Creative Cork

Figure A

Cork is being used for more than corkboards and stoppers that seal bottles. Designers now see a natural material for the home that has been overlooked for years:

• Furniture can be made of cork so finely condensed that it becomes strong enough to sit on. Even though there's no seat cushion or padding, it's deceptively comfortable (figure A).
• People are very keen on ergonomic furniture--pieces that are comfortable and supportive. Cork can provide those things since it moves when you do.
• Cork is the harvested bark of the Mediterranean oak tree. Since the tree isn't cut down, this process is actually helpful to it as it causes a growth spurt. Once gathered without harm to nature, cork can be manufactured into items we use everyday.

Figure B

The use of color on a cork floor is new (figure B), but some of the greatest designers and architects of the 20th century--Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier and Richard Neutra--have used cork flooring. This material can last up to 30 years with less wear than wood. Plus, it's nearly impossible to stain and absorbs heat and sound.

Unlike wood, cork is naturally anti-bacterial, which makes it great for the kitchen. Pile cork platters and trays with fruit to avoid bruising often caused in bowls.

Cork is a naturally pigmented material, so it's very much like wood and won't clash with other furnishings.

Look for stools built for kids. They're lightweight and little ones can be rough with it without causing damage.

Figure C

These vases are hand-carved from cork left over from the Italian bottle stopper industry (figure C). Fill them with fresh flowers (they won't leak) for a great alternative to crystal, glass and ceramic vases.

Figure D

Use cork flooring on walls for yet another alternative. It adds great texture and works just like soundproofing. If the kids are blasting their favorite music, you won't hear a thing.

Cover the back of a metal folding chair with thin cork from an art supply store. Add geometric shapes with wood paint pens for a punch of color and texture (figure D).

Resources
cork furniture
KorQinc.
155 East 56th Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-758-2593
Toll Free Phone: 877-397-8663
Fax: 212-758-0025
Email: info@korqinc.com
URL: www.korqinc.com
Guests
Kevin Walz
Interior Designer, KorQInc.
155 East 56th Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-758-2593
Toll Free Phone: 877-397-8663
Fax: 212-758-0025
Email: info@korqinc.com
URL: www.korqinc.com
Also in this Episode

Smart Design : Episode SDN-108
•	Creative Cork
•	In Sink
•	Glamourous Lampshades
•	Tea Glasses