January 4, 2019

15 Simply Amazing Interiors That Nod to the Wood Aesthetic

These projects, which range from a movie theater and a wine shop to a noodle house and corporate headquarters, make exceptional use of the wood aesthetic. Find even more materials innovation on our Materials Pinterest board and follow @interiordesignmag on Instagram for additional design inspiration.

Channel the Outdoors in These Interiors That Feature a Natural Wood Aesthetic

1. Palace Cinema Raffles City Changning by 4n Design Architects

Hundreds of faux-timber slats lead from the entry to the theaters in this Shanghai movie house. 

Hundreds of faux-timber slats reference the subtle animation of a flip-book in a corridor leading from the entry to the theaters in this Shanghai movie house.

2. Hunan Slurp by New Practice Studio

Nearly 100 curved oak-veneer slats symbolize noodles in this canopy within a Chinese eatery in New York. 

Nearly 100 curved oak-veneer slats symbolize noodles in this canopy within a Chinese eatery in New York.

3. Pinterest’s San Francisco Headquarters by IwamotoScott 

Geometric micro-perforated oak paneling in the expansive lobby invites visitors to look up.

Geometric micro-perforated oak paneling in the expansive lobby serves a dual purpose by dampening sound and entrancing the eye. Photography by Bruce Damonte.

4. De Vinos y Viandes by Zooco Estudio

18 varnished MDF ribs and arches recall rounded oak barrels and glass bottles in this retail locale.

A total of 18 varnished MDF ribs and arches recall rounded oak barrels and glass bottles in this wine shop in Northern Spain.

5. The School at Jacob’s Pillow by Flansburgh Architects

Douglas fir, pine, and stained maple flooring unite traditional wood and modern glass construction in this performance space.

Douglas fir, pine, and stained maple flooring unite traditional wood and modern glass construction, giving the illusion of an expansive open-air performance space to this dance school in Beckett, MA.

6. Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai by OEO Studio

More than 10,000 hexagonal oak-veneer ceiling tiles line the ceiling of this Starbucks locale.

More than 10,000 hexagonal oak-veneer ceiling tiles nod to the shape of an espresso portafilter, while a massive 88-foot coffee bar offers a contrasting organic influence in the world’s largest Starbucks.

7. Hyatt Global Headquarters by Gensler 

An undulating slatted ceiling adds movement to this communal office area.

An undulating slatted ceiling adds movement in the Chicago headquarters’ common area.

8. Urban Union by BAMO 

An American white oak wall treatment contrasts with the building’s steel and stone elements.

The warmth and spontaneity added by this American white oak wall treatment contrasts with the Seattle office building’s steel and stone elements.

9. Elephant-Parade’s Beijing Headquarters by Cun Design

Sharp edges and smooth curves play off each other harmoniously in a sculptural bamboo staircase.

Sharp edges and smooth curves play off each other harmoniously in a sculptural bamboo staircase that connects four levels of the marketing company’s offices.

10. Éditions de Parfums Frédéric Malle Boutique by Jakob + MacFarlane 

Reflections of beehive-inspired plywood grids create a Wellsian illusion of space inside a compact Parisian boutique. 

Reflections of beehive-inspired plywood grids create a Wellsian illusion of space inside a compact Parisian boutique.

11. Museo del Violino by Arkpabi

Balconies designed in veneered maple take on organic forms in this performance auditorium with a wood aesthetic.

Balconies designed in veneered maple take on organic forms inspired by string instruments in this chamber ensemble performance auditorium in Cremona, Italy.

12. Birkat Itzjak Orthodox Jewish Temple by Cherem Arquitectos

Streamlined linear wood ceiling panels recede into space, guiding the eye east toward Jerusalem from the balcony of this Orthodox temple in Mexico City.

Streamlined linear wood ceiling panels recede into space, guiding the eye east toward Jerusalem from the balcony of this Orthodox temple in Mexico City.

13. Zhongshuge Bookstore by X + Living

Backlit wooden bookshelves curve dramatically, creating an optical illusion in this bookstore.

Backlit wooden bookshelves curve dramatically, while free-standing display tables in the same finish offer continuity and direction through the expansive corridor.

14. Washington D.C. Residence by NADAAA

Plywood ribs milled with slightly varied profiles allow light and air to pass through curved shapes in the center hall colonial in the U.S. capital.

Plywood ribs milled with slightly varied profiles allow light and air to pass while offering a methodical exploration of curvature in this transformed center hall colonial in the U.S. capital.

15. University of Sydney Business School by Carr Design Group

A eucalyptus-veneered spiral staircase offers a strong wood aesthetic within the atrium of this Sydney business school.

A eucalyptus-veneered spiral staircase, created in the style of a singular wood shaving, dwarfs other structures within the atrium of this Sydney business school.

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