Home décor: go the natural, sustainable way

With the increasing focus on all things eco-friendly and sustainable, it is no surprise that the topic is a buzzword in the world of home interiors and home décor.  Well, let us be honest here.  Few things are more comforting than walking into a home that is naturally ventilated, filled with plants and bereft of excessive synthetics and plastics. There are again a few materials that match the goodness of jute, bamboo, rattan, and cane.  Not only are they natural but also add oodles of pleasant vibes and rustic charm to any space. Furniture and flooring When it comes to furniture, there are several eco-friendly options one can choose from.  Right from cane to bamboo to reclaimed wood, the range of furniture and allied accessories in natural materials is quite large.  Wicker furniture made from natural materials works very well in tropical climates like India and can be used with colourful cushions and fillers to make them look classy and feel comfortable. Organic and earthy, they are perfect for both indoors and outdoors and also used to make wings, plant holders, mats and baskets.  Willow, seagrass, and rattan are yet other natural options that are available. Stone is another very versatile material that can be used both indoors and outdoors.  Natural stones like some granites and limestone work wonder as flooring options as well as for purposes like cladding and tiling.  There is nothing like red oxide flooring for a timeless appeal.  Paint some traditional kolam atop, throw in some plants and you have a totally beautiful space!  Cork, glass tile, rubber, and linoleum are popular eco-friendly materials used in flooring. Photo Credit: Design Cafe Accessories, furnishings, and cookware Coco shells, pebbles, rocks, pine cones, etc.  These form for some excellent accessories if used well.  Make use of twigs and branches in photo frames to give you pictures a unique look.  Twigs and evergreens can be woven together to make door hangings.  Add some pine cones and jute twine and you have a rustic arrangement ready!  Seashells and acorns can add another dimension too.   Use plenty of dried flowers in arrangements as well as for potpourri.  Even dried fruit need not go waste as potpourri is an interesting way to recycle fruits. If you love carpets and hugs, go in for jute, wool, and organic cotton.  They are not only high on aesthetics but also on functionality and help create warm and cozy vibes all around.  Sisal rugs are fast gaining popularity too.  And when it comes to furnishings, cotton is the most elegant choice.  Whether it is curtains, bedcovers, cushion covers, pillow covers or tableware, nothing can beat the comfort and style of cotton.  Easy to maintain and natural, they add an exclusive flair to your space. Earthen cookware has become quite a rage these days and more people are making the shift to the natural way.  Yesteryear grinding stones and clay pots are surely healthier options than modern day non-stick appliances and metal vessels! Photo Credit: Noah Interiors Plants Whether you live in a studio or an apartment or a bungalow, make sure you always have space for plants.  Green plants go a long way in creating a lively ambience in your home.  Use your balcony creatively and all plenty of planters in there.  From palms to succulents there is no dearth of potted plants.  You can keep rotating them both indoors and outdoors ensuring that each of them gets their share of sunlight. Terracotta planters and jute baskets act as perfect accessories and accentuate the surroundings.  If you are busy, try plants that grow in water.  Reuse your old olive oil bottles or beer bottles and turn them into planters for your water babies. Dos and don’ts Maintenance is the key when it comes to natural materials and regular upkeep in terms of cleaning and polishing is needed.  Avoid acidic cleaners when wiping on stone and also the use of harsh detergents and hard-bristled brushes when cleaning sisal and jute rugs.  Do not overly modify the texture of any natural material while using it for example painting cane in dark colours is a strict no-no.  Allow it to be as natural as possible.  In case you need to enhance the look use a light varnish.  Do not go overboard with any of the materials, try to maintain and balance and keep it in sync with the overall look. To know more such home decor ideas, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Download our magazine Spunky Indian for exclusive stories.