Rattan: A World of Elegance and Charm

Long fascinated with rattan’s versatility, designer Lulu Lytle examines the enduring appeal of this sustainable tropical palm. Rattan furnishings evoke the glamour and laid-back elegance of exotic beach houses as well as the informal beauty of plant filled garden rooms and sun dappled verandas. Examining the history and craftsmanship of rattan furniture through the decades, this insightful tome showcases rattan’s appeal through archival images of beautiful interiors including Madeleine Castaing's winter garden in Paris, and Michael Taylor's own Californian beach house. It appeared in Impressionist paintings and in countless photographs of dazzling luminaries such as Marilyn Monroe and Gina Lollobrigida. Now, rattan is regaining its allure and becoming increasingly desirable in interior design and fashion spreads—a reflection of its inherent beauty and sustainability.