Ever since I started writing about interiors, one material above all has evolved to withstand design trends: Rattan.
Wicker furniture first came into vogue in the 20s and 30s when it was first used in Hollywood movies. Since then, its popularity has ebbed and flowed, particularly in the 60s, which is why we associate this material with a retro-style aesthetic.
In recent years, especially when writing about design, I've seen rattan take shape in almost every shape possible. Notable figures, including the Princess of Wales, no less, have opted for rattan outdoor furniture, while others use it to keep their shelves organized. I was convinced I'd seen every possible twist on rattan, and then I saw Gisele Bündchen's kitchen cabinets.
In the model's backdrop, I noticed some rattan cabinets, exhibiting subtle brown tones and an organic modern texture that instantly grabbed my attention. Recently, I've seen many celebrities opt for more natural cabinets, often choosing unpainted wood to give their kitchen an earthy aesthetic. In opting for a rattan front, however, Gisele takes this aesthetic to another level.
Shop the rattan kitchen edit
Cane cabinets are the most striking (and unique) way to bring this material into your kitchen, but they're not the only way. I've handpicked some more rattan kitchen accessories that will look beautiful alongside any cabinets you may already have.
Bringing rattan into a kitchen is a lovely way to give it a quick and easy spring/summer update. I'll be placing mine on the island or countertop and filling it with lemons for a real Mediterranean feel. This is a great price too, at just $30.
I would use these all summer long, they would really elevate my tablescapes. It's all in the details when it comes to a beautiful table, and I think my boring stainless steel servers need an upgrade to something that's going to get attention and add some extra texture to the table.
A tray is such a versatile piece all year round, but it comes into its own in the summer months when you are constantly carrying things between indoors and out. This would be a lovely way to build a centerpiece on an outdoor table or ottoman, too.
Since Gisele Bündchen's rattan kitchen cabinets are unlike any I've ever seen, I decided to do more research into this look. Häcker Kitchens offers a similar style, which, according to its president, is a testament to our ever-changing desires for the kitchen.
'The modern kitchen is no longer confined to function alone, it is an evolving landscape where material, light, and texture converge to create immersive experiences, comments Andreas Gommeringer, the president of Häcker Kitchens North America.
'Our Rattan cabinet fronts challenge traditional expectations, offering a surface that is as expressive as it is enduring. The interplay of structure and softness, of innovation and authenticity, elevates kitchen design to a more sensory and intentional level.'
As kitchen trends evolve to meet our desires, I expect I'll see many more cabinets similar to Gisele's in the coming months. As ever, this supermodel is ahead of the curve.
