Timber design trends we’ve predicted you’ll see more of in 2024
As we step into 2024, we’ve been reflecting on the current architectural and design landscape. We predict sustainability will remain front and centre this year, with the collective consciousness around the environmental impact of our design choices becoming increasingly important. With that said, timber remains a smart choice for architects and homeowners who want to create something special while minimising environmental impact. Our Marketing Assistant Zoë has asked some of our in-house experts for their thoughts on the timber design trends we are likely to see a lot more of this year.
1. A warm cosy cabin feel
Molly Welsh, from our Flooring & Interior Cladding team predicts we will see more people looking to use timber internally within their home to create a cosy, cabin like environment. Describing it as “simple but elegant”, Molly notes this is a popular design choice for clients, particularly in the colder, winter months.
According to our team, biophilic design – which seeks to connect the indoor environment with nature – is a trend which will continue to thrive in 2024. We predict there will be more of bringing the outdoors in by incorporating natural textures and earthy colour palettes into your décor. Biophilic design not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes a healthier, more harmonious living environment.
For inspiration on how to achieve this look, take a look at our project, Pine Bank Chalets in Aviemore. Here, the client has used the Lunawood Collection in the sauna and bathrooms, as well as throughout the chalet as accent interior cladding. With this product, you can effortlessly bring this luxury, chalet-like aesthetic into the comfort of your own home.
2. Letting natural figuring shine through
There will always be a place for a solid coloured finish, but in 2024, Charlotte from our Architectural Liaison Team, predicts a growing preference for showcasing the natural figuring of the timber. Figuring, which refers to the surface pattern influenced by the log’s cut, is particularly notable in flatsawn timber like Abodo® Vulcan Flatsawn, creating a distinctive flame-like appearance. Architects are increasingly adopting translucent finishes such as Woca Oil and SiOO:X to enhance and highlight this natural figuring. The trend towards emphasising attractive grain figuring signifies a shift towards a more organic, nature-inspired aesthetic in design, offering a timeless and sophisticated appeal.
Expert View
Natural figuring is an attractive feature of timber cladding which be highlighted through the use of specific coatings. Woca oils offer a lighter coverage compared to traditional film-forming paints, allowing the figuring to shine through and create a detailed façade.Charlotte Wark Senior Architectural Liaison Technician
3. Sleek, secret-fix timber cladding
Another trend our team predicted was the continuation of secret-fixed timber cladding. Unlike traditional cladding systems with visible fixings, secret fixing conceals fasteners to achieve a smooth and sleek exterior surface. By concealing fasteners, this approach minimises the risk of moisture infiltration and maximises ventilation, contributing to a more refined and resilient cladding system, whilst enhancing visual appeal.
Russwood offers two methods of secret fix. The first is a FassadenClip®, designed for our open rainscreen timber cladding, and the second is F-BohrFix®ZB, which has been created specifically for “tongue and groove” profiled cladding, for example our RW119 profile.
The project pictured left utilises secret fix with black painted Accoya® to create a smooth, modern design style which creates a visually captivating architectural statement.
4. Two-tone cladding to make a bold statement
Two-tone timber cladding has emerged as a prominent trend in contemporary design, offering a dynamic and visually appealing alternative to traditional single-tone finishes. This design involved using two distinct shades of timber to create a striking contrast on building exteriors.
The James Jones and Sons Ltd office in Lockerbie by Konishi Gaffney Architects pictured right, creates a stunning visual with factory coated RAL9005 Teknos Paint and SiOO:X Original. This trend has gained popularity for its ability to create an interesting visual and architectural richness, that breaks away from monotonous façades. The play of light and shadow on the contrasting tones enhances the overall texture of the cladding, providing buildings with a unique and stylish appearance.
Expert View
Two-tone cladding is becoming increasingly popular as a method of producing either a striking or subtle contrast between various sections of a project, while maintaining a balance of uniform materiality.Ross McCormack Cladding System Development Technician
5. Pale, minimalist wood flooring
In terms of interior styles, we expect to continue to see a large amount of minimalistic, simple flooring. Our lighter colour offerings, in a semi-smooth finish are a popular choice, particularly our European Oak in ‘Sand’ and ‘Original’. The Scandinavian aesthetic featured in this blog, is a trend that is here to stay and our Douglas fir flooring more than hits the mark.
These pale flooring options serve as a stunning and durable blank canvas for creativity within the home, allowing clients to design their space however they like. We believe 2024 will see more colour, more adventurous choices, and interior design that is visually stimulating and rich in personality.
If any of these timber design trends have inspired you, we are more than happy to offer advice on the best timber selection and fixings for your project. Get in touch with our Sales or Architect Liaison team today.