Get in the Grain: Designing with Wood Tones
By Michelle Ko
Wood textures are everywhere—and for good reason. They bring warmth, grounding, and a timeless connection to nature into any space. But it’s not just about picking any wood look. The magic happens when you pair the right wood tone with complementary textures and color palettes tailored to your project’s purpose and audience.
Whether it’s with our PVC-free Wood Look wallcoverings or Kirei’s Ink Wood collection of printed PET panels, you have a versatile toolkit to craft spaces that feel intentional, authentic, and perfectly balanced—without the harmful chemistry that comes with PVC, at the cost of human health and the planet.
Workplace: Warm Woods and Chunky Textures Paired with Calming Hues
Modern offices seek balance—natural materials to reduce stress, sleek design to inspire productivity. Pair warm wood tones reminiscent of walnut and oak with chunky woven textiles that feel soft to the touch, alongside calming hues like blues, soft grays, and muted greens to foster focus and wellbeing.
Healthcare: Soft Organic Woods with Soothing Neutrals and Matte Textures
For patient rooms and wellness areas, choose subtle organic patterns like Briarwood, inspired by eucalyptus and olive branches. Pair them with soft neutrals—warm creams, gentle taupes—and matte textures like our matte Xorel textiles to create calming, restorative environments that feel safe and welcoming.
Hospitality: Dark Woods Meet Luxe Metals and Midnight Jewel Tones
Use deep wood tones close to black—like Timber in color 8 or Kirei Ink Wood Print in Charred Oak—paired with warm gold or brass accents to create a rich, enveloping atmosphere for hotel lobbies and restaurants. Layer in jewel tones with indulgent textures—emerald green, midnight blue, or dark plum—for a luxurious vibe that feels both bold and experimental.
Education: Bold Patterns with Vibrant Colors and Industrial Metallics
Educational spaces thrive on energy and creativity. Use Sap, with its watercolor-inspired blooms layered over woodgrain, to bring vibrancy without chaos. Complement with pops of mustard yellow, terracotta, or teal, balanced by industrial metallics like chrome or brushed steel for dynamic personality.
The Takeaway
Wood tones aren’t one-size-fits-all. By thoughtfully pairing the right wood shade with textures, metals, and colors suited to your market, you create spaces that feel tailored, balanced, and deeply intentional.
Want a custom palette for your next project? Tap into our free design services for a curated shipment of memos tailored exactly to your needs. Let’s bring nature, performance, and style together.
About the Author
Michelle Ko is a marketing manager with over a decade of experience in the industry. With a background as a textile designer, she has hands-on expertise in researching and developing textiles, including Xorel. Passionate about storytelling, education, and collaboration, she loves uncovering the deeper truths behind trends and innovations—exploring not just what we love, but why we love it.