5 Ways to Create Contrast with Hardwood Floors
Contrast is one of interior design’s core concepts and one of the most effective methods utilized by designers to add interest into a space.
“I am for a harmony of opposites. Ancient and modern, shiny and matte, primitive and civilize, serious and witty.” – Betsy Brown
1. Pairing Matte Black and White Oak Floors:
Provence – French Collection
The contrast between an edgy black paint and a white oak hardwood is so boldly modern! The unique idiosyncrasies within the wood planks are emphasized by utilizing dark paint – which also frames and adds structure to a space. Adding a pop of contrast and highlighting the extraordinary details within your one-of-a-kind flooring has never been more attainable.
2. Pairing Dark Floors and a Lighter Décor:
Brigitte – Du Bois
Hardwood is, without a doubt, one of most desirable residential flooring materials around today. Not only does it have a breathtaking effect on the presence of a space, but it also helps to increase the overall value of a property. We love how the rusticity of deep hardwood which, paired with bright walls, creates a farmhouse rustic style. Dark floors also have the ability to accentuate architectural details such as a white kitchen island or a staircase.
3. Using Contrasting Textures to Add Dimension to a Space:
From left to right: Chrishell – Du Bois, Brigitte – Du Bois, Zuma Beach – Newport
The association of elements with different textures can instantly elevate a room’s visual impact. While hardwood has a rather warm, distressed texture, stone has a contrastingly cool and rugged character that brings life and dimension to decor. Utilizing elements like these with contrasting ambience will help to add a level of variation and dynamism to your home. Hint: Making a mood board with pieces or samples of the textures you are interested in working with helps to visualize the outcome of your space! Click here to see an example of what a mood board looks like and how one of our customers used it to pick out her kitchen flooring.
4. Distinguishing Floors and Ceiling from the Rest of the Room
From left to right and top to bottom: Brigitte – Du bois, Brigitte – Du Bois, Pebble Beach – Newport, Garrison Custom, Zuma Beach – Newport.
Another way to add structure and dimension to an interior design is to match the hardwood flooring stain of the hardwood beam on the ceiling. These beams help to elongate and add perspective in a space. Not only can you purchase these beams pre-made at hardware stores, but you can also DIY these beams at home!
5. Pairing Marble and Hardwood:
From left to right and top to bottom: Nathalie – Du Bois, Garrison Custom, Garrison Custom, Zuma Beach – Newport
Pairing sleek marble with warm hardwood, creates an undeniable sense of harmony and equilibrium in a space. If you begin to notice that your space is displaying as too sophisticated, add rustic hardwood to balance out the elegant white marble. This technique is one of the highest regarded and most sought after design styles today.