Wooden walls are here

The alliterative phrase ‘wooden walls,’ may bring to you, images of gloomy wooden walls in old cottages in cold hill stations. Now, however, in the West, wooden walls are riding high on the decor trend curve. This is influencing decorators in India and many have begun embracing wooden walls.

Wooden walls have roots in the early or mid twentieth century. We are familiar with walls that have been gloomy, but now, such walls are painted in dramatic colours like deep violet. Also, lattice motifs are used. Also popular is the wood wave, which is used in renovation. Quite often, reclaimed wood is used in such decor. Designers suggest creating feature walls with either a sleek contemporary look or a rustic modern feel. Horizontal, vertical, herringbone, or other mosaic patterns give depth and dimension.

Peter Glassford of Texas fused his studio art background and his design job and collaborated with a high-end Mexican furniture maker to create sculptural installations with the tropical hardwood off-cuts left over from furniture manufacture. The artist now produces mass market collage squares representative of his original signed artwork. This has a dramatic 3D effect. Indian artists are trying this method which creates panels, each of which is unique. Contemporary homes are featuring wood walls. Many classy hotels are displaying wooden walls in their bedrooms. Incorporating natural textures and materials with wood can make a space feel more traditional and rustic, while being totally contemporary at the same time.

As far as decor goes, sky is the limit – or shall we say, the ceiling is the limit — with wooden walls. What’s more, you can mix and match a contemporary and classical look and still not go wrong.