Biodegradable and Renewable Materials for Home Décor

Chosen theme: Biodegradable and Renewable Materials for Home Décor. Step into a home that breathes with nature—thoughtful choices, tactile beauty, and designs that gracefully return to the earth when their stories are done. Subscribe and join our community of mindful makers.

A Room-by-Room Guide to Natural Harmony

Living Room Layers that Last

Choose cork flooring for quiet steps, wool rugs for natural resilience, and rattan or seagrass furniture for airy strength. A reader wrote us about re-caning a vintage rattan chair with hemp twine—reviving a family heirloom and saving it from the landfill with pride.

Kitchen Choices that Age Gracefully

Opt for bamboo cutting boards, FSC-certified wood shelves, linen towels, and ceramic or recycled-glass storage. Finish wood with food-safe oils like tung or walnut, and skip synthetic sponges for loofah alternatives that compost, reducing kitchen waste without sacrificing function.

Bedroom and Bath Calm, Naturally

Linen sheets breathe through the seasons, a cork bath mat dries quickly, and clay or limewash walls minimize VOCs. Pair hemp curtains with solid-wood rods and beeswax candles for evening softness. The result is quiet comfort that welcomes rest instead of overstimulation.

Design Styles with a Natural Soul

Use bamboo plywood with clean lines, cork panels for texture, and a mycelium lampshade as a sculptural centerpiece. Restrained palettes let materials speak; subtle limewash and wool throws keep minimalism from feeling cold while honoring natural cycles and gentle finishes.

Jute Macramé Hanging Planter

Use jute cord, a reclaimed ring, and a clay pot. Learn square and spiral knots, then seal ends with a dab of natural wax. Share your planter pictures, and tell us which houseplant you chose and why—it helps inspire others to try knotting their first piece.

Cork Mosaic Coasters

Cut salvaged cork tiles into shapes, set them into a simple pattern, and apply a starch-based or casein adhesive. Finish with a thin beeswax balm. They protect tables, spark conversation, and showcase how offcuts can transform into something personal and useful.

Mycelium Lampshade Experiment

Grow a lampshade form using a mycelium kit, a clean mold, and patience. Dry thoroughly for strength, then pair with an LED bulb for low heat. Document your process, tag us, and share lessons learned so others can replicate—and improve—this fascinating biodegradable build.

Care, Longevity, and Everyday Safety

Beeswax, tung oil, and shellac create breathable barriers that highlight grain while resisting spills. Reapply seasonally for wood and cork. Skip harsh solvents; spot-test finishes, and appreciate how a living patina tells your home’s story rather than hiding it away.

Care, Longevity, and Everyday Safety

Vacuum wool rugs with a brush-free head, blot stains quickly, and refresh with sunlight when possible. Mix gentle soap, warm water, and vinegar for many messes. Linen and hemp love airflow; avoid plastic covers that trap moisture and can invite unwanted odors.

Seek FSC or PEFC for wood and cork, GOTS for organic textiles, OEKO-TEX for safer dyes, and Cradle to Cradle for circular design. GREENGUARD or similar labels help with low emissions. Ask sellers about finishes, adhesives, and end-of-life instructions before you commit.

Sourcing Smarter: Certifications and Community

Local makers reduce transport emissions and keep craft knowledge alive. Visit studios, learn their processes, and commission repairs instead of replacements. Share your favorite artisan or cooperative in the comments so others can discover reliable sources in their own cities.