Wood design features: which ones to use for maximum impact

At once modern and traditional, wood adds warmth and life to any room. Here’s how to integrate it into the design features in your home.

Trim
Crown molding, chair rails and baseboards give your home a polished, upscale look. When stained a natural color, they add emphasis and elegance.

Paneling
Wood paneling is back and it looks amazing. The modern take on this vintage trend involves placing the planks horizontally instead of vertically and keeping the panels confined to one accent wall. Some designers are putting a twist on the trend by placing the paneling on the ceiling instead.

Beams
If your home has wood beams, don’t hide them behind drywall. Instead, expose them and show off this great architectural detail.

The type of wood you choose will influence the look of your home. Blonde woods tend to be more casual and are ideal for country-style spaces, while dark woods are statelier and better suited to traditional designs. If you prefer a rustic vibe, use reclaimed barn wood instead.