Edited by Christine Deorio Photography by Martin Crabb Chad Sophia Suiter

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Wood

Designer - Karen White
FW Design Group, Aspen, CO
(970) 925-5713, finholmarchitects.com

“Wood is really hot for contemporary applications—I love natural maple for an accent wall. It also works well with a transitional, Barbara Barry-look that's in between contemporary and traditional.”

Putting it to Work
“You don't want to panel an entire room in wood because it will look like it belongs in a department store. It's best used sparingly—just to warm up a room. If you find that an entire wood accent wall looks monotonous, add interest by cutting a large sheet of veneer into squares and then turning each tile so the grains oppose each other.”

Top Pick

“I love Maya Romanoff's Wood Veneer Marquetry. It’s traditional and timeless. It’s one of those things you just fall in love with.” - mayaromanoff.com.


EXPERT ADVICE

Light it up. It is important to illuminate wood marquetry properly. I recommend placing recessed halogen can spots in the ceiling so you can really see the chatoyancy-or the luster-and grain of the wood.

Clean with caution. Care for wood wallcoverings like you would a piece of furniture. Never use water. Instead dry dust with a microfiber cloth that will actually pick up the dust, as opposed to a cotton cloth that just moves the dust around.

Hire the best. The more complicated the pattern of wood wallcovering, the better your installer must be. It's best to find someone who works with unusual wall treatments. Some furniture upholsterers will install wall treatments-they're very used to aligning patterns, so they can be a great choice. Just make sure to ask for photos and references. The wallcovering manufacturer should also be able to provide good installation advice and recommendations.

BIRD’S EYE MAPLE - Wood On the Wall seamlessly covers flat and curved surfaces. Gilford, gilford.com.	Crafted in Spain, CORK OLE’ is subtly highlighted with hints of color. Stark Wallcovering, starkcarpet.com.
Intricate and lustrous, “Eden Chestnut” MARQUETRY makes a strong, yet elegant, statement. Maya Romanoff, mayaromanoff.com.