Trend: Wood Substitute

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I've recently noticed that everything has been replaced with the material of wood. With its raw, unadorned grained finish, this textural alternative is becoming the 'new marble' with decorative accessories, utensils and even bath tubs receiving a material revamp.
Pale woods easily fit into a neutral Nordic interior and offer a minimalistic replacement to pattern. Or, taking it even further, the naturalistic appeal of wood has been translated into print and pattern with the increase of faux bois. These tree trunk HAY pen pots have all the characteristics of wood but are simple and statement.

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The Japanese inspired, Ofuro bath tub designed by architect Matteo Thun creates a whole new perspective of wood. With careful attention to detail, the design follows the curvature of the grain as each line runs up the bath and spills over, continuing into the open shape. In a similar style, Oji Masanori creates mugs, bowls and lots of other kitchenware out of Japanese Sen. With a 2mm thinness, this shows immense skill as this fragile finesse is usually considered nearly impossible to achieve. I had to include the Fig & Yarrow Rosewood & Vetiver handwash - an extra earthy smelling treat for the senses while you're soaking in your wooden tub.

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Recently seen on one of my favourite blogs, Beeldsteil, the combination of dark grains with pink accessories pairs perfectly. Brooklyn based craftswoman, Ariele Alasko also specialises in darker woods and carves the most beautiful and unexpected items for the home. She can literally produce anything, from spindly spoons and tables, to inventive light fixtures. Her talent has no limits and I love how her craftsmanship is inspiring new styles for the home. Similarly, I recently came across Woodworker Timothy Roberts on Instagram; the way he complements the linear  patterns and texture of wood is beautiful, even leading to inventive shapes for common utensils such as these triangular, scooped spoons.

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The use of wood has become so popular, even the most random things have been revamped. Folklore have a vast range of handmade-esque wooden accessories, ranging from brushes and brooms to decorative tableware. But with scope to reinvent products, items have become a product of modernisation such as the maple pencil sharper - literally the most stylish sharpener ever seen. 

The after effect of course, is the pattern filtering down into print design. Stationery and gifting are playfully updated and I especially like how this notebook from Paperchase integrates the aesthetic of wood into a geometric pattern. 

Overall my favourite woody items are the paler pieces that will never become tired or outdated in a minimal home. The question is, sleek and slender or hand carved and wobbly? It's a toughy.