I Love Zebrawood!

Posted on Oct 20, 2011 in Featured, Get That Look | 7 comments

I love the design process.

Every step is so important, and in my eyes, equally fun (ok, fine, except for budgeting) but one of my FAVOURITE steps is choosing finishes. Finishes can really make or break a space – they can elevate a boring design to top-notch level, or help tone down an extravagant design. I love how finishes can come together to make a space truly special, and lately, I can’t lie, I’ve had exotic finishes on the brain.

Especially, ZEBRAWOOD!

Love the high contrast of these Zebrawood stripes. (elitewoodenpens.com)

Zebrawood bowls. (owgd3.onewebgroup.net)

Zebrawood (commonly referred to as “Zebrano“) really packs a punch! The bold repetition of lines is what gives this exotic hard wood native to Central Africa it’s name, and we all know that lots of lines can have a large impact and create a dynamic space.

Zebrawood veneer seen in this kitchen by 2Go Custom Kitchens Inc. (houzz.com)

Love the varying directions of the grain in this Zebrawood vanity by Lozinski Architecten. (houzz.com)

I think Zebrawood is a tricky finish to incorporate, mainly because it has the tendency to “Steal the show” in a space, so implementing it with other finishes can be a challenge – that ol’ Zebrawood always fights for the spotlight (and wins).

It’s bold striped pattern commands can be overwhelming at times… it can be the WRONG choice for many spaces:

Too much going on, and the Zebrawood is caught up in the mess. YIKES! (customdesigncabinets.com)

How do you make Zebrawood “right”?

(#1): Make sure it’s given enough space to stand out by ensuring its surrounding finishes are plain, simple and easy-on-the-eyes. In my opinion, the most successful uses of Zebrawood are in minimalist and contemporary spaces (your traditional dining room with the Persian rug, ornate furnishings and the gallery of Renaissance art might look like a room in Crazy Town if you add Zebrawood to the mix).

(#2): Use Zebrawood in moderation – choose a focal area (or a focal furnishing) and implement the finish. Less is always more.

Simple, clean lines and harmonious finishes work well with this Zebrawood vanity. Design by Dawn E. Ryan of AKBD. (houzz.com)

More Zebrawood in the bathroom. Design by Rodriguez Studio Architecture PC. (houzz.com)

Zebrawood veneer cabinets. Design by Brett Webber Architects, PC (bwadesign.com)

Love this Zebrawood accent wall in Le Passage restaurant in Chicago. Design by Hughes N'Cho-Allepot. (chicagohomemag.com)

…BUT WAIT!

Zebrawood has fallen into the category of “threatened species”, so, we should definitely practice using Zebrawood laminate when possible. Don’t be a laminate-snob – some laminates are very convincing, much more durable than real wood, and in the case of Zebrawood, infinitely more cost effective.

Check out these convincing Zebrawood laminates:

I'm loving this light T1 Zebrawood laminate from IDS Group. (wallcovering-store.com)

A dark Zebrawood laminate can really make a statement. (Laminart.com)

This Zebrawood laminate flooring is gorgeous. (directflooring.co.uk)

What do you think about Zebrawood? Is the pattern too busy for you? Would you work with Zebrawood laminate? Id’ love to know!

7 Comments

Shannon @ What's Up Whimsy | October 20, 2011 at 12:47 pm

I love it! It’s definitely not too busy for me! I think I would like it most in a bathroom, as opposed to a kitchen though.
Tania @ Passport2Design | October 20, 2011 at 1:14 pm

*Sigh*, I love it too, Shannon :) Glad you approve! I agree – a bathroom would look great, but I have seen some super modern-looking kitchens with Zebrawood cabinets that are gorgeous too, but I understand how the finish has the potential to look horrific too…it’s all in the balance! Thanks for reading!
Krista
Twitter: Krista Salter
| October 20, 2011 at 1:43 pm

It is such a great contemporary look for the simple look.

Now…is Wenga and Zebrawood the same?? Just curious…

Zebra wood also reminds me of straight cut Walnut :)
Tania @ Passport2Design | October 20, 2011 at 2:26 pm

Krista – Wenge is not the same, it’s a solid dark brown tropical wood, zebrawood is all stripey :)
I love the look of Zebrawood, just hate the fact that it’s endangered…a straight cut Walnut would be a good substitute if it means saving trees.
Kelly @ JAX does design
Twitter: JAXdecor
| October 20, 2011 at 3:45 pm

Love zebrano, and would love to have a piece of zebrano furniture or cabinetry in my house if it wasn’t a threatened species. However, I DO have zebrano laminate in my home office. If you’d like to take a look, I posted about my office on my old blog here:

http://design-ties.blogspot.com/2009/12/easy-as-b-c-my-home-office-makeover.html

The zebrano vanity with the grain going in different directions is stunning. And love the bowls.
Tania @ Passport2Design | October 20, 2011 at 3:49 pm

Your Zebrano laminate flooring looks fabulous, Kelly! The entire office space turned out really great – a major change from the original space. I love how dramatic Zebrawood can be, and I’m so happy to see you implemented a synthetic version of it. Mother Nature would be proud :)

Thanks so much for sharing your post and for stopping by!
Naida Shurtliff | March 25, 2012 at 2:55 am

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