There is something magical about wood that is allowed to live on - especially when it bears traces of time, pressure and the whims of nature.

Right now, we're seeing a clear movement back to the organic, the tactile, the soulful in interior design. And at the heart of that movement is an old favorite in a new guise: burl veneer.

What is burl veneer?

Burl veneer (or "masurbjörk" in Swedish, when it comes to birch) is a veneer made from so-called "burl knots" - abnormal growths on trees that often occur in response to stress, injury or disease.

These swirling formations give the wood its unique, almost cloud-like organic pattern that can shift in color, depth and movement. It is rare, making it an exclusive material - and one that carries both history and mystery.

A brief history of burl

Burl veneer had its heyday in the Art Deco era of the 1920s and 30s, when craftsmanship and decorative finishes were highly valued. It later made a comeback in the 1970s, often combined with high-gloss varnish and furniture with rounded shapes. It was luxurious, playful and bold - just like the era itself.

Then it disappeared.

With the rise of minimalism and a desire for more "clean" materials, burl veneer became something we mostly saw in old cars, vintage tables and older men's rooms. But we are heading towards warm, dark maximalist homes - in contrast to the minimalist beige interiors that have been trending in recent years.

The return of Burlen – seen in Bianca Ingrosso's home and on Pinterest

Recently, we have seen a clear revival of burl veneer. Bianca Ingrosso's newly renovated apartment is a prime example - burl can be found in everything from kitchen cabinets to built-in bookshelves, custom-made tables and sofas.

The result? A sense of luxury, personality and warmth that contrasts nicely with the otherwise austere architecture.

On Pinterest, searches for "burl kitchen", "burl wood cabinet" and "curved burl furniture" are increasing steadily.

The trend is clear: we long for the unique, the sensual, that which bears traces of nature and history.

Why do we choose burl again?

Burl veneer gives something that few other materials can: a sense of depth. It feels handmade even when it is machine-made, alive even when it is varnished. It is a material that moves, changes in the light and arouses curiosity.

It also fits perfectly into the new, modern aesthetic where we mix vintage with contemporary design - where a burl table coexists with chrome, linen and lime-colored walls.

We are moving away from the minimalist and towards deep, warm interior design.

There has been an evolution in how we use brown in modern interiors. We have seen an increased use of antiques as "brown furniture", more joinery with natural wood tones and even brown upholstery.

That's where burl veneer is the perfect addition. It adds depth, movement and warmth - and connects nature with design in a way few other materials do.

A final thought

When we decorate our homes, it goes deeper than just style, and burl veneer carries a story - both literally and figuratively.

It is a tree that has defied adversity, grown further and become more beautiful because of it.

Maybe that's why we're drawn to it again.

Because we, just like our homes, long for something with soul. Something that is not just pretty - but true.