Woven wood shades match consumers' interest in using natural materials

With an emphasis on more natural finishes and sustainable materials, homeowners are looking for a mix of traditional and contemporary furnishings that coordinate well with green design trends.


"Glitz is gone, at least for now," design writer Jenny Sullivan told USA Today. "Honest architecture is the order of the day as homeowners look to simplify their lives, and by association, their houses. This mantra of zen is playing out in interior spaces with natural finishes, clean lines, and few frivolous embellishments."


Sullivan's observations are borne out by home furnishings catalogs that are showing a resurgence of ethnic-inspired, textured soft goods as well as modular furniture that can be moved into different spaces and used for a variety of functions.


For instance, orange, black and deep browns in tribal patterns are a natural companion to neutral backdrop colors of white and tan, according to the IKEA website.


A certain amount of nostalgia for what is comfortable and secure is influencing consumers' choices in fabrics, furniture and window treatments. For a window covering that fits this theme, woven wood shades bring a natural look to a room in variations of colors and textures that complement both contemporary and traditional decorating schemes.