Who says “old brown furniture” has to look old-fashioned?
Brie Williams
1.
Rethink the purpose of the piece.
Credit:Brie Williams
Mix furniture styles and eras.
Land
3.
Pair dark furniture with dark walls.
Credit:Brian Anderson/Interior design: Jessica Stambaugh
The floor is wood, too, but in a much lighter stain.
i2i Photography/Max Kim-Bee
4.
Pay attention to undertones.
Credit:David A. Land
Wood finishes often featureundertones that appear yellow, orange, red, blue-gray, or dark brown.
Tie all those wood tones together with aneutral paint colorand natural materials such as the sisal rug.
Break up furniture “sets.”
Credit:i2i Photography/Max Kim-Bee
For the other pieces, either use them in different rooms orsellordonatethem.
There are lots of ways to this.
Lay a brightly patterned textile runner across the top.
Credit: Laura Moss
Perch a bold lamp and/or artwork or mirror on top of it.
Hang a colorful tassel from a handle or land it on top of a colorful rug.
In a bedroom outfitted with wood furniture,bring in colorvia bedding and the walls.
Credit: Brie Williams
Again, look to the wood’s undertone to guide your color decisions, aiming for a pleasing contrast.
Adam Albright/Interior design: Ruthie Jackson
7.
Annie Schlechter/Interior design: Gabby Skok
8.
Credit:Adam Albright/Interior design: Ruthie Jackson
Give it a wow background.
Like this orange-y oak desk, lots of wood furniture has a warm undertone.
Credit:Annie Schlechter/Interior design: Gabby Skok
