I used to be of the school of thought that the darker wood furniture and floors were, the better. Oh how far I’ve come. Especially with warm summer breezes gracing the northeast, I am adoring all things light colored! Blonde, pickled, whitewashed, untreated wood is the hotness right now and I can’t seem to get enough! It can look modern, delicate, rustic or sleek depending on it’s implementation.
Some images to light the fire in your brain:
Furniture retailers everywhere are showcasing the lighter side of wood- Crate and Barrel has a few items that fit the bill that when paired with colorful, modern finished and metals look very Scandinavian:
Restoration Hardware shows a much more Belgian/rustic take on the light wood trend- in fact, 75% of their furniture falls into this category now!
VivaTerra, a fabulous eco-friendly site has some gorgeous examples as well:
I also found some modern takes on the trend on Tonic Home:
Oooo….ahhh….
Love it all.
Couldn’t I just “borrow” it..? = )
Great post. Lovely images – especially the room with the stags head chandelier.
I love this look so much! How do “modern farmhouse” and Belgian design aesthetics overlap? What’s the difference between the two? Anyone?
I mean I get the light wood thing, I do, but mostly for furniture. It just doesn’t do it for me on floors. Maybe like beach house floors. But some weathered driftwood or white washed furniture? Yes please. And against some dark wood as well. Now we’re talkin.
A few pieces of light wood can be nice, but generally speaking I’m still a fan of dark, sleek wood, especially for floors. Just a lot more sophisticated — and, I think, more enduring.
I know! Dark is wearing on me, and I never thought I’d say that. Just stripped an old dark oak table and limed it. I’m sure in about two years I’ll be painting it… funny how fast taste changes.
Not the blonde of the 50′s, I’m looking @ it a whole new way. I adore the natural effect the blonde wood gives off. So many gorgeous examples Erin. Thank You!
I still love darker wood pieces, BUT, you do make a good argument with these gorgeous pics!
gorgeous!
I love this look …All these pieces are gorgeous
Yes, you’re right, blonde wood has gotten a ‘bad rap’ lately, so I’m delighted to see you feature it ! I especially love it in coastal homes or rustic homes, but that Tonic Home console had me at hello. Who knew it could be so glam ? Swoon, especially the hardware. Totally inspired !
Kate
yessss….
great selections erin. i agree – light woods are classed up!
Love the pic with the bright colored pillows and the Roman shades with turquoise….I still love darker wood also but I love the classy pics you posted! Makes me think a bit….
interesting. hubby and i are making a trip to the local c&b store this weekend to check out one of their light wood dining room tables. i totally like the style… my only hesitation is the lighter wood, cause i’ve always gone for darker wood. maybe time for a change? thanks for the post. pam