I absolutely love my solid timber desk in my home office but little did I know it could be contributing to my productivity as well as looking (and feeling!) good!
My home officeImage source: Domayne blog
A new Australian report, Workplaces: Wellness + Wood = Productivity, says productivity can be increased by 8% and rates of well-being by 13% when we are exposed to natural elements, such as wood, in our offices. And with younger generations increasingly starting their own entrepreneurial ventures and working from home, they can choose to surround themselves with such things on a daily basis. Not to mention aesthetics! Take a look at some of our favourite timber home office picks. Nature always gets it right, right?!
The Watson Open Bookcase in new teak from GlobeWest
Ethnicraft Oak Wave bookcase from Curious Grace made from sustainable European oak
My own Ascot desk in natural ash from Contents ID
Recycled Stringybark sideboard from Ingrain Designs
Pollinate undertook a large-scale study investigating the relationship between exposure to wood in the workplace and workers’ reported wellbeing. The following findings are based on the results of an online survey of 1,000 ‘typical’ Australians working in indoor environments:
–Workers in workplaces with more wood have higher levels of satisfaction
–Biophilic design elements e.g. plants, natural light are also correlated with increased workplace satisfaction
–Workers in work environments with exposed wood feel more connected to nature and have more positive associations with their workplace
–Those in wooden working environments have higher levels of wellbeing and take less leave
–Wood is correlated with higher levels of concentration, improved mood and personal productivity.
Over the years I have definitely come to appreciate the feel good factor, beauty and longevity of wood in my home. In my thirties, I’ve upgraded from MDF flatpack, and I prefer to wait until I can afford the solid timber version; even better if it’s sustainably sourced too (read more about choosing the right wood). In my last apartment reno I used recycled timber vanities crafted by Melbourne’s Ingrain Designs and my latest furniture purchase for this house is an extendable ash dining table by Ethnicraft, who are committed to making solid wood furniture which lasts for generation and transcends trends.
My last bathroom reno featured stunning recycled timber vanities which I still miss!
It makes absolute sense to me that being surrounded by wood, be it at home, in the office or home office, would contribute to your feeling of wellbeing and connection to nature. As someone who gets to work from home and dictate my home office surroundings, I absolutely love having a beautiful solid timber desk as the hero of the room. Its timeless design means I’ll have it for many years.
The report goes on to say: “The link between job satisfaction and productivity has been well established in several academic papers. The happier the worker the more effective they will be in their role. Therefore, it is crucial for organisations to focus on worker satisfaction in order to maximise productivity. According to the results of this survey only 66% of workers are satisfied with their working life and only 59% with their workplace’s physical environment. This leaves a significant proportion who may not be maximising their potential while at work.”
An area in which workers were least satisfied was their connection with nature while at work. Given the established link between nature and wellbeing it makes sense that we should all trying adding some timber and plants (which also happen to be seriously on trend!) to our offices (where we have the choice) and home offices!
Why wood’s good (from a design perspective)
It’s a neutral
Natural materials add warmth and interest
It’s solid and hardwearing and can be sanded back and given a new lease on life should it get damaged or you fancy a change
It basically goes with everything!
Some ideas for adding wood to your home office
The obvious one: a desk
Timber wall shelving or bookcases
Investing in solid timber flooring when renovating rather than cheaper alternatives
Look for vintage timber furniture pieces to add character and minimise the corporate vibe.
With its boxy clean lines, concrete and large glass panels, this Melbourne family home could have been just another sterile modern residence if not for its stylish use of timber.
“We introduced warmth to the interiors with American oak as well as blackbutt cladding and joinery. Our intention was to truly expose the natural beauty of the materials,” says the home’s architect Feras Raffoul, the director of FGR Architects.
The home as viewed from the backyard
Featuring vertical wood storage in the lounge room and timber cladding on the walls and ceiling, the generous living area is undoubtedly the heart of the home. It’s a large living space that provides connection to almost every other part of the two-storey residence and the room expertly captures the light too, in large part due to the double height ceiling void.
The living area from above – I love the vertical timber stack next to the fireplace
Outside, a U-shaped timber-clad cantilevered canopy provides both a statement and shelter in the north facing alfresco area. “The canopy is the strongest language of the design. It frames the house and north elevations, providing a sense of welcoming to the solar activity throughout the day. Creating effective outdoor spaces was just as important as the indoors for this home,” says Feras.
The alfresco area is sheltered by the cantilevered timber-clad canopy above
The kitchen features a large island bench, warm timber joinery and a set of large glass stacking doors that allow for ventilation and connect the space with the outdoors. “Despite the volume, the home breathes effectively with strong airflow that penetrates from the front to the back,” says Feras.
The kitchen
The monochrome bathrooms feature black tapware, marble benchtops, round basins, steel shelves and rendered concrete walls.
One of the home’s four bathrooms
“Today, the family enjoys living in the space – we’ve seen a physical change in their lifestyle and wellbeing since moving in. A novelty cubby house at the back also provides endless fun for the children of the house,” says Feras of the home that also boasts four bedrooms and four bathrooms.
One of the home’s four bedrooms
Photography: Peter Bennetts | Styling: Hunter May Design
I’m a big believer that you can’t go wrong when you use beautiful, solid timber in your home, whether it’s a tabletop, furniture, bathroom vanity or floor. When I see beautiful timber, I just want to run my hand over it! I love that this durable, good-looking material comes from nature and never fails to add warmth and texture, in the most modern or traditional homes.
The bathroom in my old apartment
One thing’s for sure, wood never goes out of fashion, but we do change the way we use it. Last year, I chose to make custom timber vanities the star of my own bathroom and WC. Faced with wanting something simple and timeless but not at all boring, it was the obvious choice. I kept the tiles and bathroomware white, chrome and very simple, with a few marble feature tiles. This let the timber do the talking, and there’s no doubt that when we sold the apartment at Christmas (I still miss that bathroom, sob!) the bathroom certainly helped us get a block record price.
I was absolutely in love with our bathroom. Recently featured in Grand Designs Australia magazine, I wasn’t the only one who thought it nailed the brief of simple, timeless, quality. I mean, just look at that wood grain! You just can’t recreate that artificially! And yes, I spent a lot of time in there, stroking the timber!
There are many misconceptions around using timber though. I was genuinely surprised how many people questioned whether timber was a practical choice for the bathroom. I’d done my research of course, but many people thought the vanities wouldn’t last with so much exposure to water (more on that later). People also think that using new timber is bad for the environment (in that it’s not sustainable to cut down trees) or much more expensive than other options. These are understandable and legitimate concerns and I hope I can shed a little light on these important considerations in this post too.
Wood + water can work!
Ben Purchase of Ingrain Design, who made my vanities, says: “Timber selection in the bathroom is important, and regardless of the timber you choose – new timber or recycled hardwoods – it’s the way you seal it and protect it that ensure its longevity. Sealing prevents moisture getting into the timber, and can reduce issues with warping, movement or water damage. We use Osmo Poly-x because it’s made with natural wax and oils, which absorbs deep into the timber without the use of any harsh chemicals.
A timber stool is another great way to add warmth to the bathroom; a too often cold and clinical space
“Floating timber vanities are a popular choice, and they create the illusion of space. The benefit of a custom vanity is you can completely customise for each individual space, your family’s needs and the amount of storage you require.” That’s something I really loved about the tiny vanity in my WC which could hold an impressive 12 toilet rolls!
Environmentally sound
Interior designer James Treble, star of The Living Room and an ambassador for Planet Ark, told us: “The fact that most timber these days comes certified from regrowth forests (which has a full chain of custody so you know it’s the real deal) means we can all use and enjoy the benefits that timber brings in our homes as one of only 10 materials which is both renewable and recyclable! (More on choosing the right wood here). As for the cost, well quality timber flooring, furniture and cabinetry are made to last, and unlike other finishes they can be sanded stained and refinished many times over, meaning their value outlives many other products.”
Make It Wood, a partnership between Planet Ark and Forest and Wood Products Australia, say when sourced responsibly, wood can play a big part in helping tackle climate change. This is because wood is a low carbon option for building; it sequesters carbon during the growth phase, it stores carbon for the long-term, it is renewable and it has a lower embodied energy than many other building materials such as concrete, steel or plastics. As a result, using wood allows us to live a low carbon lifestyle. Wood is unique among building materials because it is a natural carbon store – up to 50% of its dry weight is carbon. Responsibly sourced wood products store the carbon that the growing trees have removed from the air.
You get what you pay for
I certainly believe that a large portion of society is moving away from the cheap and disposable mass market furniture and homewares that flood the market, and are prepared to pay a little more for something quality which will last, or something custom made which is perfect for their home and their taste. I, for example, have quite a narrow dining room in my new house, and I’m considering having a table custom made to make the best use of the space. We’ll be there for at least 10 years, so it will absolutely be worth it. You also cant beat a timber table top. My previous table was veneer and my toddler soon scratched and marked it at meal times! Solid timber can always be sanded back or re-stained if the worse happens or you change your colour scheme for example, but I personally love the look of a slightly gnarly, dented, well-loved family table that tells a bit of a story about the people who’ve eaten and done their homework at it so I wouldn’t be too precious!
Ben adds: “We’ve found people assume a hefty price tag applies to custom made furniture, when in fact, commissioning your own handmade piece of furniture is more accessible than you think. By choosing custom made, you’re doing your bit for the environment and a piece you can share with generations to come.
“Custom made is more affordable in the long run and people are cottoning on to the longevity you get out of a custom piece. Instead of buying several pieces of furniture over a period of time, you can have that one custom piece in your home – completely customised to your style and specifications, using sustainable, reclaimed or recycled timber, that is built to last and will stand the test of time.”
Where and how to use it in your home
And how about some more unusual uses for timber in the home? While timber clad feature walls have been gaining popularity for a while now, James also suggests ceilings!
We love the timber ceiling in this award-winning project, Yasmine Ghoniem’s (Amber Road) ‘Deco House’, recently featured on Interiors Addict. Click image for more.
“It’s a stylish and unexpected place to see timber cladding! It’s great for alfresco, as a feature under the front portico, and can also work very well inside the home, like the foyer, to make a modern yet stylish entrance,” James says. “And don’t forget the humble timber screening, large recycled timber posts placed close together, are a great way to screen off the front entry into a living area, or to act as a room divider between the living and dining areas.”
A Colourcube Interiors project recently featured on Interiors Addict. Click image for more.
While recycled and upcycled timber furniture is an obviously environmentally friendly, you should know you can buy certified new timber pieces without the guilt too. Before buying furniture or planning renovations such as a new deck or flooring, follow this advice to help you avoid buying illegally logged imported wood or wood from forests of high conservation value.
James says: “Timber is the only product that provides shade and habitat for wildlife while it’s growing, it can then be responsibly harvested, with a new forest to take its place. Those responsibly harvested trees can be used for a huge range of uses, and at a later date can be recycled and reused again and again! While all of this is being done, timber also stores carbon, so it’s great for our planet and global warming, and just like a walk in the bush makes us feel recharged, it’s proven that timber finishes in the home actually lower blood pressure and increase wellbeing! ”
Ben adds: “We’ve seen a growing trend towards locally made, people are becoming more conscious of where their furniture is coming from, and they’re making smarter buying choices when it comes to the environment. By choosing custom made you’re reducing the amount of furniture going to landfill and supporting smaller makers in the process. Purchasing that one custom handmade piece will outlive any flatpack – you’ll not only have a piece with your unique design stamp on it, you’ll also have done your part for the environment. And that means one less flatpack on the street curb.”
Disclosure: this post is in collaboration with Planet Ark’s Make It Wood campaign which supports the use of sustainably sourced, certified wood based on the benefits to the environment and our health and wellbeing that it provides.
With the current natural food craze, we knew it was only a matter of time before we went organic with our houses too! Tile Mega Mart have released the next great statement product to spice up your wall: timber mosaics. The Geppetto collection captures the natural beauty of timber, making it easy to create striking geometric patterns and 3D profiles in your home.
The collection features six designs – available in a choice of hues, each one vastly different from the next. You’ll find finishes ranging from deep cocoa-black (Mos Nero Rigati) to a soft limewash effect (Bardot Mos Tropezzienne). Those loving the Scandinavian look will be happy with the pale hue of Scaletta! Environmentalists can rest easy as each mosaic is crafted from sustainably produced Pinus Teada trees and handmade by timber artisans.
Marita Blaschka, Tile Mega Mart’s design director, is proud to say that the collection is just as easy as it is beautiful! “The timber pieces have been precisely placed on a small panel, creating a mosaic sheet measuring about 280mm, which has a self-adhesive backing. So no glues or grouting are required.”
The unique pieces inspire a number of installation options – from full walls to feature areas, such as in place of a bedhead or adding an extra layer to a display shelf.
With designs that range from the stunning herringbone display of Mosaico Spina to the concave shape of Arco Acustico and the stacked effect of Mos Nero Rigati, the Geppetto collection is sure to be the centre of attention at your next gathering.
The Geppetto handmade timber mosaic collection is available exclusively from Tile Mega Mart. Find it here.
These days it seems everyone is crazy about the vintage look – some even batter away at new wooden furniture and flooring to create that coveted distressed effect. But if worn, vintage timber is not the look you’re going for, Cabot’s touch up pen is the easiest way to disguise unsightly scratches and dints.
“Unsightly chips and scratches on timber doors, floors and furniture can quickly detract from even the most beautiful home,” said Amelia Lutz, Cabot’s brand manager.
The pen comes in five stains – Black, Walnut Brown, Golden Maple, Honey Oak and Jarrah Redgum – designed to closely resemble the colour of most timber finishes, and is suitable for use on all interior timber, including furniture, doors, flooring.
Cabot’s Touch Up Pen is available from stockists for $8.50 RRP.
Located in Melbourne’s Prahran, Naked Chicks is a strikingly original concept in food retail design. Offering healthy fast food created with local, organic produce (think free range chickens and pesticide-free veggies), the company wanted their shop fit-out to reflect this.
“The interior concept took its cues from Australian farm sheds and rural shelters and the idea of sitting under a verandah in a rural setting as twilight sets in,” says Peter Kennon of P-E-K STUDIO, the architectural and design practice that created the space.
Floating above the interior is a custom lighting installation designed to evoke the feeling of dusk. “We were trying to conjure that moment at sunset when the stars become visible but it is not yet dark,” says Peter. “A green rectangular tile is laid in a chevron pattern with copper trim detailing to complement the business’ branding also,” says Peter. Tasmanian timber lines the interior walls and is also used in the design of the large, central, rectangular share table and bench seating. “A disused concrete trough was salvaged and serves as a hand washbasin for customers too,” says Peter.
Serving only organic free range chicken and fruit and vegetables, Naked Chicks brings idyllic rural charm to the city in more ways than one.
Timber flooring adds warmth and versatility to home interiors and is a steadfast design choice. Ideal for single room makeovers, apartment projects and whole home flooring applications, there is a magnitude of timber products on the market. So how to choose? Here are my three easy tips that will ensure you get the best timber flooring for your needs.
When selecting a timber product, homeowners must first consider which rooms the timber will be located in and what type of surface it will be laid over. The subfloor will determine the timber flooring options available and may also impact decisions about the timber’s hardness rating, wear-ability and colour. Solid strip timber flooring is nailed down over bearers and joists or to battens on concrete, while solid strip overlay flooring or parquetry is glued to a concrete floor or directly onto plywood or existing timber floors.
Choosing colours and width of timber flooring comes down to personal taste. The cream to pale brown tones of Blackbutt timber makes it a popular choice for Australian homes, and can be used for both internal flooring and decking for a seamless indoor/outdoor flow.
It’s important to be thorough when shopping for a timber flooring solution. Homeowners should be clear on what grade and species they are buying, as there are variations between suppliers.
There are a few key terms homeowners should be aware of when buying timber flooring:
Species refers to the type of hardwood and is often a guide to colour. There are a wide range of Australian species available for timber flooring, from light browns to deep reds.
Grade refers to the level of natural features in the wood, such as gum veins, spirals, burls and insect trails which give timber floors a unique character.
Width refers to the width of each board and can affect the overall look of the room once the flooring is installed. Homeowners will need to decide whether they want wide boards or narrow boards.
Lastly, it’s important to be mindful of the properties of timber flooring and care for it appropriately. As a natural product, timber flooring responds to environmental influences such as extended sun exposure and dampness. Timber flooring is not recommended for bathrooms, for example.
— Clinton Skeoch is the national market development manager at Boral Timber, who have just released a new range of Engineered Flooring, which combines the sophistication of Australian hardwoods with the convenience of pre-finished boards.
In partnership with Michael Hayes Furniture and Baz Du Bois from the Living Room (and also our resident expert on Reno Addict!), Recycled Interiors is holding a reader event on everything wood.
Baz
Aiming to bring the community together to showcase how to use sustainable, recycled and salvaged timbers in your home; you will learn exactly what to look for, where to look and how to use and finish timber.
Held on 2 May from 1-to-5pm at Bayswater North’s Michael Hayes Furniture store, the four-hour workshop will feature a range of industry experts. Alongside Baz, you will hear from Michael Hayes, who is one of Australia’s top bespoke furniture makers and chair of the Australian Furniture Association’s Bespoke Maker’s group.
In store you will also be able to check out the Wood Expo, where some brilliant woodworkers will be sharing their wares, which you are able to buy on the day. Meet, mingle and learn all in a workshop environment; with great food, good company and a goodie bag to take home!
Here in Australia we love timber flooring! Be it for the kitchen, dining room, bedroom, lounge area or even the bathroom, timber is perfect for creating interiors right on-trend.
However, while wood may look and feel great, it’s not always the most cost efficient or durable option, so Formica’s eight new laminate flooring decors, in the latest colours and finishes, may just be the best option!
“Designed specifically for Australian interiors, homeowners can create modern living areas with Formica Flooring at a fraction of the price of most solid timber floors,” explains Formica marketing manager, Vivienne Rosta. “The same warmth, character and richness of traditional timber are achievable with these new, relevant colours and finishes. Formica flooring is an easy, quick and cost-effective flooring solution that can be installed by DIYers or by flooring installation professionals.”
New to the range are eight Formica Laminate flooring colours: the pure tones of Tasmanian Blackwood, Queensland Walnut and Spotted Gum reflect the natural beauty of timber, while the earthy colours of Dijon Oak, Modena Oak and Smoked Oak are perfect for creating intimate spaces and the lighter colours of Whitewashed Oak and Blackbutt will create the appearance of more space.
Available in both matt and gloss finishes, all flooring is easy to clean and maintain, a microfibre mop or appropriate laminate floor cleaner is all you need to remove stains, dust and mites.
Made in Europe and sold with a 30-year residential warranty, Formica Flooring ensures your floor will look great, year after year. For more information.
Perfect for the style-conscious Aussie, the Javi Letterbox range redesigns and redefines the humble letterbox.
Sleek, custom designed and suitable for both residential and commercial use, industrial designer Lee Rodezno created the range after being thoroughly disappointed by the quality and designs of products already on the market. “I couldn’t understand why people would put so much effort into the design of their homes,” says Lee. “From the architecture to the interior styling and even landscaping and then plonk a dull, uninspiring old-fashioned letterbox out the front.”
Australian-made, the letterboxes are made from sustainable Accoya wood and coated Australian steel, ideal for surviving the harsh Australian climate. Entirely modular, the letterboxes can stand alone out the front of any home, or be integrated into walls, fences, or apartment buildings. The simple unfinished timber front panel allows for customised painting or staining, as well as specific engraving.
The range also offers more than just good looks, with the letterboxes being 100% secure with added features. “Whether it is the stainless steel visor or the box within a box protective structure, the hidden fasteners, handy magnetic door latch or the discrete lock access, we think customers will appreciate the extra effort we have gone to.”
We’re loving this video which gives a great insight into how handcrafted local furniture comes to life, from one of our favourite Australian brands, Mark Tuckey.
Mark at work
“I wanted to be able to show people who don’t know what we do what Mark Tuckey does, and a picture is worth a thousand words,” Marks says. “A film is even better!” And he’s right…
Mark Tuckey is a bespoke timber furniture company on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. They make furniture from recycled timber and sustainably managed forestry sources. They aim to create furniture that has integrity, simplicity and strength.
