Nature is the New Luxury | Turning to Rawhide, Stone, Rattan & Cane in 2025
In an era where design is expected to do more than just look good, the materials we choose matter more than ever. In 2025, the most coveted luxury interiors aren’t clad in gloss or glitter—they’re grounded in natural texture, quiet detail, and honest craftsmanship.
Designers across the UK are embracing rawhide, rattan, cane, and honed stone—not as rustic accents, but as the refined building blocks of truly elevated spaces.
At Valley & Laurel, we specialise in introducing American luxury furniture crafted from these elemental materials. Our curated collections from Baker McGuire and PALECEK lead the way in a movement that’s tactile, timeless, and quietly powerful.
Why Natural Materials Are the Pinnacle of Modern Luxury
Luxury in 2025 is defined not by excess—but by essence. Rawhide, rattan, cane, and natural stone offer a sense of grounding that synthetic materials simply can’t match.
These organic textures:
Encourage visual and physical warmth
Promote sustainability and longevity
Create depth and nuance within a restrained palette
“Clients are craving authenticity,” notes designer Sophie Paterson. “Materials that feel good, wear well, and tell a story.”
Where and How Designers Are Using Natural Materials Now
From Mayfair to Marbella, leading designers are deploying natural materials in bold, beautiful ways.
Rattan & Cane
Seen across seating, casegoods, and even bed frames in the latest PALECEK and McGuire collections, rattan and cane introduce softness and sculptural shadow play into contemporary interiors. These pieces bring a rhythmic texture that complements stone, velvet, linen, or brass.
Rawhide
Rawhide-wrapped details—on drawers, tabletops, or seating structures—introduce subtle grain and tonal depth. Baker’s use of rawhide in its Luxe and Barbara Barry collections brings a tailored, tactile finish that bridges the gap between traditional leather and modern restraint.
Natural Stone
Honed Honey Onyx, featured across Barbara Barry’s 2024 collection for Baker, offers a warm, light-diffusing glow. Unlike glossy marble, honed finishes bring softness and sensuality—perfect for cocktail tables, side tables, and sculptural desks.
"We’re seeing honed stone used like art—less surface, more sculpture," says Benjamin West, global FF&E consultant for luxury hospitality.
Craftsmanship Meets Sustainability
Working with natural materials isn't just a stylistic choice—it’s a commitment to longevity, environmental awareness, and true craftsmanship.
American brands such as PALECEK and Baker McGuire lead the charge:
Handwoven techniques passed through generations
Sustainably harvested wood and fibres
Stone and rawhide finishes designed to age beautifully
These aren't just pieces of furniture—they’re heirloom investments.
Ready to Bring American Luxury Into Your Design Projects?
As the exclusive UK home of luxury iconic American brands, Valley and Laurel bridges continents for your convenience. Contact us via email on info@valleyandlaurel.com or open a trade account today.