OK so your probably thinking right now the only spectacular thing about cork is that is holding up your 101 Christmas To Do lists on your kitchen wall. Or on a merrier note, your remembering last nights cork popping, and the bubbly flowing freely so those lists were a bit of a blur.
Let’s face it, cork isn’t an obvious choice for our homes. However, this wondrous natural material has a lot more going for it than sealing your favourite bubbly or pinning things to. Designers are using this eco-friendly material in lots of new ways for our homes.
With cork being a completely natural, recyclable, renewable and biodegradable material, it’s no wonder that there has been a resurgence of this popular 60’s/70’s material. It is perfect for a whole host of uses within our homes. When it comes to aesthetics, cork can hold its own too. Providing wonderful texture, with a multitude of variations in tone and cork textures. It doesn’t have to be a boring shade of brown either, as it can be dyed or stained any shade of colour. So there’s no excuse not to consider it.
Want to see what’s new? Then let’s read on…..
Walls
Ok so you could see this amazing cork wall as one giant pinboard, but it’s too beautiful to stick that shopping list to, don’t you think? Even if it’s your wine list. These beautifully patterned cork tiles by Design Nature are available from classic to modern patterns so there’s something for every decor. The thick patterns create a 3D effect, as well as contrast, due to the wall colour that is exposed through the pattern. They are also a quick, and easy way to decorate your walls as they come with self-adhesive backing. I’m thinking much quicker decor fix than painting or tiling especially for those who are as impatient as I am. They also come finished with colour pigmentation and wax protection so you don’t need to worry stains from grubby hands.
Cork Fact: Cork has natural soundproofing qualities for busy areas in your homes such as kitchens, or children’s bedrooms. Particularly great if your child has decided they’re going to be the new John Bonham!!
How cool is this urban style wallpaper by Instyle. It combines a natural cork texture with metal leaf. And after Tuesdays Post The Midas Touch, we know just how wonderful metallics can be in our homes.
Cork Fact: Cork is harvested from the bark of a cork tree which has a lifespan of up to 150 years. The cork bark is harvested up to 12 times during its life cycle and rested in between so as to protect the tree.
Flooring
Nowadays, there are a number of cork flooring choices available and the effects are incredible. Cork has an antistatic surface, which makes it resistant to dust, which is perfect for those of us that suffer from allergies. It’s soft underfoot and provides support for those that need a bit of extra cushioning. Corks natural structure acts as a shock absorber. Footsteps are also muffled due to its sound proofing abilities. Just think when the kids are running around like crazies, they at least won’t sound like you’ve produced a herd of elephants!
TIP: Cork is water resistant but NOT waterproof. It will need to be sealed and resealed every few years to maintain and protect the cork from staining.
Cork Facts: Cork was used by Frank Lloyd Wright in many of his designs. Today there has been a resurgence in the use of this material as it is a long-term renewable material. It’s good to be green and help protect our environment.
Lighting
Of course, I had to include some cork lighting with these fab Cork shaped pendant lights from Kontenta. The wafer-thin sheet of cork produces a soft diffused warm light. Particularly great for creating some cosy ambient evenings whilst chatting to friends.
Furniture
Corks lightweight properties make furniture easy to move around. Designers such as Jenny Espirito Santo, are experimenting with cork furniture. This industrial, minimalist style Atlas side table is one of her designs. It shows how cork can add functionality as well as being aesthetically attractive to your spaces. Perfect for placing that glass of Chablis on that you so rightly deserve right now.
Objects
There are a number of accessories for our homes that designers are introducing the aesthetic qualities of cork too, such as the Cork Plant Hanger by Bloomingville. Cork makes for a striking contrast when combined with other materials. Showing us how beautiful nature can be applied to everyday accessories to enhance our homes.
Fabric
Yes, you read that right Cork Fabric. This particular fabric design is again by the talented Jenny Esparto Santo over at Mind The Cork. These incredible Salta Cork Leather Cushions provides both tactile and textural qualities to your homes. Inspired by the Argentinean Salt Flats, the unique imprintations of the cork tree that produced it, certainly make it unique. Cork fabric is not only durable, versatile and simple to maintain, but incredibly beautiful and ecologically sound. Each cushion is available with either a high-quality poly-cotton inner pad and is backed with fair trade organic cotton canvas.
By choosing cork for your homes, you will not only be buying sustainable eco-friendly products, you will be helping support a sustainable form of agroforestry. This area has seen a decline in recent years due to replacement less eco-friendly screw top and plastic stoppers for bottling wine. So when you’re on the hunt for something new for your homes, give some consideration to this wonderful, versatile, material that is Cork.
Have a Cork Popping Spectacular holiday season wherever you are!!!
I’ll be back in the New Year with some more inspiration for your homes.
Until then, thanks for stopping by…..
Maria x
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