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Rattan Is Trending Right Now—But Interior Designers Say It's as 'Timeless as a White Button-Down Shirt'
Rattan, a natural material derived from climbing vines, is currently experiencing a surge in popularity in home decor. Despite its trending status, interior designers Ariel Okin and Celerie Kemble assert that rattan is a timeless and versatile material, akin to a classic white button-down shirt, that will endure beyond seasonal fads. Its appeal is particularly pronounced during warmer months, evoking an easy, breezy aesthetic often associated with styles like 'coastal grandmother.'
Designers highlight rattan's practical benefits, including its lightweight nature and remarkable durability, making it adaptable for various applications within a home. While rattan is the primary material, it is often combined with other woven elements like wicker or cane. Kemble refers to this combination as the 'fourth element' in a room's design, providing a complementary texture alongside upholstery, metal, and wood. She emphasizes rattan's unique ability to define 'negative space' and its subtle integration into a room's overall conversation.
The enduring popularity of rattan spans centuries, with its origins tracing back to ancient civilizations, evidenced by its use in Egyptian burials. Its aesthetic has evolved over time, from the whimsical designs of the Victorian era to the 'sexy and glamorous' interpretations of the 1960s and '70s by designers such as Gabrielle Crespi. In contemporary design, rattan offers a 'whisper of nature,' providing visual interest through its varied colors, shadows, and movements within the weave, adding a 'wild card' element to decor.
When selecting rattan furniture, quality is paramount to ensure longevity. Designers advise potential buyers to physically inspect pieces for stability and craftsmanship, particularly the joinery. Vintage rattan pieces, while potentially more expensive, are often built to last with proper maintenance. Rattan's resilience allows for both indoor and outdoor use, though upkeep, such as wiping down wet pieces and storing them indoors when not in use, is recommended. The material can be treated with paint, lacquer, or linseed oil, but its natural state is also appreciated, with designers acknowledging its 'living material' quality that evolves over time.
Integrating rattan into a home requires thoughtful consideration of the space's overall aesthetic. For homes not located in casual, warm-weather environments, designers suggest pairing rattan with more tailored and formal elements, such as English roll-arm sofas and silk window treatments, to balance the casualness and add texture and whimsy. While rattan can serve as a focal point, smaller accents like mirrors and trays are excellent entry points for those new to incorporating the material. The key is to use rattan to add character and prevent a space from feeling too formal or serious.
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