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Trend report: Textured cork, warm terracotta and matte finishes

Our latest favourite trend is all about texture. Cork, terracotta and matte finishes all add warmth and depth to your home. Here’s how to shop it and style it

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Cork

Cork is making a big comeback. Cork was historically used as a cheap flooring option, especially in open-plan homes because of its noise-muffling qualities. This stylish material is now appearing in more unexpected ways. Full sheet cork walls not only absorb sound, but also act as huge pinboards. Cork-effect wallpaper is a great way to add warmth and texture to a space and is the perfect choice in a snuggly living room. The addition of cork to a kitchen can be achieved with a simple pendant light over the island or by adding accessories such as jars with cork lids, water bottles, a cork-based vase or a pot. Cork placemats are a great option for the dining table too – just avoid using them on wooden tables as the colour gets lost on timber surfaces.

Matte

The influx of matte finishes hitting the market continues in 2017. In both bathrooms and kitchens, matte products are abundant and matte black tapware is becoming standard in both spaces. Bathroom accessories such as toilet brushes, toothbrush holders and soap dispensers are all widely available in matte finishes, as are kitchen appliances, cutlery and dinnerware. Don’t panic if your cupboards are filled with glazed or shiny ceramic dinnerware – the two finishes look great when mixed and matched on your dining table. However, the same can’t be said for the bathroom. If you choose matte black taps for your basin, carry this through to your tapware and accessories for a coordinated look.

Terracotta

Terracotta is back on the scene in 2017, with a surge predicted in terracotta pots, tiles and objects. However, like every revival trend, this one arrives with a twist. Glazed terracotta tiles were a popular choice in the 1980s but the new styles feature a matte finish and are designed for smaller areas such as bathroom feature walls or fireplaces. Terracotta’s earthy tones are also coming through strongly in textiles such as cushions, blankets and bedlinens. Not sure what to team it with? This rusty colour looks great with greenery (in a terracotta pot, of course) and is ideal for adding a jolt of colour to a neutral space. Terracotta also looks fab with pale dusky blues and concrete.

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Cork 1 Cork glass dispenser, $19, from Kmart. 2 Cork tea light holder, $3.95, from Freedom. 3 Glass jug with cork lid, $9, from Kmart. 4 Rasch Textil Vista 5 cork wallpaper, $333.95 per metre, from Resene.

Matte 1 Harrison & Lane Neo 16-piece cutlery set, $25, from The Warehouse. 2 Tapas mug, $9.95, 3 Tapas salad bowl, $34.95, both from Country Road.

Terracotta 1 Malmo vintage washed linen cushion in soft pink, $79.95 from Adairs. 2 Sadie cushion, $29.95, from Cotton On Home. 3 Porto table lamp in terracotta, $129, from Freedom.

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Styled by: Catherine Wilkinson and Imogen Temm. Text by: Vanessa Nouwens. Photography by: Toaki Okano.

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