Each week Mansion Global tackles an interior design topic with an elite group of designers from around the world who work on luxury properties. This week we look at how to incorporate woven fabrics.
Grasscloth, rattan, wicker, wool, metal—there are no limits to what can be woven into furniture and home decor.
"Wovenmaterialsadd a layer of depth and texture, and create an inviting sense of warmth," said Christine Stucker, co-principal of Brooklyn design firmStewart-Schafer."Not only do they add visual interest to a space, butwovenelements beautifully incorporate a strong sense of texture to balance it."
"Wovenmaterialsare a great way to introduce natural, raw detail to any room," said Paulo Bacchi, CEO of Artefacto in Aventura, Florida. By mixing raw, natural materials with sleek, angular designs, you can "create a piece of furniture that doubles as a work of art," he said.
More:Tropical Patterns Are Back—Here’s How to Use Them
And the look is gaining popularity. At January’s Maison&Object design fair in Paris, the international authority on décor, woven materials were exhibited in everything from stool cushions and wall hangings to throw pillows and light fixtures.
To weave these materials throughout your home with ease, follow these tips from the design pros.
It’s All in the Details
"Great design is based on incorporating layers and textures, andwovenmaterialsplay a huge role in this. There are so many ways to usewovenmaterialsin a design, whether it’s in rugs, furniture, or wall treatments.
"Try to bring in some found objects like wicker boxes, baskets, or trunks to create warmth and charm. Add some grasscloth to a powder room or as an accent wall in your bedroom behind the bed. Add a jute rug … to help frame a space and create luxurious texture.
"We love using found pieces like vintage French laundry baskets to store blankets, which add charm and coziness to any room.Wovenrugs add dimension and help define an area.
"Grasscloth wall coverings have a very luxurious and elegant feel. … We love a dark shade of navy or charcoal grasscloth wallpaper for a dramatic feel."
— Christine Stucker, co-principal of Brooklyn-based design firmStewart-Schafer
More:Designing a Terrace or Balcony With Distinction
Consider the Material
"Straw, leather, wood, or synthetic fibers are greatmaterialsto use forwovenfurniture. We produce unique, exclusive designs based on the functionality of the piece. Intricatelywovenfurniture can add art and texture to the home, softening the space and making it more inviting.
"Wovendetail can be a natural component to any piece of furniture, from an ottoman, lounge chair, or even a headboard. A woven headboard in straw or leather balanced with a steel frame exemplifies the way solid, angular lines are softened bywoven, natural materials.
"You can start small,and if you like the detail, commit to a larger piece."
— Paulo Bacchi, CEO, Brazil- and Florida-based home furnishings company Artefacto
Woven furniture designed by Artefacto brings a natural, raw quality to a Miami patio.
Courtesy of ArtefactoMore:Designing a Bedroom With a Point of View
Form Meets Function
"With its simple, winding lines and original character, woven furniture can create a special and comfortable place in every home.
"The traditional craft of wickerwork is increasingly popular not onlybecause of its beauty and functionality, but for its ease to maintain—requiring only simple cleaning with water and a soft brush if needed. We also work with synthetic rattan, which is made from polyethylene, a material that’s UV, weather resistant, 100% recyclable, and durable in all temperatures.
"The aesthetic and function of woven materials makes them a perfect material to use for outdoor furniture—sofas, armchairs, tables, footstools—whether in a garden, on a porch, or in a backyard."
— Architect Erica Girotto of Torino, Italy-based Il Giardino Di Legno
Designed by Il Giardino Di Legno this white-washed Vienna straw furniture adds a relaxed yet modern vibe indoors or out.
Courtesy of Il Giardino Di LegnoMore:Click to read more design tips from designers who work on luxury properties
Move Beyond a Natural Vibe
"Traditional woven materials include rattan and bamboo, but we re-interpret the woven style with iron and metallics to recreate the look of macramé and other weaving methods. Making woven designs out of metal allows for a long-lasting piece that can survive in different climates/ environments. This look provides an airiness to your home decor without sacrificing support and style for your furnishings.
Galvanized iron woven wire chairs, pendant lighting and a gazelle “trophy” all designed by Bend Goods bring a modern, eclectic vibe to any home.
Courtesy of Bend Goods"Woven decor has so many different iterations: contemporary, traditional, transitional, bohemian, just to name a few. These various styles make woven decor versatile.
"Everything from seating to tables to accessories can be made out of woven materials and look amazing. The best way to incorporate woven or woven-style designs into your home is subtly. Just like any furniture style, don't overdo it. Use a set of woven style dining chairs in your dining room or throw a woven coffee table in your living room. Just make sure you don’t put too much of the style in your space.
— Hugh Long of Bend Goods in Los Angeles