Cork can be used for more than just plugging bottles. Did you know that this material, which is made from tree bark, has some pretty amazing characteristics, particularly for decoration? Here is a quick overview of this new decorating trend.
Its origins
Before we go on, have you ever wondered where cork comes from? It is made from the bark of cork oak trees, a remarkable species. The tree begins to grow a new layer of bark as soon as the cork is stripped off. However, harvesting requires time and patience since it takes 35 years for the tree to produce its first layer of cork. Barking is then performed every nine years to give the tree time to regenerate.
What makes this material so interesting for decorating is that, in addition to being a natural and recyclable material, it is waterproof, lightweight, naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, and an excellent insulator. It is not surprising that cork is all the rage in home decor!
On the floor
Cork is an excellent choice for flooring. This flexible, comfortable and insulating material always feels pleasant under your feet. It is warm in winter and stays cool in summer. We like it in the kitchen for its impermeability, which makes it easy to maintain, and also for its spring, which helps break the fall when you drop a dish. In the basement, which is often a humid area, its rot-proof and mould-proof properties make it the number one choice. Available in a vast selection of colours, cork offers a sleek and modern look.
On the wall
Cork bulletin boards are the first thing we think about for walls, but there are many more options! Sold in rolls or tiles, it is easy to install large cork panels on the walls. Its soundproofing attributes are a definite plus, and the Scandinavian look it gives a room definitely makes it a trendy choice.
In furniture
At all of the major design shows from Paris, Frankfurt and Stockholm to Milan and even Toronto, cork is IN! Used in a variety of functional and modern pieces of furniture, it is elegant in the dining room, living room and bedroom. And the good news is that the word is out and that less expensive retailers are beginning to follow suit.
In accessories
Many cork accessories are sold in boutiques across Québec. It is easy to add a touch of this material to your decor without having to make a drastic change. Examples are a pretty pitcher or teapot topped by a cork lid, or even a cork table mat or flower pot holder. There is definitely no lack of choice!
Homemade creations
Cork is easy to work with, even for novice do-it-yourselfers. Cut cork squares into geometric shapes to make charming table mats or coasters, add pieces of felt for a warm, winter effect, or even cover a frame with cork to create a personalized bulletin board. The possibilities are endless and each is more beautiful than the next. It’s up to you!
Passionate about colour, vintage decorative elements and hand-made items, Vanessa Sicotte celebrates décor in all its splendour. Vanessa is the mastermind behind the Damask & Dentelle blog—and author of a book in the same name—where she has been sharing her favourite décor discoveries since 2009. She is also the host of Sauvez les meubles and Marché Conclu on Canal Vie. Since fall 2015, viewers can reap Vanessa’s valuable advice by watching the Marina Orsini show on ICI Radio-Canada Télé, where she is featured as décor commentator.
