Cherry wood furniture often stands out for its rich color and classic look. However, you might feel like it doesn’t quite fit into your vision of a contemporary space. You've invested in these pieces, so why not make them work for your modern home? Let’s explore how to bring a fresh, current vibe to your cherry wood furniture.

1. Understanding Cherry Furniture's Appeal

1.1 What Makes Cherry Wood Special?

Cherry wood is beloved for its distinctive appearance. It starts with a light pink hue and gradually deepens to a rich, reddish-brown. This natural aging process gives each piece a unique character over time. Besides its attractive color, cherry wood is highly regarded for its smooth, fine grain, making it a popular choice for high-quality furniture.

• Durability: Cherry wood is strong and long-lasting, ensuring your furniture withstands the test of time.
• Workability: It’s relatively easy to shape and carve, which contributes to the intricate designs often seen in cherry wood furniture.
• Value: Cherry furniture is often considered an investment, gaining aesthetic appeal and value as it ages.

Pro-tip: To maintain your cherry furniture's distinctive look, avoid placing it in direct sunlight to prevent premature darkening.

1.2 Styles of Cherry Furniture Through the Years

Cherry wood furniture has seen various styles over the years, evolving from ornate, traditional designs to simpler, more modern aesthetics. Colonial and Victorian eras favored cherry for its ability to be intricately carved into elaborate shapes and patterns. These pieces often featured detailed moldings, intricate carvings, and ornate finishes.

• Mid-century Modern: In the 1950s and 60s, cherry furniture adopted cleaner lines and more minimalist designs. This period emphasized functionality without sacrificing the wood's natural beauty.
• Modern Day: Today, cherry wood is used in various contemporary settings, integrating sleek, simple designs that accommodate today's tastes and lifestyles.

Pro-tip: Blending modern elements with antique cherry wood pieces can create a unique and stylish contrast in your decor.

1.3 Why Modernize Cherry Furniture?

Modernizing your cherry furniture can help it blend seamlessly with contemporary decor while preserving its inherent charm. There are several reasons why you might consider updating these pieces:

• Versatility: Modernized cherry furniture can easily adapt to various rooms and styles, increasing its functional value.
• Aesthetic Alignment: If your home features contemporary elements like open layouts, metallic finishes, and neutral color schemes, updating your cherry furniture can help it fit better with your overall decor.
• Increased Appeal: According to a recent study by HomeAdvisor, homes with modernized interiors tend to sell faster and at higher prices compared to those with dated decor.

Pro-tip: When updating cherry wood furniture, focus on hardware replacements and color coordination to create a cohesive modern look.

2. Ways to Modernize Cherry Furniture

2.1 Reimagining with Paint

Painting cherry furniture is an efficient way to give it a modern update. Choose a lacquer or matte finish in shades like white, gray, or black for a clean, contemporary look. Prepping your furniture is crucial; sand it down to remove the existing finish and offer better adhesion for the new paint. Don’t forget to use a primer designed for cherry wood to prevent the original color from bleeding through. Here’s a quick prep checklist:

• Sand the Furniture
• Apply a Primer
• Choose Modern Paint Colors

Pro-Tip: Use chalk paint for easy application and a trendy matte finish.

Layering colors can also add depth and interest to cherry furniture. Start with a base coat in a neutral color and then add accents with metallic or bold colors. This technique brings a custom, high-end look without the cost of new furniture. Experiment with two-tone schemes, such as painting the main body in white and drawer fronts in navy blue. This kind of contrast catches the eye and offers a stylish, modern appeal.

2.2 Updating Hardware

Don’t overlook the impact of hardware on the overall look of your furniture. Replacing old, dated drawer pulls and knobs can make a significant difference. Opt for styles that are modern, such as sleek stainless steel, brushed nickel, or matte black finishes. Ensure the new hardware aligns with the contemporary theme you're aiming for. Generally, modern hardware is more streamlined and less ornate than the traditional options.

Here’s a quick guide to updating hardware:

• Measure existing hardware to find replacements that fit.
• Choose sleek and minimalistic designs.
• Consider geometric or linear pulls for a clean look.

Pro-Tip: Consider soft-close drawer slides for a functional and modern upgrade.

Additionally, mixing different hardware designs can add a bespoke element to your furniture. For instance, pairing round knobs on cabinets with bar pulls on drawers creates visual interest and adds a customized feel. Ensure the finishes match or complement each other to maintain a cohesive look.

2.3 Integrating Modern Decor Elements

Adding modern decor elements around your cherry furniture can instantly transform its appearance. Think minimalist and functional when selecting decor. Positioning a sleek floor lamp next to a cherry wood nightstand or placing a modern vase on a cherry dresser can divert attention from the traditional lines of the furniture. Artworks with bold colors and contemporary designs can also shift the focus towards a modern aesthetic, blending old with new seamlessly.

Some quick decor updates include:

• Using geometric or abstract art.
• Placing minimalist sculptures or vases.
• Incorporating modern textiles like throw pillows and rugs.

Pro-Tip: Use neutral-colored rugs to balance the deep tones of cherry wood.

Furniture placement matters as well. Pulling cherry wood pieces away from walls and anchoring them in a more central position in the room can give your space a modern, open feel. Pairing cherry furniture with lighter, neutral-colored pieces, such as a white sofa or glass coffee table, helps balance the visual weight and leads to a harmonious, modern interior.

3. Incorporating Scanica US Furniture for a Modern Look

3.1 Matching Cherry Furniture with Modern Beds and Loft Beds

Blending cherry furniture with modern designs is about creating visual balance and cohesion. Scanica US offers a variety of contemporary beds that can seamlessly integrate with cherry wood pieces. For instance, their Loft Beds collection provides a sophisticated yet functional addition to any room. You might choose a loft bed with sleek lines and minimalistic design elements from Scanica US. This modern piece contrasts beautifully with the rich, warm tones of cherry furniture, creating a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary styles.

Another excellent option is combining cherry furniture with Scanica US's bunk beds. These versatile pieces not only save space but also introduce a modern flair to your room. Consider opting for a Stairway Bunk Bed from Scanica US, which adds practicality and a touch of modern design. By integrating these unique and contemporary beds with your existing cherry furniture, you can achieve a balanced and updated aesthetic in any bedroom.

Pro-tip: To accentuate the modern look, use neutral or monochromatic bedding that complements the cherry wood tones without overpowering the room.

3.2 Enhancing Storage with Dressers, Chests, and Night Stands

Upgrading your storage solutions is another way to modernize your cherry furniture. Scanica US's selection of Dressers & Chests is perfect for this purpose. These pieces feature clean lines and modern finishes that can complement the elegance of cherry wood. For instance, combining a cherry wood bed with a sleek, modern dresser from Scanica US can create a cohesive and updated bedroom design. Incorporating modern handles and knobs on your cherry dresser can further enhance its updated look.

Integrating night stands that match your dressers and chests can also modernize the overall furniture arrangement. Scanica US offers Night Stands that are both functional and stylish. These modern night stands, paired with cherry furniture, can create a visually appealing contrast, adding a fresh look. Simple, minimalistic night stands with straight lines are an excellent choice for a modern design scheme.

Pro-tip: Modern lamp designs or metallic accents on night stands can add an extra layer of contemporary style to your setup.

3.3 Completing the Look with Modern Desks and Decor Accessories

Modern desks and decor accessories are essential to elevate the look of cherry furniture. Scanica US's desks are a great starting point. Choose a desk with a minimalist design and neutral finish to complement the rich cherry wood tones. For example, a white or gray desk can brighten up a room dominated by cherry furniture, adding a touch of modernity.

Adding decor accessories is another effective strategy. Consider incorporating metal or glass elements, such as modern table lamps or geometric vases, which can provide a striking contrast to the traditional look of cherry wood. Artwork featuring abstract designs or bold colors can also modernize the overall aesthetic. These accessories not only enhance the look but also tie together the modern elements introduced by the Scanica US furniture.

Pro-tip: Use a mix of textures—like a soft rug and metal picture frames—to build depth and interest in the room.

By integrating Scanica US's beds, loft beds, dressers, chests, and other modern furniture pieces with your cherished cherry wood items, you can achieve a sophisticated and updated look that blends the best of both worlds. These elements together create a harmonious balance, perfect for anyone looking to freshen up their home decor.

Looking for more ways to modernize your space? Check out the variety of styles and furniture options at Scanica US.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make cherry wood look modern?

Use clean lines, minimalistic decor, and neutral colors. Updating hardware and incorporating modern accessories like metallic elements can also help.

How to tone down cherry wood?

To tone down cherry wood, pair it with soft, neutral colors and matte finishes in your decor. Introducing lighter, brighter accessories can balance the rich wood tones.

Can you change the color of cherry wood furniture?

Yes, you can change the color by sanding and staining or painting it. Always use a primer if painting to ensure the best finish.

Is cherry furniture coming back in style?

Cherry furniture is experiencing a resurgence as people appreciate its durability and rich color, especially when combined with modern design elements.