Bringing the Outside In – Embracing Organic Homeware Materials 

Rediscovering the joys of bamboo, wool and jute

Natural materials have been used in home construction and decoration for centuries and have been continuously popular for a number of reasons. Strong, durable, versatile and increasingly sustainable, natural materials have long lives and can be used in many ways throughout the house. Here are some new ways with old favourites.

Bamboo

Bamboo is an increasingly popular sustainable material for the home. It is durable and beautiful, making it an ideal material for furniture. It is also fast-growing, and can therefore be harvested more frequently than other woods, making it a sustainable resource that is gentle on the environment.

Bamboo furniture requires special care to keep it looking its best, and with proper care will last for many years to come. Here are some tips for caring for your bamboo furniture:

• Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning pads, as these can damage the natural finish of the bamboo
• If your furniture is kept outdoors, make sure to protect it from the elements by covering it with a tarp or tablecloth when not in use
• Periodically check for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or splits in the wood, which can be repaired with wood glue or bamboo resin

When it comes to styling bamboo furniture, the key is to keep it simple. Bamboo looks best when paired with other natural materials, such as wood or stone, with a minimalist colour palette to enable a calm and serene environment. A few strategically placed accessories can also help to accentuate the bamboo’s natural beauty.

Wool

Another popular natural material is wool. Wool is naturally flame resistant and hypoallergenic, making it a great material for people with allergies. It is also environmentally friendly and biodegradable, as well as a great insulator of warmth. So if you’re looking for a natural material that can provide a range of benefits, and look luxe in the home, wool is worth considering.

Wool is especially easy to care for. It can be vacuumed and spot cleaned as needed with a gentle laundry detergent. With a little bit of care, your gorgeous wool pieces can last for many years.

When it comes to styling wool in the home, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, wool is a very versatile material and can be used in a variety of ways. It can be woven into rugs, used to make tapestries, or of course, made into clothing. Second, because wool is natural, it can be dyed any colour you like, which makes it easy to find wool that will match your existing decor.

Jute

A more recent natural material that is gaining popularity in homes around Australia is jute. Strong, durable, inexpensive and easy to care for, jute is ideal for floor coverings within heavy traffic areas. In addition, jute is an environmentally friendly material that is renewable and biodegradable due to it being a great replacement for plastic materials like nylon or polyester.

Jute is relatively easy to look after, as it is a very strong and durable material, but it does require some special care to keep it looking its best. Here are a few tips for caring for jute:

• Avoid exposing jute to direct sunlight or excessive heat, as this can cause the fibers to weaken and break
• Jute should be stored in a cool, dry place when not in use
• If jute becomes stained, spot clean it with a mild detergent and cool water
• Jute can be vacuumed on a low setting to remove dust and dirt.
• Once or twice a year, jute can be professionally cleaned to keep it looking like new

Perhaps most importantly, jute has a natural beauty that adds warmth and texture to any home. Whether you use it for rugs, curtains, or upholstery, jute can help create a peaceful and natural environment within your home.

For all these reasons, natural materials are an important part of many homes today, for environmental and aesthetic reasons. Invest in high-quality pieces made of natural materials, and you will have a number of classic pieces that will stand the test of time.           

By Sarah Panther