Bamboo is Not Dead
Bamboo was a huge sustainable trend in the 90’s. It has a naturally modern look, is a rapidly renewable resource, and does not require masses of pesticides and labor to produce. This makes it kind of a no-brainer. The problme with huge trends is that they have huge collapses, regardless of how much sense they make. So, sometimes, we just need to look at bamboo in a different way.
Design for Berry Built Design that was a huge hit in the 90’s and is still going strong! By the way, if you need an amazing design-build firm in the Spokane area, these guys are as good as it gets!
The last time we saw bamboo, we were seeing it with concrete counters, stainless steel sinks, frosted glass, and sometimes the bamboo itself came in vibrant colors, like red and blue. In fact, in the 90’s I worked for Kitchens by Contardo, which was purchased my dear friend Sara and her husband Matt and became Berry Built Design. While I was there, I designed a display piece that I’m proud to say that they still have on their floor (photo on the right).
It is still an awesome piece (am I allowed to say that about my own work?), but I can’t see anyone asking for this design in their home today. That said, I was at a home recently where the vast majority of the flooring was bamboo. The rest of the house was very Northwest Contemporary, but the couple’s favorite design style is modern. So, how do we take bamboo floors, Northwest Contemporary, and create modern? I am going to tell you how… but not yet!
We started in their home first with the master bath. The couple had selected finishes they loved and had developed a floor plan they were happy with. There were still some details to be hammered out, selections to be made and assistance with decisions, and that is where I came in.
Typically, our projects are full-service projects, but occasionally we get design-savvy clients like these two and we consult on an hourly basis. I took their product selections and suggested that they create consistency in the home by doing bamboo cabinets. I have to say that I am loving them! What do you think?
Bamboo is alive and well, and look how much light and warmth it brings to what will be a stunning master bathroom!
Stay tuned to the blog to see how we are recommending an update for the rest of the house!
