Add a touch of nature to your decor

It used to be that the rustic look was reserved for the family cottage or a country lodge. But as homeowners and designers alike become more eco-conscious and attuned to nature, the natural wood look is enjoying a comeback and getting a modern update from home accessories to furniture.

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Hang your hat—on a branch (shown above)
Add this stunning wood sentry from West Elm to a boudoir—for housecoats and pjs—or let it stand guard at a front entrance for hats and coats. This is one indoor tree with no watering required—just a little assembly when you first bring it home and it’s ready for apparel-draping action.

Tree coat rack
$219
Photo courtesy of West Elm

Ready to serve
Forget candlesticks or elaborate flower displays, let these handcrafted pepper mills from PepperMills.ca artist Cam Lavers stand at the centre of attention at your next dinner party. Crafted from naturally fallen tree branches, they’re sure to become a conversation starter and provide a nice breath of fresh air between talk about the US presidential election results and the state of our economy.

Cottage mill for sea salt and pepper (made from naturally fallen maple)
$69.95 each
Photo courtesy of oneofakindshow

Natural tech
Dell has paid special attention to blending its new line of computers with your decor—however it may look. According to Dell, “the Studio Hybrid was designed to enhance personal expression and creative living.” Thus the bamboo-finish option, which undoubtedly would look sharp whether hidden away in a home office or put on display for all to see.

Dell Studio Hybrid with bamboo sleeve
Starting from $529
Photo courtesy of Dell.ca

Serve it up
Serve your guests a delectable assortment of appetizers from this natural, “live edge” serving tray. Made from 100 per cent salvaged urban wood, this piece deserves to be on display when not in use.

Salvaged wood serving platter
With handles $79.99
Photo courtesy of Grassroots

Create ambience
Set the mood at a dinner party by grouping these unscented, birch-wrapped pillar candles on a decorative plate and adding some natural touches around the base, such as pinecones or acorns. Then, dim the lights and enjoy your company over the soft glow of this instant centrepiece.

Birchbark candles
from $12.99 to $24.99 at select locations
Photo courtesy of chapters.indigo.ca

Truly stumped
Lay your pretty little coasters down on a fallen log-turned-table. This natural wood accessory will add a rustic feel to that cosy chair by the fireplace. And why not head into the woods and chop down your own table you ask? This lovely piece is splinter- and bug-free, plus it was hewn from cypress wood that had already fallen. A truly sustainable choice.

Natural wood-stump side table
$219
Photo courtesy of West Elm

Show and tell
Display your summer camping or family cabin mementoes in this functional cast resin frame. While not fresh from the forest, the silver hue adds a touch of elegance to the woodsy feel this photo holder evokes.

TWIGGIE multi frame
$26.50
Photo courtesy of Umbra