Hot Trend: Wood in Surprising Ways

Traditionally, designers have had structural relationship with wood, using it to backbone homes, or frame sturdy pieces of furniture. But of late, modern designers are pushing wood in new directions, creating objects that are light-infused, delicate, even girly:

NUT PENDANT LAMP by Design Within Reach
With its loops of cherry veneer, this striking and surprising pendant lamp takes wood to a new, chic level, $310; through Design Within Reach.
 

FLOCK OF SWALLOWS MOBILE by Roost This hand-carved, basswood mobile with suspended branch and dancing birds proves that wood can be much more feminine than it’s given credit for, $148; through the Edina location of Anthropologie.	WINE KNOT WINE RACK by Scott Henderson, Tony Baxter and Alberto Mantilla for Mint Inc. In another take on the bendable property of wood, the “Wine Knot” includes smooth veneers of birch and walnut woven to hold six typical wine bottles and one magnum of Champagne—a piece that’s both beguiling and functional, $130; through Counterpoint Home.

SOLID WOOD STAPLER by Urban Outfitters
Who says office supplies can’t take a walk on the wooden side? This natural wood stapler breathes fresh life into the office, $28; through Urban Outfitters. 

THANK YOU CARDS by Night Owl Paper Goods
Printed on thin slices of eco-friendly, sustainably harvested birch, these letterpress thank you cards take to both pen and pencil and can be shipped through the mail, $5.25 each, multiple designs; through Paper Patisserie.