For as long as we can all remember, the default approach to design was to keep things neutral. But the pendulum is swinging. Increasingly, designers are looking for materials that add more texture to a room, starting with Drew and Jonathan Scott.
For the Property Brothers, decorating with wood is an obvious answer. As part of their partnership with Wood Veneer Hub, they’re bringing that idea to their eponymous home collection in the shape of two designs: Ultraflex and Flutto Valley.
To the brothers, the appeal is in the versatility of the wood. The material can introduce sculptural details and custom-looking millwork, giving a room a more considered feel without a full renovation. It also taps into a larger shift in how we want our homes to feel. After years of decorating with neutrals, personality is back on the agenda.
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‘We’ve had a few years now where grays and creams were really the supreme color palette,’ Jonathan says in an interview with Homes & Gardens. ‘But I think people are leaning back more into adding personality and warmth into their spaces.’
(Image credit: WVH)
Drew sees wood as one of those rare materials that can make a room feel curated without dictating the entire scheme. ‘Whether it’s wall panels, wood furniture, even interesting decorative elements like frames or lamps, wood’s not going anywhere,’ he notes. ‘It has that perfect balance of feeling modern and interesting but also natural and not too overpowering. It’s a classic for a reason.’
Wallpaper has long been the standard for introducing pattern, but timber brings a physical quality that you cannot achieve from a flat surface. ‘And we love wallpaper!’ Drew says. ‘It’s a great way to bring color and pattern to a space. But wood panels have that rich warmth and interest, plus texture you can really see and feel. If acoustics and impact are what you’re going for, wood surfaces are an excellent solution.’
Next, we address the practical side. As open-plan living has become the norm, the way a room sounds matters almost as much as how it looks. ‘The Acoustic Slat Wall Panels from our line at Wood Veneer Hub do have the benefit of sound absorption, meaning they can dampen noise and create that more relaxing, focus-driven room that your standard wallpaper or paint can’t do,’ Jonathan explains.
‘Plus, most sound-absorbing panels aren’t necessarily the most stylish, but with ours you’re getting both function and design.’
(Image credit: WVH)
Traditionally, the challenge has been achieving that architectural look without committing to a large project.
‘We’re huge fans of DIY projects and adding character where you can,’ Jonathan says. ‘But it’s not always easy to do that due to cost, difficulty level, and even time. Oftentimes what we see happening is people don’t have the budget for a full reno, so they try to solve the problem by adding their own trim or molding, and that ends up being trickier than they planned for and doesn’t quite look how they envisioned.’
Wood offers a more straightforward route to the same depth. ‘Flexible wood surfaces are an incredible solution to this problem,’ Drew says. ‘They incorporate warmth, style, structure, and texture all at once, while also helping avoid challenges like making tricky cuts around certain structures. You can actually tackle some of the more difficult surfaces with ease, and you’re left with a stylish, gorgeous finished wall.’
(Image credit: WVH)
Perhaps the most interesting part is what happens when you stop thinking of wood panels as something that simply covers a wall. Their flexibility makes them particularly suited to curves and awkward architectural details, giving homeowners a way to introduce the kind of bespoke finish usually associated with higher-end projects.
‘I love this line because it really does allow the average homeowner to get that luxe design without needing to hire a team to make it happen,’ Jonathan says. ‘The Flutto wall panels look incredible, and because they’re flexible, you’re not limited to straight-edged surfaces. The finished product will look expensive, but you’ll have the pride of doing it yourself.’
‘We’re always searching for ways to bring luxury to as many homes as possible, and the Flutto panels provide that option to anyone who’s excited to tackle a weekend project,’ Drew adds.
(Image credit: WVH)
There is scope beyond a statement wall too. This wood can go a surprisingly long way, particularly in rooms where a conventional accent wall feels too obvious. ‘Any blank or bland area can benefit from a wood accent,’ Drew says. ‘I particularly like it to snake around walls in an open concept layout, or when it acts as wainscoting for a wow factor. You could even use it to liven up old bookshelves or furniture pieces.’
Jonathan takes the idea one step further, suggesting that these surfaces can be used to create definition where a room needs it. ‘Another fun idea to try is to get creative and design a headboard effect behind your bed, or inside the walls of a window seat,’ he says. ‘You can also use it to delineate zones within a larger area, like installing it in an unused corner of a living room. When you nestle in an armchair and a small table, it becomes an instant reading nook.’
The result is a more flexible approach to millwork. Rather than requiring major structural changes, wood can be introduced as a considered layer, adding warmth, architectural interest and a more personal feel, even in relatively small doses.
Shop the Wood Decor Edit
Panels aside, wooden accessories are a quick way to introduce this same warmth into any room. Ahead – six of my curated favorites.
Pierce & Ward Swivel Vanity Stool
I love how this vanity stool brings instant character to an otherwise practical corner. The curved shape and swivel seat make it feel so considered, while the vintage-inspired design gives a dressing table a more collected look.
Oliver Burl 4×6 Frames (set of 2)
A good frame does more than display a photo, and these burl wood finds master that versatility perfectly. The natural grain and glossy finish add just enough character to a bedside table, bookshelf or console.
It’s impossible to believe this lamp is under $40. The natural burl wood gives it that collected, slightly organic feel, while the simple white shade keeps it feeling classic (and it’s Drew Barrymore-approved).
Tondo 5.75″ Small Acacia Wood Serving Bowl
The best accessories are as beautiful as they are functional. In this case, grained acacia wood becomes an unexpected sculptural serving essential. It’s naturally suited to entertaining or an artful display.
I adore the character of these burled wood trays, which bring a little warmth and texture to even the simplest coffee table or console. They’re useful, but always decorative enough to leave out.
Briella Modern Plinth Pedestal
This plinth stopped me in my tracks. The rich burl finish feels so designer, and truly what my living room nook needs. It’d be just as beautiful topped with my favorite lamp as it would styled on its own.
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