Estate Living Magazine Smart Moves - Issue 38 February 2019 | Page 57

G O O D
L I F E
bamboo boards for countertops is that wear and tear can easily be
sanded and refinished to make them ‘as good as new’ – additionally,
bamboo is more resistant to moisture than wooden and melamine
countertops.
Flooring is available in its natural light colour or can be carbonised to
darken the surface. Some manufacturers use a blend of both to create
a distinctive multitoned look. On a new build, bamboo flooring can
be installed directly onto the concrete slab, and when renovating, it
can be laid over existing tiles or old floorboards, reducing the mess
and cost of removal. The hardness of bamboo flooring is measured
using the Janka harness test, which measures the resistance of the
wood to denting and wear – amazingly, bamboo scores higher than
teak, oak and maple, making it the ideal choice for most homes.
Tessa Buhrmann
Take an ancient resource, one that’s been used for centuries, add a
little ingenuity and a spot of engineering, and what do you come up
with? A sustainable product with multiple uses that’s both stylish and
durable and just perfect for the contemporary home owner.
Decor: From designer stores to brand name decor outlets, bamboo
is the in thing – whether it be platters, bowls, coasters or wall art,
you’ll find the perfect accessory for your stylish sustainable home.
E
Countertops: Just about anything can be created from bamboo
boards, including kitchen and bathroom countertops. Bamboo’s
strength, durability and antibacterial nature lend it to being used
in these areas where hygiene is of utmost importance. And don’t
limit it just to the counters – add splashbacks, chopping boards
and a butcher block for good measure. An advantage of using solid
Textiles: Bamboo textiles are made by extracting the cellulose fibre
from natural bamboo to create what is commonly known as rayon.
Today we find beautiful ranges of luxurious bamboo bedware with
its silky-smooth feel, bath towels that are 3–4 times more absorbent
than their cotton equivalent, and an assortment of fabrics for throws,
cushion covers and the like.
Window treatments: Bamboo blinds have come a long way from
the original rough, tied-together-with-string blinds of yesteryear.
Created as roll-up or Venetian-style, blinds made from bamboo
are lightweight and stylish, blending in with both traditional and
modern decor. Additionally, they gently filter the light, creating a
calm and soothing ambience. Blinds can be custom made to fit from
specialised blind manufacturers or purchased in standard sizes from
a variety of home stores and decor outlets.
Furniture: Today’s furniture designers are spoilt for choice when
it comes to materials available, and bamboo is one that is rising
in popularity – mostly because its eco-credentials are equally
matched by style and durability. Bamboo furniture can generally
withstand more abuse than traditional hardwood or pine furniture,
being more resistant to chips, dents and water damage. When it
comes to choice, think tables, chairs, cabinets, shelving units, beds,
headboards and bedside units … you name it, and there will be
someone who can make it.