Easy Green: Natural Fabrics Refine Rooms
From everyday organic cottons to luxurious silks, natural fibers add a feel-good factor to the home in more ways than one
One of the simplest ways to go greener with your decor is to choose pure, natural fibers whenever possible. A go-to favorite of decorators the world over, natural fibers work in every room in the house. And because they are made from plants and the harmless shedding of animals, natural fibers are free of toxins and completely biodegradable.
Just be sure you are purchasing untreated products. Stain guards, fire retardants and other finishes negate some of the ecofriendly benefits.
Get inspired by the many ways you can bring these beautiful natural materials — from crisp cotton and nubby linen to hemp, wool and silk — into your home.
Just be sure you are purchasing untreated products. Stain guards, fire retardants and other finishes negate some of the ecofriendly benefits.
Get inspired by the many ways you can bring these beautiful natural materials — from crisp cotton and nubby linen to hemp, wool and silk — into your home.
Chic living rooms. Materials in natural fibers, like a coir or sisal rug and upholstery in linen or cotton, are a grounding choice for any living room scheme. The soft neutral color and varied texture of these materials adds warmth and ease to a living space, and provides a serene backdrop for the layering of color, pattern, and shape.
Easygoing spaces. Crisp white cotton slipcovers can be unexpectedly kid and pet friendly — just throw them in the washing machine to keep them looking fresh. If you crave something softer underfoot, try a 100 percent wool rug or a wool-silk blend for a luxurious feel. Bamboo blinds are a decorator staple that can go solo for a casual, beachy vibe or be combined with drapes for a sophisticated layered look.
Ecofriendly DIY. Burlap, with its rich, varied texture, can be used to cover just about anything, from bulletin boards to furniture — even entire walls. Burlap is incredibly affordable and looks especially chic as a wallpaper alternative with a nailhead trim. Look for rolls of burlap at your local hardware or fabric store, but do check to make sure it is untreated.
An organic sleep. The bedroom is a wonderful place to start adding more natural and organic fabrics. Create a peaceful, deeply relaxing space with layers of pure organic cotton sheets, blankets and quilts. Or try linen sheets. They aren't cheap, but they last forever, feel amazing and look like they belong in a Tuscan villa.
Roman blinds or shades made of natural linen look amazing in any room in the house, though they are less often seen in bedrooms. Why on earth not? They strike a perfect balance between crisply defining the window and suggesting softness and ease. If you are worried about privacy, you can always order a top-down style that lets light in from above.
Spalike details. Since the bathroom tends to be a small space, even the tiniest of details can make a big impact. Try fringed cotton hammam-style towels, a rattan or cork stool, and woven baskets for storing necessities in plain sight. Hang a plain cotton bath mat over the tub between uses, but leave a "real" wool or silk rug on the floor near the sink for a touch of luxury.
Natural elegance. Classic pieces like linen or hemp-covered chairs; a warm, neutral rug; and table linens in go-with-anything greige or bitter chocolate set the stage for colorful food and conversation.
Tell us: What are your favorite natural materials to work into your decor?
More:
Stylish, Ecofriendly Furniture
Nontoxic Paint 101
Tell us: What are your favorite natural materials to work into your decor?
More:
Stylish, Ecofriendly Furniture
Nontoxic Paint 101