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  1. Midwest Living
  2. Homes
  3. Decorating Ideas
  4. Decorating with Natural Wood

Decorating with Natural Wood

September 30, 2013
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Pine shim valance
Bring natural wood accents and textures into your home, warming interiors while providing stand-up-to-anything functionality.
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1 of 17

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Under glass

Under glass

Fill a galvanized tub with wood chips and birch branches, then top with a glass table round for a DIY coffee table.

1 of 17

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2 of 17

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Corner groove

Corner groove

A corner nook paneled in wood balances the rest of the bright white of the rest of the hallway. Note how the upholstery and rug extend the nature theme.

2 of 17

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Heading things up

Heading things up

A freeform branch hangs on a wall of wood standing in for a headboard. Note the contrast of smooth and rough, straight and curves achieved in this pairing.

3 of 17

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Solid start

Solid start

Three logs stand in for an entry table. Keep them large enough that they fill the space and stand up to bold elements like this mirror and flooring. 

4 of 17

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Cooking up a look

Cooking up a look

Cladding a range hood in natural wood complements the painted paneling behind it and offers a restful focal point for the kitchen.

5 of 17

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Handy placement

Handy placement

Positioned tubside, this untreated log keeps bath needs handy. It also pulls the tones from the wall insert into the rest of the room.

6 of 17

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Make a stand

Make a stand

Perch a cake on a homemade cake stand for a solid base to an airy dessert.

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Waterproof stoop

Waterproof stoop

This little spot for setting bath needs pops amid a sea of cool, light-color marble.

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Side ways

Side ways

Placing a stump by a chair creates a unique side table. Light, textural birch plays well with the white and cream furniture.

9 of 17

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Space filler

Space filler

From floor to ceiling, wood fills this dining room: chairs, table, fireplace, mirror frame, even on top of the armoires.

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Composed coffee table

Composed coffee table

A round grouping of branches makes for a coffee table that is the focal point of this conversation area. 

11 of 17

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Up side

Up side

Paneling ceiling in wood crowns the space in warmth. The herringbone pattern draws eyes, visually enlarging the space.

12 of 17

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Supporting a look

Supporting a look

Natural wood shelf supports (even if they are just decorative) keep this corner from looking too cute. 

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Open minded

Open minded

Cabinet doors get a textural treatment when bark is applied. Three branches mounted to the wall provide convenient landing spots.

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Post cap lamp

Post cap lamp

Drill a hole in the center of 15 wood fence post caps, then secure the stack using small nails. A lamp kit transforms it into a stylish fixture.

15 of 17

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Sturdy seat

Sturdy seat

Round stencils echo tree rings on this cross-section of a log that provides a sturdy seat. 

16 of 17

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Pine shim valance

Pine shim valance

Nail pine shims to a simple boxed valance for this look. You'll only need a package or two. Or try wood paint stir sticks for a similar feel.

17 of 17

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    1 of 17 Under glass
    2 of 17 Corner groove
    3 of 17 Heading things up
    4 of 17 Solid start
    5 of 17 Cooking up a look
    6 of 17 Handy placement
    7 of 17 Make a stand
    8 of 17 Waterproof stoop
    9 of 17 Side ways
    10 of 17 Space filler
    11 of 17 Composed coffee table
    12 of 17 Up side
    13 of 17 Supporting a look
    14 of 17 Open minded
    15 of 17 Post cap lamp
    16 of 17 Sturdy seat
    17 of 17 Pine shim valance

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