When you think cork, the first thing that comes to mind is often a great bottle of wine. The debate over cork vs. screw tops is ongoing and will continue to do so for years to come. Curious about how cork relates to interior décor, however? Many have predicted that 2017 will be the year of natural materials like cork and terracotta. This seems to tie into the belief that for the New Year, we are going to experience a movement toward more natural materials that give one a sense of freedom.



"For interior design, there will be less controlled layouts with a greater sense of freedom of expression; the mood has a slower pace and the overall style is more laid-back with an appreciation of simple pleasures, artisanal skills and a feeling of solidity and certainty at a time of great uncertainty. It counteracts the digital and virtual dominance many people feel impacts their lives and offers a digital detox that is grounded, low-tech and focuses on finding beauty and satisfaction in what is basic and at first appears to be ordinary," says Victoria Redshaw of London-based trend forecasting company, Scarlet Opus, for what she feels interior design will veer towards in the New Year.



This movement away from the digitisation that seems to be taking over every aspect of our life brings a sense of relief. The home should be considered a sanctuary and creating a more harmonious environment by using materials such as cork is a great idea. There are so many ways to use this material that most can even be done at home, via DIY projects. Note: it does help if you’re an avid wine drinker!

For Texture

Cork is a buoyant material which is actually made from the phellem layer of bark tissue from the Cork Oak tree. The texture of cork is incredibly unique, while also being impermeable and fire retardant. This makes it a great choice for small areas where you want to add a little character. Think about creating a cork doormat or using cork as wall tiles, for a unique touch of texture.



For Decoration

The availability of cork accents and decorative items is on the upswing and you can find beautiful candle stands, picture frames and flower pots in pretty cork designs. Using a natural material like cork for reasons other than wine bottles is an eco-friendly way to reduce your carbon footprint.



For Corkboards

We often forget that our first introduction to cork as children was with cork boards that were often hung up in our rooms and schools. These corkboards were so much fun to pin things on as children, and are now great, functional items for offices. They can be also creatively used as wall art in a funky home.



The movement toward natural materials and a more rustic décor aesthetic is catching up - use these tips and find yourself ahead of the design curve!

