Anthropologie just announced a new collab and it introduces a trend we think is going to be huge

Anthropologie just announced a new collaboration with fashion designer Erin Fetherston, and the homeware range makes use of a trend that we expect to take off in 2024. The answer? Burled wood.

Erin is best known for her romantic aesthetic, and now her distinct design sensibility has come to life in an inaugural collection with Anthropologie. Comprised of furniture, lighting, textiles, candles, and decorative accents, the exclusive collab features the use of rich neutrals, blush pinks, and warm textures, all of which reflect an elevated approach to interiors. The highlight for us, however, is the use of burled wood in the larger furniture pieces, offering a fresh take on this retro idea. 

'When embarking on my first interior project of this scale, I knew that Anthropologie would be the perfect partner to help me translate my vision and capture my ethos,' says Erin. 'Working closely with their team over the last few years has been a dream, and I am incredibly proud of the collection that we created together.'

Here, we take a closer look at what the burled wood trend means for interior design, alongside some of our best picks from the new collection. We can't wait for the Anthropologie sale.

Why is burled wood trending?

A seventies furniture staple, burled wood has been having a bit of a moment when it comes to design. In many ways, the resurgence is unsurprising considering how much influence the retro seventies style has had in recent years, be it rattan, brown tones, or velvet finishes. However, despite being a bit slower off the mark, we predict that burled wood is going to sprint to the top of everyone's wishlist in 2024. 

Harvested from trees with rare growths, burled wood has a beautiful two-tone effect with subtle symmetrical patterns. While it's typically associated with woods such as walnut or maple, you can also find burled wood in lighter varieties, like the ones used in Erin's new collection at Anthropologie. These are becoming increasingly popular of the traditional darker tones used in the seventies, giving a lighter, fresher, and more contemporary feel to this retro look. 

The burled wood trend is slowly trickling its way down after being used by more high-end designers earlier this year. One of those is Yasmine Ghoniem, founder of YSG Studio, who loves using the paler burled poplar wood in her designs. 'I love species of timber that have really interesting woodgrains,' she says. 'Its light tone doesn’t dominate a space, but its kinetic pattern work is certainly mesmerizing. Plus their swirling hollows invite touch.'  

She also agrees that burled wood is having its time in the spotlight right now as people look to introduce natural tones through larger furniture. 'Since I completed our house renovation, I’ve definitely noticed burled wood appear in the form of custom joinery in residential spaces,' she says. Now, Anthropologie is making it easier than ever to introduce the look to your own home. 

Curious to know what we'd be choosing from this timelessly beautiful but ultra-trendy collection? Take a peek at our picks below.

Best burled wood furniture picks 

Best lighting buys 

Best decor picks