Is your room feeling stuffy? Maybe a little lackluster? The first place I would start is with adding something made out of a natural material. Jute, sisal, bamboo, rattan, wicker—take your pick. The contrast between otherwise formal decor and the natural element gives the room a more modern feel.

Mark D. Sikes is the king of adding natural materials to rooms. Look at the armchairs in this living room.

Beautiful, right? The addition of the wicker adds a little bit of casual to an otherwise formal room.

Below is another Mark D. Sikes room. This one has a fun basket as a natural element. Do me a favor. Cover the basket with your thumb. Do you see how the room feels very formal? Now take your thumb off the basket. Notice how the room instantly feels a little more approachable? It’s subtle, but the basket definitely makes a difference.

Ways to Incorporate Natural Materials

If I’ve managed to convince you that wicker is your new best friend, I have some great news. Adding natural elements materials to your decor is fairly simple. Below are three ways to incorporate this grandmillennial staple..

Add a Rug

Adding a natural fiber rug is a fantastic way to warm up a space. This dining room by M + M Design is a great example.

Add a Basket

I am a huge fan of using pretty baskets as storage. They’re the perfect mix of functional and beautiful. In the vignette, by Caroline Gidiere, the more casual basket acts as a counterpoint to the more formal console table.

Add a Chair

Ok. This might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But look at these dining rooms by Mark D. Sikes. The addition of wicker chairs in a dining space feels unexpected and modern. If this isn’t quite your thing—an accent chair in a living space is a nice alternative.