Anthropologie just announced a new collaboration with fashion designer Erin Fetherston, and the homeware range makes use of a trend that we expect to take off in 2024. The answer? Burled wood.
Erin is best known for her romantic aesthetic, and now her distinct design sensibility has come to life in an inaugural collection with Anthropologie. Comprised of furniture, lighting, textiles, candles, and decorative accents, the exclusive collab features the use of rich neutrals, blush pinks, and warm textures, all of which reflect an elevated approach to interiors. The highlight for us, however, is the use of burled wood in the larger furniture pieces, offering a fresh take on this retro idea.
'When embarking on my first interior project of this scale, I knew that Anthropologie would be the perfect partner to help me translate my vision and capture my ethos,' says Erin. 'Working closely with their team over the last few years has been a dream, and I am incredibly proud of the collection that we created together.'
Here, we take a closer look at what the burled wood trend means for interior design, alongside some of our best picks from the new collection.
Why is burled wood trending?
A seventies furniture staple, burled wood has been having a bit of a moment when it comes to design. In many ways, the resurgence is unsurprising considering how much influence the retro seventies style has had in recent years, be it rattan, brown tones, or velvet finishes. However, despite being a bit slower off the mark, we predict that burled wood is going to sprint to the top of everyone's wishlist in 2024.
Harvested from trees with rare growths, burled wood has a beautiful two-tone effect with subtle symmetrical patterns. While it's typically associated with woods such as walnut or maple, you can also find burled wood in lighter varieties, like the ones used in Erin's new collection at Anthropologie. These are becoming increasingly popular of the traditional darker tones used in the seventies, giving a lighter, fresher, and more contemporary feel to this retro look.
The burled wood trend is slowly trickling its way down after being used by more high-end designers earlier this year. One of those is Yasmine Ghoniem, founder of YSG Studio, who loves using the paler burled poplar wood in her designs. 'I love species of timber that have really interesting woodgrains,' she says. 'Its light tone doesn’t dominate a space, but its kinetic pattern work is certainly mesmerizing. Plus their swirling hollows invite touch.'
She also agrees that burled wood is having its time in the spotlight right now as people look to introduce natural tones through larger furniture. 'Since I completed our house renovation, I’ve definitely noticed burled wood appear in the form of custom joinery in residential spaces,' she says. Now, Anthropologie is making it easier than ever to introduce the look to your own home.
Curious to know what we'd be choosing from this timelessly beautiful but ultra-trendy collection? Take a peek at our picks below.
Best burled wood furniture picks
Price: $598
Made of acacia wood with a mappa burl veneer finish and adorned with art-deco-inspired brass hardware, the Dulcette nightstand lends a warm and airy elegance to any bedside. Generous storage space is integrated into the clean silhouette for a seamless modern look.
Price: $2,298
For a more impactful statement in your dining room, the Dulcette buffet lends a warm and airy elegance to any space. The light wood tone and delicate orange patina of the knots work just as beautifully in a neutral space as they do against rich, color-drenched walls.
Price: $2,698
Also in the range is an elegant eight-drawer dresser which lends a warm and airy elegance to any bedroom. Pairing style and function, it comes with plenty of deep space within to store your clothes and looks wonderful when paired with gold accents for an ultra luxe look.
Best lighting buys
Price: $328
Antique brass-finished accents adorn the ribbed, bubble-like glass base of this table lamp. Paired with an elegant linen shade, it casts a warm glow and lends a modern touch to any interior. It's also operated by a touch sensor for super simple (and satisfying) ambient lighting.
Price: $98
Budding florals climb the stems of this white brass candelabra, which holds two candles. The sophisticated garden-inspired look makes it the perfect table centerpiece for a whimsical-themed dinner - a must-have addition to any summer tablescape.
Price: $698
Continuing the theme, the brass finish of this pendant lamp adds an industrial-inspired flair to the modern design. Showcasing an exposed ribbed glass shade, this sleek silhouette casts a warm, ambient glow in any interior. We especially love the softest of the blushed pink glass.
Best decor picks
Price: $48
Elevate your bookcase or upgrade your shelving with these bird-shaped bookends. The perfect way to flank your reading collection, they promise to keep your books secure while also offering a glint of gold - they make a great accent when used alongside the other gold and brass items in the collection.
Price: $128
Every home needs a jute rug and this option, measuring 2 by 3 feet, is perfect for dressing your doorways. The rustic look lends an element of vintage-inspired décor to your home, with a handwoven jute frame and a muted geometric pattern that comes in either ivory or pink.
Price: $798
Showcasing a multicolored sculptural base paired with a clean marble top, this side table is brimming with character. Rosa cappuccino marble and ash wood marry beautifully for a delicately light, pastel effect - it's playful and fun while still looking ultra high-end.
