Our Natural Materials
Sustainable natural materials are at the heart of our mission at NAH. Utilizing the appearance, textures and colors of naturally handmade goods goes a long way in creating a warm and welcoming space. Although our busy modern lives might not allow us to be in nature all the time, it doesn’t take much effort to bring elements of nature into our homes. Read on, if you’d like to learn more about the natural materials we use to make that happen!
Rattan
Rattan is a climbing vine that grows abundantly in tropical climates worldwide, especially in Southeast Asia. Unlike bamboo, it has a solid core, enabling it to be bent into a variety of forms when wet. When dry, it retains a rigid form, which makes it a durable construction material for a variety of furniture and housewares. This one of the most famous natural materials used in home furniture and decor. First introduced to the West in the early 19th century, it has retained it popularity, due to is timeless elegance, durability and versatility.
Water Hyacinth
Water Hyacinth is a floating aquatic plant that has thick spongy stalks and deep purple flowers. Native to the Amazon, it has now become an invasive species in more than 50 countries, including Vietnam. Due to its fast-growing nature, it can clog rivers and other waterways. Harvesting them for textile production helps to alleviate this problem. The speed at which water hyacinth can be grown, coupled with its constant harvest helping to unclog important waterways makes it the perfect eco-friendly building material! It also has a soft, rustic look that makes it an ideal material for baskets, home decor, and various other products.
Jute
Known as the “golden fiber,” jute is one of the longest and most used natural fibers for various textile applications. Extracted from the bark of the white jute plant, the long, soft and shiny fibers are spun into coarse, strong threads. You may recognize jute as the plant used in the construction of burlap, otherwise known as hessian cloth. Due to its many benefits, jute is being incorporated into a wider range of consumer products. This natural fiber is second only to cotton in production volume, and can be found throughout the world.
Seagrass
Just as its name indicates, seagrass is a type of grass that grows in the sea or in areas with saltwater. It has been woven into various textiles for thousands of years by various cultures. The waxy coating and non-porous nature of seagrass make it naturally stain resistant. It is durable, affordable, and abundantly grown, making it an ideal natural material for a variety of applications, including rugs, baskets and other home decor items. Seagrass grows abundantly in Vietnam’s ecosystem, and makes for a stylish, versatile and sustainable fabric.
Bamboo
Bamboo is widely known as one of the fastest growing plants in the world, and one of the most widely used natural materials. This giant grass is unparalleled in its balance of strength, versatility and affordability. A longstanding staple in the Eastern world, this powerhouse natural material is being utilized more and more worldwide. Newer manufacturing advancements have allowed bamboo to be used in new, useful and exciting ways – spun bamboo and bamboo fabrics being two such examples.
Cotton
As the most widely used natural fiber in the world, cotton needs no introduction. Cotton’s versatility makes it a perfect choice for a variety of uses- from soft blankets and pillows, to strong ropes. These cotton ropes can be sewn or woven into a variety of products, making it the most incredibly versatile of all natural materials.
Mother of Pearl
Mother of pearl is the hard, silvery inside layer of oyster shells that shimmers with the most vibrant colors when held up to the light. The nacre secreted by oysters creates an iridescent layer and is the same substance of which pearls are formed. This shining layer is intricately cut and assembled into various products, like jewelry, decorations and housewares like trays and decorative charger plates.
At Natural Artisan Home, our goal is to blend eco-friendly and sustainable natural materials together with a rustic and welcoming aesthetic that allows people to make their homes more cozy, inviting, and relaxed. All our products are handmade by Vietnamese artisans using these natural materials. When you chose our brand, you are choosing a family business that brings together countries and cultures in a way that values customers, producers, and the Earth.