Today it’s time to reveal a little plan to you: Next week I will be going to Portugal to learn everything about a great natural material also used in interior design: cork. I have never thought about cork in particular apart from the moments when I’d be sniffing on a cork from a just opened bottle of wine. But recently I have discovered more and more amazing designs made partly or entirely of cork. And the invitation for a press trip to Portugal by the German and Portuguese Cork Association came just in time. So stay tuned on Instagram next week as I will be sharing my corky impressions on-the-go.
A fun side fact is that my friend and travel photographer Sivan Askayo gave me a fantastic present when I met her in Israel this spring: She offered me a beautiful photo she took of the city Porto. I have framed it and placed it on my sideboard and now it is like a little reminder that I will be there and in Lisbon in just a few days. But to make things more tangible and to give you an idea why I think that cork is trending in design, here are a few personal corky favorites:
1. Accessories line PLUG by Tomas Kral/ECAL via PCM Design
2. Coupoles lighting by Seletti
3. Storage jars by MENU
4. Salt and pepper mills by Nendo
5. Corkigami chair by Carlos Ortega Design
6. Pushpin stool/sidetable by Kenyon Yeh for Esaila
What do you think of cork in interiors? Do you own anything made of cork?
12 Comments
I love the look of cork. It’s such a beautiful and versatile material.
So do I & I am so happy to discover all from its original state until it gets processed into products in Portugal!
I love cork, it is beautiful, soft, warm and ecological. I spent a summer holiday in Portugal last year, and saw so many nice products made of cork. Had no space to bring them home though.
A pendant lamp would be nice, and that chair looks temtping!
I am very curious to learn all about cork in Portugal, Katja. Last time I went to Portugal more than six years ago and I just remember that I loved every bit of it!
Sounds like a good trip to me :-)* I do love Lars Beller Fjetland’s Drifted Stool for Discipline. Tho I don’t have any cork products as such at home.
The Corkigami chair by Carlos Ortega Design looks a bit like the Pocket Chair from Discipline… or vive versa (just an observation). And love the Menu jars.
*Jealous!
I love that you’re using the * in the comments now:-) So you!
Hi Igor,
I love cork! I recently bought this coffee pot and mugs in Portugal, which you can also find in German online-shops: http://shop.schoener-waers.de/Teekanne-mit-Kork-The-Whistler-div-Farben
I immediately fell in love..
Maike Karen
This is so fun, Maike!! I bought EXACTLY the same tea pot (in turquoise) as a present! Love it! Didn’t know they’re from Portugal, too!
and they are available in UK at http://www.e-side.co.uk
I love the look of cork but worry about the durability of it and resistancy to stains/water. I’m contemplating of buying this https://www.iittala.com/Home-interior/Vitriini-Box-60-x-60-mm-clear-cork/p/K006206 Beautiful, isn’t it? Pia
Oh yes, this one is very beautiful!! I have the same in full glass and blue! Love Iittala!
Pia, cork is a natural material and it is easy to look after it. When in contact with water, cork will temporary darken; allow to dry thoroughly before putting your cork object away. Avoid contact with soapy or greasy water as that can stain the cork.