In the last 40 years, there has been a reaction against the use of timber in Interior Design. In many cases it was used in overload, making spaces feel dark and oppressive. Partly also due to the sealants used which would in time turn yellow when exposed to Ultraviolet rays.
Although modern designs favour a more streamlined approach, the use of a neutral or grey colour palette can come across as cold & clinical. The variety of available imported Birch Ply & Oaks has increased the use of timber with a light colour palette. With modern technology allowing for much better process of production, better sealants are available which are more robust & non-yellowing. Consequentially, timber has seen an uptrend, bringing life and warmth back into modern day designs.
Designed By Agius Colour Interior Designs, our Sydney Project consisted of timber veneer panels by Havwoods
In the industry, the term ‘Wood’ refers to the material of which a live tree is made. Once the tree has been felled and goes through a production process, the accurate term to use is ‘Timber’. Different cutting techniques & parts or layers of the tree the timber determines the visible variations in grain.
To make timber selections more straight forward, there is usually a grading system. High grade timbers are available with a very linear grain & next to no knots, whilst low/rustic grade timbers possess a lot more character with lots of colour variation, including parts of light sapwood, large knots & sometimes even cracks between & across the growth rings.
Ceiling cladding - image courtesy of Modinex -
Castelation® ScreenClad TwoTone
There are endless applications for finishes & the use of timber. Here are some of our favorites that we regularly apply to our projects, here at Agius Colour Interior Designs.
Interior cladding can be applied to both walls & ceilings. It’s a great way to define spaces & can assist in creating zones without any obstruction to the floor plan. By engaging metal trims, the paneling can really be highlighted for an accented look.
Elegant partitioning can be created out of perforated timber screens to help break up a space without visually cutting it off.
Jarrah stained partitioning in our Middle Cove project –
by Agius Colour Interior Designs
Not only is timber veneer joinery more cost effective, but it is also lighter in weight than solid timber cabinetry, allowing for a wider range of applications. It can also be applied in wet areas so long as it is finished with a polyurethane treatment.
Kent St, Sydney CBD - project designed by Agius Colour Interior Designs.
Timber veneer finish on the wardrobes in the master bedroom.
Timber flooring is available in predominantly hardwood or engineered. Hardwood flooring is made from pure solid timber, whilst engineered flooring is made from layers of plywood then topped with micro layers of real wood veneer which is thinly laminated on top of each other. Engineered flooring is available with wear layers typically between 0.6mm – 6mm thick. Depending on the thickness chosen, can potentially allow for future re-sanding. Wear layers less than 1mm thick are not applicable for re-sanding, whilst wear layers 6mm thick are able to be re-sanded up to 4 times.
Ceiling cladding in our Milson’s Point Project –
photographed by Agius Colour Interior Designs
Timber flooring is generally available in two finishes; either lacquered or oiled. Lacquer is a surface finish that is quite durable and cost effective. However, if there are any damages that need to be repaired, the entire floor will need to be sanded and resealed to ensure an even surface. An oil finish on flooring tends to be slightly more expensive & can be more susceptible to damage. It is not recommended for commercial applications. Oil penetrates the timber and essentially moisturizes it from within, allowing for rich colouring. If damage occurs, only the spot that requires repair needs to be sanded back and re-oiled.
Beautiful Spotted Gum hardwood floors in our Pyrmont Project, lightened to seamlessly match the new kitchen joinery by Agius Colour Interior Designs.
Timber possesses so many wonderful qualities, including but not limited to:
Timber is aesthetically pleasing. It adds warmth in colour and texture.
It’s hard wearing & durable. Timber when properly maintained can last lifetimes.
Acoustic absorption. As far as hard surfaces go, timber absorbs sound well. Especially increased when indentations are applied, i.e. holes or ribs. This system breaks up the sound waves and reduces echoes.
Timber is a green & sustainable option. It’s a natural material from a renewable resource. As we look to a sustainable future, the importance of lowering our carbon footprint is ever prevalent. “The world’s forests and soils store more than one trillion tonnes of carbon, twice as much carbon as is in the atmosphere. Forests have the potential to absorb about 10-20 per cent of the total global emissions projected for the first half of the 21st century.” - Timber NSW.
Timber possesses thermal properties that keep cold air out in winter and hot air out in summer. Containing small pockets of air in its cellular structure, timber can regulate itself acting as a natural insulation barrier.
It’s Biophilic. Studies have shown that the use of natural materials in design promotes wellbeing by connecting us to nature.
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