#natural-materials

#natural-materials

Kenia Pittman, director of exhibition design operations at the New York Botanical Garden, towers over the Brooklyn Bridge as she talks. But this is more of a baby Brooklyn Bridge than the real thing. While few structures are as symbolic of Brooklyn as this signature bridge, Pittman describes the architecture of the Garden's massive miniature, built for its holiday train exhibit, along with a series of other landmarks from Brooklyn and beyond, constructed to scale.

Designed to respond to the crucial challenges of the environment, energy, climate, and health, the Maison des solidarite du Departement in Langon (Gironde) completed by ABF-LAB, is based on a radical environmental scenario where bioclimatism, passive systems, and total use of natural materials are combined to implement a new construction approach.

Lucky is the home that calls Nina and Craig Plummer its owners. The two are the founders of Ellei Home (formerly called Ingredients LDN), an inspiring online store based in Edinburgh, and the grand apartment they share is a testing ground for the beautiful products sold on their site. Only items that fit their philosophy and aesthetic-the perfect soft palette; natural materials; thoughtful craftsmanship-make it onto their site and into their home.

As winter weather sets in, we're looking to Nordic countries for design inspiration. Like Copenhagen's Lidkøeb bar, set in an 18th-century brick building and outfitted with capacious armchairs, ruddy sheepskins, warm wood, and amber glass. Here are the key elements to re-create the comforting look. Above: Danish classics from Børge Mogensen surround the wood-burning furnace. Above: Leather upholstered benches and brown sheepskin mingle with industrial lights. For a full tour, see The Most Happening Bar in Copenhagen, Flames Included.

It's known for its neutral colorways and "clean" aesthetic, and focuses more on timeless, unfussy designs rather than trends. While it's probably best known for its seating and kitchenware, Crate & Barrel also has an excellent rug selection. The majority of its rugs are made of natural materials like wool, jute, and sisal, but there's also a good variety of performance rugs. Unsurprisingly, you'll find tons of neutral options in gray, beige, and white, but there are some colorful patterned rugs in there, too.

Designer Wendy Smit's light-filled interiors prove that a family-friendly home doesn't need to sacrifice beauty in favor of function. Southern California-born Smit combines the casual vibe of the West Coast with the polished style of the South in her warm and welcoming residential interiors. Custom millwork, performance materials, and comfortable furnishings come together in spaces that are designed to last, while graceful lighting, vintage pieces, and elegant materials elevate the look.

with insights on and photos of each rug we got to see and touch in person. The Citizenry prioritizes sustainable and ethical production, and each piece is unique - there are no mass-produced products here. All of its rugs are made from natural materials like wool and jute, and are woven and knotted by hand. Therefore, they are exceptionally high-quality, and are designed to be true heirloom pieces that you'll use for many years.

At the center of the room is a custom dark wood island with a waterfall-edge countertop - a combination of two hot 2025 kitchen trends - situated next to a row of sculptural Blackman Cruz stools. Overhead are three of Hallworth's bronze Ahab pendants, which were designed by Jane Hallworth and selected for the home by Shadley, who described Jen's aesthetic to AD as deeply rooted in "wood, stone, and bronze, materials that have real substance and depth."

Across the expansive 140-acre grounds of The Clark Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts, six contemporary artists have been invited to create site-specific works engaging with the property's meadows, trails, and woods, while highlighting their individual practices. Sculptures by Yō Akiyama, Laura Ellen Bacon, Aboubakar Fofana, Hugh Hayden, Milena Naef, and Javier Senosiain dot a variety of sites, from manicured parkland to open fields to groves of trees.

"Coastal interiors have soft tones with relaxed and comfortable materials executed with strong lines and intention without feeling too loose or undefined," says Sarah Solis, a Malibu-based interior designer.

If it's going to be rebuilt, I would like it to be rebuilt in a way that matches nature and has good energy.