Martha Stewart’s ’90s home library shows a rare, refined twist on color-drenching that designers should revisit in 2026

The office in Martha's Manhattan home was ahead of its time, with wood-drenching taking center stage via a desk, shelving, and an uber-chic rattan chair

Martha Stewart
(Image credit: Peter Yang/ABC via Getty Images)

Wood is perhaps one of the most common materials used in a home office, from sturdy desks to classic bookshelves. However, going for an all-wood look is an approach we are considering after seeing a photo of Martha's Manhattan home office from the '90s (which, in our humble opinion, is more relevant than ever).

As seen on the Martha Moments Instagram page, Martha's Scandinavian-inspired workspace is an early adopter of the increasingly popular wood drenching trend.

The walnut shelves transition beautifully into a compact desk, while the woven chair ties into the natural materials that dominate the space. The result is a cozy, warm, and chic space, one that is incredibly easy to recreate.

All things considered, I wouldn't be surprised if we saw wood-drenching replacement color drenching for 2026, and I am not alone in my observations.

Shop the wood-drenched office edit

According to experts, wood is one of the most versatile materials you can use in a home office (and beyond).

'Naturally cocooning and rich in texture, wood is the ultimate cosy material – no matter where it is used in the home,' explains Havwoods’ global production and innovation director, Anthony Scott.

'Its organic beauty, rustic tones, and detailed patterns all evoke feelings of comfort and connection with the great outdoors. When used for walls, ceilings, cabinetry or more traditionally on the floor, wood contributes to creating a calming and relaxing interior that is both comfortable and nostalgic.'

Anthony encourages the mixing of woods with different finishes for a dynamic appearance. While the uniform look of Martha's office is undoubtedly chic, mixing and matching can add some visual interest to a plain space.

'While wood-drenching may seem like a minimalist approach to interiors, there is no need to play it safe and remain with one colorway, pattern, species, or style,' Anthony continues.

'Multiple surfaces mean multiple opportunities to be creative, so pair contrasting materials and patterns together to create an eye-catching home. For example, combine rustic flooring with kitchen cabinets in a darker wood or pair a classic herringbone floor with fluted wall panels.'


Hannah Ziegler
News Editor

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.

Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.

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