Weave some magic with materials such as rattan
No longer confined to retro schemes and conservatories, nature’s most versatile materials, such as rattan, are now making a stylish comeback, says GABRIELLE FAGAN
WE’RE all waking up to the magic of weave, with rattan – that blonde, slim, easy-on-the eye material – enjoying a starring role in
homes right now.
Pinterest and Instagram are full of stunning examples of how rattan can lend a ‘wow’ factor in a way that solid wood simply can’t, and it’s totally in tune with our growing desire for natural products and organic designs in our living spaces.
Rattan was a huge hit in the Seventies, a trend that stuck for at least a decade, and has endured as a staple of the conservatory – but perish the thought that this is just a predictable reincarnation.
Designers have so transformed it, with punchy colour and imaginative chic new shapes, that pieces are good-looking enough to be focal points in all areas of the home.
Not only that, they’re seemingly so entranced by all things woven right now, they’ve also turned their creative attentions to raffia, bamboo, and even simple straw.
“Rattan really is the ‘super food’ of the homeware world,” declares Sophie Garnier, founder of Kalinko (kalinko.com), specialists in hand-woven rattan furniture and accessories made in Burma.
“Practically, the material is solid all the way through the vine, which makes it incredibly strong, and its flexibility means it can be woven into any shape. It also accepts paints and stains like wood, so can be made in a variety of colours and finishes.”
Not least, it’s a good choice, Sophie points out, if you want to burnish your ecocredentials. “It grows very quickly all year round and is harvested without harming the tree and also grows back very enthusiastically, so an A-star for sustainability,” she enthuses.
Lightweight yet sturdy, it can also look fresh and modern depending on the shape and finish you choose, notes Sophie.
Summing up its appeal, she says: “It brings the essence of the outdoors inside, which is very soothing and, while an obvious choice in the summer, will look great all year round in both classic and contemporary homes.”
What are you waiting for? Work the weave at home, with a variety of beautiful products...