Nothing is more comfortable than walking into the cool confines of a home replete with red oxide flooring, exposed brick walls, comfortable cane couches and plenty of plants in jute baskets. Not only does it charm you with its rustic, earthy vibes, but also exudes a feeling of ‘being rooted’ and of warmth. Given the fact that most of us today live in concrete jungles and lead lifestyles that are fast paced and hectic, the importance of being close to nature can hardly be over emphasised.
And what better way to achieve this than by incorporating these elements within the four walls of your own home! Home décor using natural materials like stone, cane, bamboo or terracotta not only adds appeal and ups the style quotient of your home but is also a great way of practicing sustainable living.
Choices aplenty
Apart from natural stones, brick and natural wood, jute, bamboo, cane and wicker are some of the commonly used materials in home décor today. Sisal, jute, rattan as well as travertine, that is a form of limestone. are yet other native materials that are being used.
According to Mrinmayee Kundalia, founder and creative head, TUNI Tales “Wood, clay, flora, cotton textiles and dried fruit potpourri are great ways to incorporate natural elements into your home. Fruit for instance can be used as a room fragrance once ripe and even after it dries (as potpourri). Fruits that have dried need not go to the trash bin. Potpourri is an interesting way to reuse the fruit” says Mrinmayee.
The choices today are large giving rise to innovative and creative ways of using such materials in décor. “Coco shells, jute in various forms, bamboo of all sizes and shapes, rocks of various nature which are often curated, bird nests etc can all be put to use in homes” says Sameer A.M Founder, CEO, Bonito Designs.
Suited to all spaces
Whether it is your living space, bedroom, kitchen or even bathrooms, natural materials form a perfect fit. “In homes, natural stones like slate stones, limestones etc. are used in flooring, tiling, wall-cladding & counter-tops. Natural stone being a very versatile material, it can be used both in interiors as well as exteriors. There are several choices available to suit all budgets & tastes” says Gita Ramanan- Architect, Designer & Co-Founder of Design Café. Natural materials are amenable to use in furniture, accessories and even cookware; the key is to choose the right materials.
“For the flooring, opt for travertine or terracotta tiles, or even cost-effective options like red oxide flooring. You will find that these options work for your backsplash and bathrooms too. If you decide to go the industrial route, pick out brick and stone for exposed walls in a rustic setting.” says Mr. Anuj Srivastava, Co- founder and CEO of Livspace.
Rattan and cane are ideal for furniture as they blend seamlessly with various kinds of styles. They can be used effortlessly not only in the living areas but also in patios and balconies. “Coco shells if sized and treated properly can be used to decorate and entire wall which not only enhances the visuals but also acts as a pseudo acoustic material too” adds Sameer A.M. Cotton and jute upholstery as well as sisal rugs can go a long way in adding a dash of panache to your bedroom. Organic cottons are ideal for kitchen and tableware while clay and earthen ware are some of the best materials for cookware.
“An ongoing trend called “live-edge” furniture is gaining popularity in the domain of home decor. In this, the natural texture & original edges of wood are kept intact & used in their natural state. Most popular usage of this style are tables, chairs, benches & sometimes even art. It adds an edgy, rustic & wholesome feel to the décor” adds Gita Ramanan.
Unleash your creativity
The best part about natural materials is that they are versatile, flexible and can be used in a variety of quirky ways. So, let your imagination break free while you create exclusive pieces for you home. “Sea shells, acorns and pine cones can be glued together on a homemade hoop to make beautiful wall and door hangings. Make use of twigs and branches in the picture frames to give your photographs a quirkier look” says Sandesh Dhanraj, CEO & Founder, Noah interiors.
There are yet other ways to go natural. “Stick pebbles on a dining mat and use to them as trivets to place hot utensils. Small wicker baskets can be used as a center piece with some flowers or decorations in it. Even jute covered vases can be stunning décor” adds Anuj Srivastav.
Some dos and don’ts
It is important to use natural materials in their original form and textures to retain their look and character. For instance, painting them in a different color is a big “no”. Use them in moderation to retain a graceful and clean look, else it may end up looking loud. Always mix and match the right materials. For instance, wood and bamboo is a good combination just like how cane and jute go well with greens.
Natural material requires regular maintenance in terms of polishing and vacuum cleaning. “Avoid acidic cleaners when wiping on stone and also the use of harsh detergents and hard-bristled brushes when cleaning sisal and jute rugs” adds Sandesh Dhanraj. Last but not the least, it is important to understand the history and purpose of each material and how it would match your needs and fit in your space. As Mrinmayee Kundalia puts it “Be conscious about what you buy”.
This article was originally published in Sakal times.
