There’s something very satisfying about using natural materials and textures in design.
Take this room, via Kika Reichart, for instance. A simple color scheme and sparse furnishing leap into life with the use of tactile surfaces and fabrics made from linen, wool, plywood, sisal and hessian. I’ve always loved this look and longed to have the discipline to carry off an all-neutral space dressed with with scrubbed wooden tables and white linen upholstery.
No surprise then that the trend toward using burlap in the home has had me intrigued for a while. Of course, designers, and the more adventurous amateurs among you, have used burlap, linen, hessian, rope and similar materials in all sorts of unusual ways for some time. But now it seems that even the major home stores are going wild for the look. And it’s not just plain linen drapes that they’re pushing. I’m talking straight-from-the-flour-mill, shake-out-the-sawdust, sackcloth-turned-decor here. Welcome to the era of Hopsack Chic.
Take these pillows from Restoration Hardware, for example. Now this is a store that is known for polished fixtures and sumptuous leather sofas. But here we have what appear to be converted (wool?) sacks?
Pottery Barn continues its love affair with numbers and text, this time with a distinctly agricultural feel.
And even more so with these pillows, seemingly made from coffee sacks (also Pottery Barn).
Anthropologie keeps it feminine with these pillows which, despite the floral emblem, still look like they were made from something altogether more utilitarian.
So, if you like the look of Hopsack Chic, what else can you do to apply it at home?
Some simple linen tablecloths would be a good start (via Katy Elliott).
Or, if you want to push the boat out – an elegant chair recovered in coffee sacks, anyone? Via Sumner Design.
A stamped burlap headboard might be more your taste. Via Poppytalk.
Personally, I’d opt for a less literal interpretation and fill my place with beautiful linen tufted sofas like this one from Anthropologie.
Then I’d go for some tree stump side tables, like these from West Elm.
And a twine lamp from Anthropologie to complete the look. And there you go – Hopsack Chic!
What do you think? Chic or eek?
I love the first interior. The colours are so lovely and calming. I love the Athropologie one too! Xx
I think I lean a little more towards your choices than the completely industrial/farming look. Although, of course, for accessories and smaller pieces, it’s an easy thing to try and then switch out if tastes & times change.
I’m not a big fan of the feed sack pillows. But I like this overall linen/burlap look.
True, the first interior looks real nice. Not sure why, just picture myself sitting there reading a book while the beach breeze blows by me.
John Taylor,
liverpool blinds quick tips on selecting the right shape and styling your room