• Coveted

Material of the moment: The warmth of wood

From textured wood and dark stained timber to naturally burled and even charred black surfaces — now more than ever we’re seeing a ressurgence in the use of heavier, darker or uniquely treated timber for interiors, furniture and homewares.

Wood adds natural warmth to an interior, making it look good but most importantly also feel good. Simply put, the use of wood — which mirrors a rise in biophilia (meaning love of nature) and all things 1970s — helps create spaces that are more relaxing, uplifting and nourishing for the soul. And in this always-on era of high tech and screen addiction, it’s something we could all use much more of. Here’s the Studio Prineas edit of timber we love.

 

Monica Förster for Zanat

We love the tactility of these simple, raw-hewn timber bowls by Stockholm-based Monica Förster for Bosnian design studio, Zanat, a 21^st century company founded on a centuries-old tradition of hand-carved, Konjic-style furniture from local Bosnian hardwoods. Zanat makes furniture for clients including the Nordic Museum in Stockholm, London’s luxury Andaz hotel and one of our most inspirational interiors of all time — the Ett Hem Hotel in Stockholm by Ilse Crawford.

New to the collection is a dark chaise-longue in solid cherry or maple by French designer Jean-Marie Massaud, which reflects a rising shift in the design world towards sturdy, darker timbers seen at international trade shows from Stockholm to Milan and New York.

 

Arthur Mamou-Mani for COS

The collaboration between Swedish fashion brand COS and French architect Arthur Mamou-Mani earlier this year during Milan’s famous Design Week resulted in a visionary, sculptural installation made from a mix of Douglas fir and vinegar. The lattice-like material, created with a 3D printer is renewable, biodegradable and — surprisingly for its fragile appearance — can withstand a weight of up to 2.1 tonnes. “Timber is the future,” says Mamou-Mani. “It will potentially replace steel and concrete, but it will mean we need to plant more forests.” Sounds like a win, win situation.

 

Patricia Urquiola for Cassina

Urquiola is a genius when it comes to keeping one step ahead of the zeitgeist. Titled Hayama, this new cabinet for Cassina is a unique amalgam of some of the most forward-thinking interior trends in 2019 from its sage green stain and burled wood surface to its elegant and deceptively simple form inspired by a Haori, the traditional jacket worn with a kimono.