If we were to predict the future, we'd almost certainly say that natural wood tones will define 2026 interiors, and we're in good company.
We've observed a significant shift over the past years toward organic, earthy kitchens, with notable figures like Zendaya, Matthew, and Camila McConaughey embracing a back-to-basics look for their cabinetry. However, this natural wood trend extends beyond the kitchen, making a warm, inviting appearance in Julia Roberts' wooden living room.
The Pretty Woman actress recently showcased a corner of her living room where wood is richly layered. Roberts' space is a warm, cocooning celebration of this material, featuring everything from rich, walnut-hued wood flooring to a textured gray rug, just like this one from Wayfair.
Shop the wooden living room edit
We love the unique style of ecological piece, perfect for practical and artistic use. It'll impress in every space, but looks best in a black and white living room (like Lewis's).
Made from natural Acacia wood and cork, this set of four coasters nests into each other when not in use and would work perfectly for little matching trinket trays.
These wooden trays look beautiful atop every coffee table, console, or countertop. It's the perfect place to store accessories in any living room.
This look, while currently leading interior design trends, is also expected to be exceptionally enduring – an ideal sentiment as we move into the cozy autumn and winter months. 'Grey is falling out of favor as we’re rejecting anything clinical or cold in pursuit of warm, cozy palettes. Natural and light woods will reign for our floors in the coming year,' comments Neel Bradham, CEO at Parador.
While the 'trend' has gained serious momentum in recent seasons, the expert has noticed an increasing demand for natural and light wood tones, 'propelling to the forefront of design' over recent years.
Bradham suggests this rise comes from our desire to 'bring the outside into our homes and connect with our natural surroundings continues to grow,' coupled with its unmatched timelessness. 'We are looking to design timeless, durable, and sustainable flooring options that will last a lifetime in the home,' he adds.
Replicating this look isn't always simple, but a new floor (or door) is an investment that will stay with you for the lifetime of your home. For those considering this change, Bradham highly recommends engineered wood.
'Engineered wood has a very natural, warm feel with organic swirling grain patterns and color variations that suit a vast range of interiors – from modern to traditional and rustic countryside style. With engineered wood, each plank is unique, providing an especially organic look and feel,' he explains.
Alternatively, laminate offers a more budget-friendly route to a Roberts-inspired living space, along with additional sustainable benefits.
'Laminate is cost-effective, comes in a variety of natural finishes, and can weather high traffic with very minimal damage. It’s gentle on the earth as it creates the look of natural wood without exhausting raw materials,' Bradham says. How would you style your wooden living room? We're returning to Julia Roberts' space for eternal inspiration.
