IT'S ONLY NATURAL: WICKER, RATTAN, RAFFIA AND WOVEN FURNITURE TO LIGHTEN THINGS UP

Photo courtesy of WSJ by Eric Boman

Just look at the lightness and texture a piece of two of wicker can add in a stylistically diverse setting, as seen in the ever-elegant bedroom, circa 1996, of flawless Italian style setter, Marella Agnelli as seen in the WSJ

With spring (just?) around the corner, lets turn our sights to summer settings, for a moment, and materials that were once thought of as strictly for summer use only. Redoing a beach house, or looking to add more natural materials at home? With blonde wood and wicker making a big appearance lately, sometimes its nice to keep things light. The addition of one wicker piece can do wonders for a space, Marella Agnelli knew this well-- just ask Tom Scheerer about this love for the woven material. Wicker and rattan can elevate a casual setting or level a haute one. Here are several woven raffia, wicker and natural material choices to pick from. Enjoy the lite version, sometimes its simply the best thing.

Photo courtesy of Palacek

A round high table with interesting base, wrapped entirely in braided seagrass, is a new, beach-appropriate addition to the Jeffrey Alan Marks Collection for Palacek.

Photo courtesy of Serena and Lily

A low profile and extra shelf for storage below make Serena and Lily's natural woven round table a chic option for a sun room or living room seating area. The textured rattan adds a laid back element.

Photo courtesy of Made Goods

The lattice detail bordering the tray table top of Made Goods Sarah Table adds a crisp Palm Beachy feel that could look at home from Maine to Miami.

Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren

Looking for a generously sized ottoman to fill a great room? Ralph Lauren Home has you covered with the Peyton Ottoman in woven natural fibers.

Photo courtesy of William Sonoma Home

With French accents, William Sonoma Home's woven raffia Farallon Chair is like something you might find at a boutique hotel in Provence. Notice how the apron is set back to make room for legs making it more comfortable than a straight base.

Photo courtesy of Palacek

Palacek's Retro Lounge Chair, made of rattan, has a slightly inclined pitch, just right for sipping Mai Tai's on the lanai.

Photo courtesy of Selamat

Selamat Supper Side Chair inspired by great Nordic classics mixes a steel frame with curved rattan back and seat for a lightweight option

Photo courtesy of Selamat

Sona Side Chair in bent light rattan from Selamat would add some Old Florida appeal around a brightly colored linen wrapped game table.

Photo courtesy of Serena and Lily

I am often asked about where to find barstools that are attractive and comfortable. The new Carson Counter Stool from Serena and Lily incorporates rustic woven honey colored rush and abaca on the seat and back with a standout stripe for an updated, modern barstool.

Photo courtesy of Soane

With a round back resembling the spokes of a bicycle wheel, the Carousel Bar Stool from Soane is custom made in the same factory that produced Victorian era wicker in England.