One of the year’s most surprising sources of design inspiration has come from an unlikely figure Martha Stewart’s 1990s Manhattan home library. A recent look inside the space, shared via her “Martha Moments” page and celebrated by design editors, reveals a serene, richly textured wood-drenched retreat that blends craftsmanship with restraint. Warm walnut surfaces integrate seamlessly with built-ins and furniture, while the overall aesthetic remains clean and Scandinavian a far cry from the bolder color-drenching pushing through many homes in 2025.
Design experts, including Anthony Scott (Global Production & Innovation Director at Havwoods), have taken note. Wood drenching using a consistent application of warm wood tones across floors, walls, ceilings, and furniture is gaining momentum as a counterpoint to saturated color trends. When done with variety mixing hues, textures, grain types it can add depth without monotony. Stewart’s library serves as a case study: her use of walnut shelving, desk integration, and weaving in natural materials like woven seating work together to cocoon the space in an inviting glow.
While color-drenched rooms remain popular, wood-drenching offers a subtler emotional pull, particularly for those who prefer tactile, organic materials to bold visual statements. It tends to age well and feels more resilient, both visually and functionally. Designers and homeowners seeking balance are pairing wood with soft lighting, neutral furnishings, and vintage accessories to create spaces that are warm sanchets rather than stage sets.
Conclusion:
As color-drenching’s wow factor softens, wood drenching emerges as 2026’s quiet hero a move towards interiors that comfort and envelop rather than shout. Martha Stewart’s library may not be flashy, but it delivers emotional impact through texture, tone, and craftsmanship. It’s a reminder that true design isn’t only about boldness, but about resonance.