Forward thinking

To ring in the new year, we look at the names, materials and innovations to know - and some of our favourite designers predict the style ideas that will take the interiors world by storm

- FEATURE Ellen Finch and Rory Robertson

Material matters

Combining sustainable credentials with chic aesthetics, this is one of the most intriguing materials on the scene

OLIVE PITS

One of the most exciting materials to come out of the past few years is even more so because it comes from such a humdrum source. It turns out that olive pits, rather than being discarded, have the potential to become a distinctive-looking material that can be used to craft everything from lamps to tabletops.

Greek design studio Koukos de Lab, led by founders Christos Ververis and Irene Moutsogianni, has developed its own composite material using waste olive cores and pits from local olive oil production combined with natural binders-turning the resulting Koukoutsi eco-material into a chic lineup of interiors applications and products. 'The olive pits and cores that remain after pressing are crushed, sifted and blended with natural binders to form a durable, stone-like material,' explains Christos. 'The result is a warm, stone-like surface with a unique tactile quality and natural variations that celebrate its organic origin.'

The mix contains around 80% olive waste and can be cast or shaped into all sorts of forms and finishes. Refined, sculptural and incredibly tactile, it shows just how much olive pit can do.

What else is on the studio's radar? 'Recently, we collaborated with The Greek Foundation to create bookstands crafted entirely from Koukoutsi,' Christos says. 'We're also experimenting with new finishes, combining Koukoutsi with metal or wood elements to expand its potential.' We can't wait to see more of this material.

koukosdelab.com

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