Cork is an amazing eco-friendly material for floors walls and accessories. I just love the look and feel of it. Cork is a renewable resource, it is the harvested bark of a tree, so the tree is not cut down. In fact the process causes a growth spurt in the tree!
Cork flooring is great at absorbing heat and sound and it’s nearly impossible to stain. Modu Tiles from Mio (left) are sold in 12 tile sets of tan and chocolate cork. They can be used as an area rug, runner or wall to wall. The contrast of the matte cork against high sheen cabinets and stools is surprisingly elegant.
There are also elegant options in cork wallcovering. I’m not talking about covering a wall with cork squares from Michael’s. One of my favorite wallcovering companies, Innovations has some amazing products. Available to the trade only (conatct me for more info) their products can be used in commercial spaces, as well as residential, which means they are very durable and fire retardant. Their Metal Essence Cork line blends the textural pattern of cork with metallic sheens from light gold (below, left) to sleek platinum (right). Imagine all the walls in a small powder room lined in either one of these. Instant drama
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We have cork in our office and it’s held up extremely well, which was somewhat of a concern considering the number of stilettos on it on any given day.
It also does not show much dirt at all and, as you mentioned, has great sound absorbing qualities.
Great post! Looking forward to reading more.
Alexandra
@gibsondm
I am looking for a place where I can buy cork by the cubic foot – the same way you would buy foam – for large 3-D carving.
Do you know of a source?
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