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If you’re planning your next home or simply craving a refresh, consider trading in the cold perfection of marble for the soulful elegance of wood
One striking trend dominating the backdrop of designer homes, influencer reels, and celebrity spaces: natural wood flooring
Scroll through your Instagram feed or open any high-end interiors magazine, and you’ll notice one striking trend dominating the backdrop of designer homes, influencer reels, and celebrity spaces: natural wood flooring. From wide-plank European oak and rich Burmese teak to reclaimed wood arranged in classic herringbone patterns, wooden floors are redefining the luxury aesthetic across Indian homes, be it a sun-drenched Goa villa, a chic Mumbai apartment, or a hillside retreat in Alibaug.
What’s behind this surge in wood’s popularity? It’s the warm minimalism it brings—an emotional comfort and tactile richness that marble or tile often fails to offer. “Most homeowners today are choosing flooring that feels grounded, calming, and timeless,” says Shrutee Jain, co-founder, Studio Abrash. “Natural wood doesn’t just bring the outdoors in—it evokes a sense of familiarity. It’s soothing, classic, and deeply personal.”
At the heart of this movement is also a shift in values: sustainability. Discerning homeowners are opting for responsibly sourced or reclaimed wood, embracing materials that speak to both ecological awareness and aesthetic longevity. Unlike polished stone that can feel cold and monolithic, wood tells a story of age, origin, grain, and place.
But natural wood’s luxury lies not only in its materiality but also in how you style the space around it. According to Jain, one of the most magical combinations is wood flooring layered with traditional rugs. “Floors and rugs are like best friends,” she shares. “Wooden flooring grounds the space with quiet elegance, while the rug brings personality. Together, they strike a beautiful balance between structure and softness, familiarity and surprise. That’s what makes them both timeless and ever-evolving.”
Another element that plays a leading role in wooden-floored living spaces? The coffee table. “It’s not possible to imagine a well-designed living room without one,” notes Abhaye Gupta, Founder and CEO, Rabyana Design. “We’ve seen homeowners increasingly curate their coffee tables with great intention placing them as centrepieces on wooden floors, styled with books, florals, or heirlooms. It becomes a conversation piece, a functional sculpture, and often, the heart of the room where moments unfold naturally.”
And let’s not forget wood’s incredible versatility. While stone can limit your design palette, wood opens it up. From deep teals and olives to dusty lavenders and rich earth tones, almost every colour sings against the warmth of natural wood. Whether you’re aiming for Scandinavian serenity, vintage maximalism, or an Indian contemporary vibe, wood effortlessly sets the stage.
So, if you’re planning your next home or simply craving a refresh, consider trading in the cold perfection of marble for the soulful elegance of wood. It’s not just a design choice, it’s a lifestyle upgrade rooted in warmth, depth, and timeless style.

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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