The Wonder Of Wood

Wood furniture is the hero of modern classic design, writes Guinevere Davies

- Guinevere Davies

Timeless in its appeal, wood has remained a staple material found throughout every home since the concept of home began. As an organic, natural material capable of adapting to absolutely every style and trend in both design and manufacture, there will always be a place for wood furniture in every home and era.

WHY WOOD?

Our love for wood furniture can be traced to the inherent qualities of the material itself. As Homewood’s Ian Perry explains, “Furniture throughout the centuries has been made from wood because of the warmth it adds to a space and the story that a tree has to tell. Once a tree is crafted into furniture, it continues to tell its story for years to come. Solid wood always retains its classic magnificence. Every single piece has a unique mark, imperfection or quality – and that is the beauty of it, pure perfection in its imperfections!”

David Krynauw agrees: “Wood is a natural substance which, in itself, makes it timeless. It adds warmth and dimension to interior spaces. Every piece is unique and cannot be replicated. It is like using works of art as your building blocks. It can only equate to something magnificent.”

As does minima’s Jacques Cronje: “We experience wood in a different way to other materials, for example, steel or plastic. You never really see someone running their hands across a plastic chair to get a sense of it – yet we commonly do this with wood. Perhaps as both a deep-rooted connection with the material and possibly in appreciation of the craftsmanship that worked it into that smooth finish. Also, no two pieces of wood are identical; they are distinguished always by their grain, and this I think can hold our fascination.”