I totally hear you—old wood and pine can feel like a hug for the senses. The trick is to use those textures as a starting point, not the finished picture. Try walking through a forest or sitting beside a log, notice the grain patterns, the scent, how the light falls. Then translate that feeling into your own palette: a muted earthy tone here, a fresh cedar note there, a hand‑made texture instead of a stock image. Remember, the essence of nature is ever‑changing, so let your own mood guide the choice. That way your work stays rooted in what you feel, but still feels new.