An Exhibition Exploring the Future of Cork in Interior Design

Cork is having a moment — and it’s more than just a trend. In Natural Brutalism, part of Melbourne Design Week 2025, we explore the raw elegance and sustainable potential of cork through contemporary homewares, wall finishes, and furniture design.

Presented by Capra Designs in collaboration with Anna Sassi, the exhibition reimagines cork in bold new ways — from a sculptural side table to cork wall tiles that double as acoustic surfaces and design statements.

Why Cork?

Cork is a renewable, biodegradable material harvested from the bark of cork oak trees. It’s naturally soft, insulating, and incredibly versatile — making it ideal for a wide range of applications in the home:

• Cork Homewares: The exhibition features a range of design-led cork objects that bring warmth, tactility, and a grounded feel to modern interiors. Think side tables, trays, and sculptural pieces that blur the line between function and form.

• Cork Wall Tiles: Beautiful and practical, cork wall tiles are showcased for their texture, natural acoustic properties, and visual depth. They're an ideal solution for creating statement walls while improving sound quality in a space.

• Cork Flooring: While not the central focus of the exhibition, cork floors are part of the broader conversation. Durable, soft underfoot, and thermally efficient, cork flooring is making a comeback in sustainable interior design.

The Exhibition

Natural Brutalism is an invitation to slow down and reconnect with materials that are both beautiful and responsible. The collection balances bold geometric forms with tactile surfaces, combining digital fabrication with hand-crafted detail. By using cork as the central medium, the exhibition challenges assumptions about what this humble material can do — and where it belongs in the modern home.

Whether you're an interior designer, architect, or simply someone passionate about conscious living, Natural Brutalism offers inspiration for integrating cork into your space in fresh, unexpected ways.

Visit the Exhibition
📍 Natural Brutalism is on view until Friday, 23 May 2025
🕖 Open 7am–4pm | 📌 101 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC
🎟️ Free entry, no bookings required

Interested in cork interiors?
Explore how cork homewares, cork walls, and cork floors can transform your space — sustainably.