking too heavy. Here are 9 perfect examples that nailed down the look!


1. You can’t overdo it when it comes to using wood. The key is to vary the types of wood grain, colour gradient and textures used. The result is a home full of character warmth. Switch between warm and cool lighting for different effects

Fernvale Road by The Interior Lab
Save to Qanvast Board
186

View this project by The Interior Lab

Fernvale Road by The Interior Lab
Save to Qanvast Board
19
Fernvale Road by The Interior Lab
Save to Qanvast Board
19
Fernvale Road by The Interior Lab
Save to Qanvast Board
22

Explore: This Designer’s Tidy 4-Room Flat Hides Everything with Wood

2. Balance out the dark wood flooring by keeping the surroundings light. Take cues from this home. The absence of a feature wall, coupled with a white ceiling makes the interiors look more spacious. Use throw pillows or lay out tiles in a herringbone pattern to break up the monotony.

Bedok North Street 4 by ELPIS Interior Design
Save to Qanvast Board
180

View this project by ELPIS Interior Design

Bedok North Street 4 by ELPIS Interior Design
Save to Qanvast Board
28
Bedok North Street 4 by ELPIS Interior Design
Save to Qanvast Board
22

3. Avid book readers would appreciate this expertly designed, floor-to-ceiling book shelf. What’s really cool about it is that the shaker cabinet handles are all crafted from wood. Because of this, it looks almost seamless but still remains functional!

iNZ Residence by Authors • Interior & Styling
Save to Qanvast Board
27

View this project by Authors • Interior & Styling

iNZ Residence by Authors • Interior & Styling
Save to Qanvast Board
7
iNZ Residence by Authors • Interior & Styling
Save to Qanvast Board
7
iNZ Residence by Authors • Interior & Styling
Save to Qanvast Board
20

4. The beauty about using wood is its versatility. For one, you can use it to highlight areas within your home, much like how warm wood is employed for both the open shelves as well as the settee area here.

Or switch your application! The wood-grain bathroom tiles have been laid out vertically, creating the illusion of a taller ceiling height.

Bukit Batok West Avenue 8 by ChengYi Interior Design
Save to Qanvast Board
366

View this project by ChengYi Interior Design

Bukit Batok West Avenue 8 by ChengYi Interior Design
Save to Qanvast Board
75
Bukit Batok West Avenue 8 by ChengYi Interior Design
Save to Qanvast Board
80
Bukit Batok West Avenue 8 by ChengYi Interior Design
Save to Qanvast Board
48

5. Sometimes, what you need is a hero piece that can make all the difference. In this case, there are two: the woody feature wall, and the raised platform that doubles as a neat little retreat. Pops of colour are introduced in the form of green plants.

Circuit Road by Arche Interior
Save to Qanvast Board
104

View this project by Arche Interior

Circuit Road by Arche Interior
Save to Qanvast Board
22
Circuit Road by Arche Interior
Save to Qanvast Board
9
Circuit Road by Arche Interior
Save to Qanvast Board
25

6. Stains and tones may vary too. In fact, you can swap them out depending on the your room’s function. Wood with a darker stain, for instance, looks warmer. Therefore, it works better when used in a bedroom, especially when you want to make it feel cosy and lived-in.

In fact, wood complements a variety of other materials including tiles. You can combine them for a unique look – this Japanese home bears testament to that!

Tampines Street 61 by Lemonfridge Studio
Save to Qanvast Board
95

View this project by Lemonfridge Studio

Tampines Street 61 by Lemonfridge Studio
Save to Qanvast Board
5
Tampines Street 61 by Lemonfridge Studio
Save to Qanvast Board
13
Tampines Street 61 by Lemonfridge Studio
Save to Qanvast Board
35

Explore: 8 Japanese-style Homes to Give MUJI a Run for Their Money

7. Not every home can pull off incorporating so much wood! But you can do so if your space has plenty access to natural light. The combination of glass windows and walls keeps this home looking spacious and airy, making it feel less heavy despite all the built-ins.

The Trilinq by Metier Planner
Save to Qanvast Board
213

View this project by Metier Planner

The Trilinq by Metier Planner
Save to Qanvast Board
39
The Trilinq by Metier Planner
Save to Qanvast Board
50
The Trilinq by Metier Planner
Save to Qanvast Board
37

8. Spend a lot of time in the kitchen? Induce some cosiness with wooden cabinets and display shelves! Apart from white, you can even pair wood with concrete screed for a more pared-down look, as pictured.

Punggol Central by Butler Interior
Save to Qanvast Board
62

View this project by Butler Interior

Punggol Central by Butler Interior
Save to Qanvast Board
351
Punggol Central by Butler Interior
Save to Qanvast Board
65

9. Then there’s the added benefit of storage as well. Your wood accents can easily double as storage solutions. Here, both the raised platform and bedframe have been tricked out with compartments! It makes for a really nifty way to get more space to work with, even if you’re living in a small home.

Canberra Street by Urban Home Design 二本設計家
Save to Qanvast Board
282

View this project by Urban Home Design 二本設計家

Canberra Street by Urban Home Design 二本設計家
Save to Qanvast Board
17
Canberra Street by Urban Home Design 二本設計家
Save to Qanvast Board
15
Canberra Street by Urban Home Design 二本設計家
Save to Qanvast Board
12

Have plans to build a cosy home?

Simply tell us your renovation requirements and we can get you personalised renovation quotes from five local interior design firms for free!

Also, when you engage an interior firm through our free recommendation service, you’ll enjoy attractive perks, such as the Qanvast Guarantee – a free initiative that safeguards up to $50,000 of your renovation deposits.

Renovate with assurance, only on Qanvast. Find and meet interior designers verified by homeowners, with no hidden costs and no commissions involved. Find an ID

Recommended for you
Chat