Weave some magic at home, with new-wave rattan, raffia & bamboo No longer confined to retro schemes and conservatories, nature’s most versatile materials are making a stylish comebacks, says Gabrielle Fagan
Dutchbone Kubu Rattan Mirror, £99, Cuckooland. Store & Stun Ferm Living Apple Braided Storage Basket – Small, £35, Cloudberry Living. Store & Stun Pear Braided Storage Basket – Large, £75, Cloudberry Living.
We’re all waking up to the magic of weave, with rattan – that blonde, slim, easyon-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.
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.
What are you waiting for? Work the weave at home, with a variety of beautiful products...
KEEP IT LIGHT
Woven furniture won’t dominate a space, which makes it ideal for compact spaces and especially good for renters as it’s easily transportable, says Kate Butler, head of product design at Habitat.
“Fast-growing materials like rattan and bamboo are increasingly becoming key materials for us, and we’re incorporating these strong and lightweight materials into more modern designs that take advantage of their versatility,” she explains.
“They allow us to create more interesting 3D shapes, from fluid Keep It Light Rattan furniture enhances an airy, minimalist setting.
curves to angular forms, so we’re moving away from traditional rattan associations – which confined it to the conservatory – to more inspirational, contemporary ideas for the home that allow you to add more personality to a space.”
MIX ‘N’ MATCH
Double up for maximum effect – two chairs are better than one because they’ll look as though you’ve committed to a style, rather than bought a random piece.
If you want to make a statement, choose a rocker or a classic Peacock-style chair.
The latter with its high back, which is also called a fan chair, originated in the Philippines and its striking style has featured in many iconic photographs over the years.
SCENE-STEALER SEATS
If you like a laid-back vibe, hanging chairs are ultra-fashionable currently, and Cox & Cox has an
open weave Round Rattan Cocoon Chair, £650.
It comes with a stand or a hook so it can be hung from the ceiling. Enhance the cosiness by draping with a Curly Sheepskin - Natural, £175.
STORE & STUN
We can never have enough storage – but there’s no reason it should be boring.
Turn it into eye-candy with wicked weaves featuring soft, blushing shades, which can hold everything from household essentials to toys.
DIVIDE & RULE
Unique pieces, like a folding screen, will conjure a tropical vibe in a living area.
And you can ramp up the effect with other accessories, such a mirror, wall-mounted woven platters, occasional seating or a lamp. Keep It Light Margate Natural Rattan EasyTo-Fit Ceiling Shade, £70, Habitat. Scene Stealer Seats Emmy Cane Chair, £339, Beaumonde. Camo Water Hyacinth Side Table, £149, Beaumonde. Keep It Light Elmley Natural Curved Rattan Easy-To-Fit Ceiling Shade, £90, Habitat.