Some time back we asked designers what tones and colors called to them for wood finishes. The answer was overwhelming: Shades of grey. With this knowledge in our pocket, we set out to create a dynamic line of toned finishes across the entire spectrum of greys, from the sharp Scandinavian white of Tundra to the silvery and rustic gleams of Pebble to the modern wonder of Blacksmith.
These shades accentuate the grain structure beautifully. Because different species and milling techniques produce different grain patterns, the variation in appearance of flooring and paneling using the same color finish is fascinating.
On Mission Oak our greys work in perfect harmony with the natural strength of the wood – a shine here, a whisper of a grain pattern there, a wonderful balance. On our 1816 Hickory, Wide Plank White Oak, and Northern Oak, the dynamic shifts in myriad ways. All make a beautiful case for modern interiors.
With Hickory, the contrast is striking – the stain pulls out stripes, loops, whorls, entire maps from the wood; a wonderful cartography of light and dark. This makes total sense for a hardwood like Hickory, leaving a lasting, memorable impression on any project. In its own unique fashion, this wood elevates the clean minimalism of the finish, making it energetic instead of subtle.
On Wide Plank White Oak, the grey finishes produce an aged yet timeless appearance. The flat sawn mixed grain creates ripples and eddies throughout the material. A perfect measure of minimalist rustic ideal for kitchen or bathroom interiors.
On Northern Oak, our grey finishes become lighter in tone and there is some similar play of light and dark as with Hickory, but it is more sophisticated and less wild. With Northern Oak the stain swirls along the natural lines of the wood, creating restful loops for bedroom designs.
And on 1816 Oak, our greyscale finishes become delicate, feathered patterns, reminiscent of the pearly dance of oil and water. Although mildly sparse, the patterning here transforms in bohemian ways.
Whatever your architecture or design calls for wood-wise, this distinction of how stain takes to different wood species shows how crucial it is to see the results in person. Whether you are considering the warm subtlety of 1816 Oak or the energetic striations of 1816 Hickory, our grey finishes are here to shine a spotlight on wood’s natural style and strength.
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