Natural Materials

With the emphasis on technology in our lives, people are longing for a more comfortable and more natural retreat to come home to. Wicker, rattan, bamboo, sea grass, twisted palm, coconut fiber and banana leaf stalks are some of the earthy materials being used in indoor furniture:

Figure A

• Bring the wicker porch furniture inside and enjoy the warm, inviting and calming environment natural materials can add to a room (figure A).
• Today's natural materials have much more style, which makes them adaptable for any decor.
• This trend is exciting because it adds tactile and visual texture. It's another layer to use in your interior, like fresh flowers.
• Manufacturers are making furniture that is user-friendly and comfortable.Wicker made for indoor use doesn't snag clothing and rough-looking surfaces are actually smooth to the touch.
• Wicker is the peel from the rattan plant, which is woven. Rattan is a stalk that can be shaped to create a variety of looks. Bamboo has knuckles and combining natural fabrics such as cotton or wool with these materials just adds to the look.
• For an affordable touch, buy a tray or plates made from natural materials.
• Look for rugs made from woven coconut fibers, which look like sisal but wear better and don't stain as easily.
• Abaca products (made from woven banana leaves) such as tables and stools are textural and warm.
• Cracked coconut shells can be used to make beautiful tables and chairs.

Figure B

Wrap an unattractive trashcan with twine and secure it with glue for a natural touch in any room (figure B). Try the same idea on the base of a lamp or cover table legs with rope.

Figure C

Cut twigs/small branches to size and use copper wire to secure them for a table base. Top with glass and leave some branches long for a decorative effect (figure C).

crushed bamboo coffee table, crushed bamboo headboard, rattan dining room table and chairs, cracked coconut shells coffee table (Baker, Knapp & Tubbs)

coconut fiber rug, tables from woven banana leaves, coconut dining room chair (Kings Road Home)

woven seagrass sofa and chair, twisted palm headboard and footboard (Walter's Wicker)

bamboo table base, coconut table, bamboo and wicker furnishings (Christopher Norman)

Resources
furniture made from natural materials - Christopher Norman
Christopher Norman
41 West 25th Street
New York, NY 10010
USA
Phone: 212-647-0303
Fax: 212-647-0369
Email: info@christophernorman.com
URL: www.christophernorman.com

furniture made from natural materials - Walter's Wicker
Open to the trade only.
Walter's Wicker
D & D Building
979 Third Avenue, Suite 1520
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-758-0472
Fax: 212-826-6775
Website: www.ddbuilding.com/show-sites/walters

furnishings and accessories - Baker, Knapp & Tubbs - New York
Open to the trade only.
Baker, Knapp and Tubbs
Website: www.kohlerinteriors.com

furnishings and accessories - King's Road Home
King's Road Home
42 Wooster Street
New York, NY 10013
USA
Phone: 212-941-5011
Fax: 212-941-5012
Email: info@kingsroadhome.com
URL: www.kingsroadhome.com
Guests
Christian Carlsen
Owner, King's Road Home
42 Wooster Street
New York, NY 10013
Phone: 212-941-5011
Fax: 212-941-5012
Email: contact@kingsroadhome.com
URL: www.kingsroadhome.com

Ann Arader
Interior Designer, Arader Design
Newton, PA
Phone: 610-325-2471
E-mail: araderdesign@aol.com
Also in this Episode

Smart Design : Episode SDN-102
•	Natural Materials
•	Textured Wallpaper
•	Area Rugs
•	Message Boards