Earthy vibes

Natural and eco-friendly materials like cane, jute and wicker hold a rustic chic appeal

Advertisement

RASHMI GOPAL RAO

With terms like ‘sustainability’ and ‘environment friendly’ becoming buzz words in every sphere of our lives, home décor cannot be left far behind.Designers are increasingly embracing material that is natural and eco-friendly and are even working towards homes that have zero carbon footprints.

In the light of this situation, earthy materials like cane and jute are making a comeback. As these materials are quite versatile, they can not only be used effectively in homes but can also be tweaked to suit modern trends and styles thereby enhancing both indoor and outdoor spaces.

“These materials blend well with a lot of decorating styles including ethnic Indian, contemporary and even bohemian. From the living room to the bedroom and from the kitchen to garden area and balconies, cane, jute and wicker can be included in your home interiors in myriad ways” says Syed Habib, General Manager Buying, Danube Home.

Cane and wicker: Ideas aplenty

After several decades of being confined to outdoor areas like the patio or porch, cane furniture is slowly taking centre stage in homes given its natural, warm aesthetic, resilience and the fact that it is light weight. Apart from chic sofa sets, tables and book shelves, woven cane can also be used in sliding wardrobe shutters which is set within a wooden frame and covered with clear glass. “Other ways to use cane is for a chairback, a divider screen between two spaces in a home and even for door shutters to a family room or dining area where too much privacy is not required” says Minnie Bhatt, Design director, Minnie Bhatt Design. All this is sure to lend your space a chic and timeless look. Wicker which refers to a technique of weaving cane is also in vogue considering its elegant, light and airy look. Upholstered with organic fabrics with some colourful cushions thrown in, these pieces are sure to create a subtly beautiful yet unique look. Statement arm chairs either in modern or vintage colonial silhouettes have a charm of their own and can be used both in the living as well as bedroom spaces. Cane trunks for storage as well as cane headboards can add oodles of style to your bedroom. Trolley tables, fruit and vegetable storage baskets as well as open storage units in cane can add a rustic charm to your kitchen. Cane planters, cane plates on a statement wall as well as garden furniture are yet other ways to use this versatile material.

Jute love

A natural fibre that has the potential to make a simple yet sophisticated statement, jute is yet another material that can add plenty of earthy vibes to your home. Jute ropes and soft jute fabrics are being used increasingly in furniture as well as furnishings like blinds, curtains and cushion covers.

Apart from floor mats and rugs, jute wall decorations, hanging lamps and lamp shades can add a lot of character to any space. Pairing these with indoor plants, is sure to create a winning combination. Often referred to as the “golden fibre”, jute is sure to stay given that it is totally bio-degradable and recyclable.

Dos and Don’ts

It is important that cane surfaces must be varnished or polished for ease of maintenance. Cane and wicker must be avoided in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Also, cleaning cane and wicker panels can be a bit of a challenge; since it is woven with small crevices it tends to collect dust. “Unlike wood and metal, cane and wicker are woven and the weaves tend to loosen up over time making the furniture less comfortable. Hence regular maintenance and lacquering is a must” says Ms. Gita Ramanan, CEO & Co-founder, Design Café.