DESIGN AU NATUREL

Rethinking the application of natural fibers,
furniture designers and manufacturers give contemporary designs a warm,
organic twist

TEXT Jesse Bratter

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Furniture designers and manufacturers around the globe look to nature to create some of the finest contemporary pieces on the market today.
In their hands, bamboo, rattan, wicker and other natural materials are crushed, polished, pressed, ground, molded and woven into time¬ess creations filled with warmth and character.
Oftentimes called “organic” for their re-harvesting quality and re¬ewable resources, these centuries-old raw materials fashion everything for the modern home — from chairs and sofas, to tables, cabinetry, window treatments and more.
The Laura Kirar Collection from McGuire Furniture Co. includes this arm¬hair, which is made of rattan that is crafted into rings and fastened with rawhide strips. www.mcguirefurniture.com
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This crushed-bamboo armoire en¬ances David Francis Furniture’s collection of raw material-furnishings, including rattan, arorog and abaca. www.davidfrancisfurniture.com
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A bamboo top softens the stainless-steel base of this cocktail table from Artefacto — a company known for its innovative mix of materials. www.artefacto.com

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Kenneth Cobonpue modern¬zes natural materials and Asian artistry in the “Kawayan Cabinet,” left, and “Yin & Yang” sofa, above. While the cabinet is made of oak and bamboo, the sofa comprises natural and dyed rattan splits that wrap a steel-and-wicker frame to create an open-weave design. www.kennethcobonpue.com
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Kenneth Cobonpue modern¬zes natural materials and Asian artistry in the “Kawayan Cabinet,” left, and “Yin & Yang” sofa, above. While the cabinet is made of oak and bamboo, the sofa comprises natural and dyed rattan splits that wrap a steel-and-wicker frame to create an open-weave design. www.kennethcobonpue.com
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Henredon’s classic rattan console unites Philippine mahogany solids with split bamboo and ropey cherry veneers. www.henredon.com
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Part of the Thomas Pheasant Collection for McGuire Furniture Co., this woven rattan-core club chair and otto¬an reflect his contemporary design approach. www.mcguirefurniture.com
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Woven husks from bamboo shoots fashion “Bamboo Shoot Skin” — a window shade from Conrad that adds warmth to any setting. www.conradshades.com
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The “Squiggle Jr.” bamboo table joins Walters Wicker, Inc.’s collection of seagrass, sugarcane, wicker and other organic furnishings. www.walterswicker.com
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Crushed bamboo and mahogany give this five-drawer chest from David Francis Furniture a natural, weathered patina. www.davidfrancisfurniture.com
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Polished bamboo — crushed bamboo filled with resin and ground to a smooth surface — forms the “Taipan” console from The Budji Collections, Inc. www.budji.com