Top 10 Sustainable Furniture Materials for Eco-Friendly Living

Sustainable living is the way of the future. At MOTIDE, we focus on simple yet functional designs that bring out the beauty of sustainable materials like plywood. Thoughtfully designed furniture pieces that are built to last are perfect additions to modern New Zealand homes, helping eco-conscious people like you find solutions that align with your practical and sustainable goals.

New Zealanders have been focusing more and more on sustainability in the past few years, so there has been a strong growing demand for environmentally friendly materials and well-designed furniture pieces. At MOTIDE, we deeply care about the environment. This is why we are committed to sustainably made, handcrafted products made by talented local artisans.

10 Sustainable Materials For Eco-Friendly Households

Here are ten of the materials we have selected for the furniture pieces we offer in our selection:

Plywood: Versatile, Durable And Renewable. Plywood is made of very thin wood layers that are glued together at different angles to cross the wood grains and increase strength. This innovative lamination method significantly increases durability and reduces the chances of warping, shrinking and splitting. So, plywood is a fantastic material for long-lasting furniture.

We use varieties of plywood, such as birch plywood, for our products. Plywood is not only valued for its durability and strength, but it is also lightweight, which facilitates easier handling and transportation without compromising structural integrity. Its versatility allows for creative designs and finishes, making it ideal for practical and aesthetic purposes.

Just like solid pieces of timber, plywood has a natural, unique beauty that’s easy to love. The beautiful look of wood can help bring the outdoors in. Of course, plywood can also be painted to match your interior design.

Rattan: Light, Classic And Gorgeous. Rattan has remained such a popular material for furniture due to its lightweight nature and rustic charm. It’s also a natural, biodegradable material.

Its lovely aesthetic appeal has made rattan a prevalent choice for both indoor and outdoor furniture. Rattan is also one of the world’s fastest-growing sustainable materials for furniture production. Rattan is abundant, long-lasting and renewable, making it a wonderful choice for eco-conscious Kiwis.

Brass: Timeless Beauty And Recyclability. Brass is a beautiful, durable metal that’s very long-lasting. It’s often used for accents and hardware to add a bit of modern class to wooden furniture. It has a very luxurious appearance, and it’s resistant to everyday wear and tear.

On top of its other benefits, brass is also recyclable, contributing to a circular economy.

Cork: Lightweight And Lovely. Cork is very eco-friendly due to its harvesting process - cork is made from the bark of the cork oak. Because cork is just made from the bark, cork can be harvested without cutting down or hurting any trees. The soft, light nature of cork makes it perfect for cushioning, panels and additions to add visual appeal to furniture.

Concrete: Durable And Long-Lasting. Concrete is very versatile and can be used to make a variety of furniture parts, including basins. Its durability means that it can last for a very long time without having to be replaced. It also has no chance of warping, rotting or being eaten by insects. Concrete can be used to create simple, beautiful and minimalist designs that are very suitable for contemporary households.

OSMO Protective Oil Finish: Enhancing Wood Durability. OSMO protective oil is a sustainable wood finish which can enhance the durability of wood without marring its natural beauty and visual appeal. It’s a non-toxic, eco-friendly oil that complements the sustainability of the rest of the furniture piece.

Rimu Timber: A Kiwi Classic. Rimu timber has been used in New Zealand for decades and is a very popular species of hardwood here in Aotearoa. It’s durable, beautiful and available from local sources, reducing emissions caused by transportation needs. Rimu is known for its stunning, distinct grain patterns, which add even more natural elegance to the furniture it’s used for.

Tawa Timber: Light And Reliable. Tawa timber is locally available in New Zealand and is loved for its beautiful light colour and appealing smooth texture. It’s often used for sleek, modern furniture designs.

OSMO Polyx Oil: Eco-Friendly Wood Protection. OSMO Polyx oil is an eco-friendly wood treatment, and its natural ingredients allow it to protect wood against water, dirt and damage without hurting the environment.

Pine Wood: Classic, Affordable And Sustainable. Pine has remained such a popular material for decades because of its durability, gorgeous appearance and due to the fact that pine trees are a fast-growing species. It’s commonly used for all kinds of products, including furniture.

Enhancing Your Home With Thoughtful, Handcrafted Furniture

How would you like to spruce up your home? We welcome you to come to view our selection of locally-made furniture. If you’re searching for something truly unique, we also have bespoke options available.

To speak to us, you can reach out on 022 0678910 or use our contact page.

MOTIDE: Let’s enjoy sustainable living together, one piece of furniture at a time.

Christina SchregelDecember 10, 2024

Types of Plywood for Furniture: Which One Is Right for Your Home?

Plywood is a very popular choice for furniture because of its natural beauty and simple, light nature. It’s a versatile material, so it can be used for a variety of different designs and with many other materials like cork and concrete. Plywood is also a sustainable material that aligns with the eco-friendly goals of many Kiwis.

How do you know which furniture pieces are right for you? We at MOTIDE are thrilled to provide New Zealanders with a wonderful selection of plywood furniture, including custom-made options. All of our products are made by hand with passion and care, and we focus on supporting talented NZ artisans. Basically, no matter what you choose, you can have confidence knowing that you’re getting a quality product.

Why Choose Plywood Furniture?

Furniture is an significant investment that can enhance your quality of life for years. So, you’ll want to make a good choice whenever you select new furniture.

Why choose plywood? Here are just a handful of the many reasons why so many Kiwis adore plywood furniture:

Versatility. One major benefit of plywood is how versatile it is. When in the hands of skilled artisans, this material can be used to create beautiful furniture in an incredible range of styles and looks. It can also be finished, painted and so on to change its visual appeal even more. Painting the plywood can help it fit right into your interior design palette, and letting its natural beauty shine through with minimal painting or colouring can add some rustic charm to your space and keep you connected to nature.
Durability. Plywood is a very durable material. When used with well-thought-out designs, it can contribute to sturdy, strong and long-lasting furniture that you and your family can enjoy for generations.
Eco-Friendliness. You can feel good when choosing plywood furniture because you’ll know you’re making an eco-friendly choice. We at MOTIDE put a particular focus on sustainable materials and simple yet beautiful and functional designs, improving your life in a thoughtful way.

Choosing The Right Plywood Furniture For Your Home

What specific qualities should you consider when picking your new furniture pieces? Whether you want a single new cabinet or an array of beautiful shelves, be sure you think about qualities like:

Functionality. What purpose are you trying to fulfil with new furniture? Plywood furniture can fit nearly anywhere, from kitchens to bathrooms to living rooms. Would you like to focus on storage space, aesthetic appeal, daily utility or another purpose? If you want to store or display specific items, be sure you check the dimensions of your potential furniture to ensure that your items will fit on or in it.
Materials. Look through the different materials used to make your potential plywood furniture. What kind of plywood, hardware and other materials are used?
Aesthetics. As always, aesthetics are important for new furniture. Have a look through the images provided for the furniture you’re considering, and imagine seeing it in your own home.

Furniture Showcase: Locally-Made Plywood Furniture Your New Zealand Home

We at MOTIDE are thrilled to showcase a variety of thoughtfully-made, handcrafted pieces created by local artisans. For a full list of products available, we invite you to visit our website here.

What could you consider? Here are some, but not all, of the sustainable options we offer:

Darcy. This piece has a simplified, minimalistic design that draws attention without being overwhelming. It features precise lines and refined textures to let the qualities of the wood show. Darcy has one drawer above and an empty space below, making it perfect for storing goods in the drawer and displaying ready-to-grab items or decor in the open space below.

Polly. Polly is classic and fresh, using light whitewashed birch with charming rattan. Minimalist brass handles elevate the timeless, simple design. Polly offers plenty of storage with both a full-width drawer and cabinet space below.

Arwen. This piece has an almost ethereal quality due to its delicate, lightweight appearance and the fact that it’s wall-mounted. The light visuals, birch plywood and rattan make it a lovely addition to any bathroom. The natural materials are contrasted and elevated by the half-moon brass handles.

Custom-Made Options. Are you looking for something very specific? Are you wishing for the joys of having plywood furniture that’s made just for you? Then consider our custom-made vanity option, and we can create a piece that’s perfectly customised to your space and your preferences.

Elevate Your New Zealand Home With Passionately-Made Plywood Furniture

At MOTIDE, we value sustainability, simple designs, prime functionality and the satisfaction of our valued customers. What kind of furniture are you searching for? Visit our website to see what we’ve done in the past, or visit our products page to see what we can do for you.

To get in touch, please feel free to call us on 022 0678910 or use our contact page.

Live life sustainably with MOTIDE and our handcrafted furniture.

Christina SchregelDecember 9, 2024

What Is Bespoke Furniture? A Complete Guide to Custom Furniture Design

Bespoke furniture is custom-designed and handcrafted furniture that’s made with precision and care based on your preferences, needs, space and lifestyle. Every home and client is wonderfully unique, so with bespoke options, you can enjoy furniture that truly fits into your house and your life.

At MOTIDE, we take our bespoke solutions a step further by prioritising sustainable furniture that’s made to be simple yet breathtaking. Our plywood pieces highlight the beautiful simplicity of nature, and we only use high-quality natural materials that age beautifully. With us, you can get personalised, sustainable and unique furniture that you and your family can enjoy for generations.

The Unique Advantages Of Bespoke Furniture For NZ Homes

Why do so many clients choose custom-made furniture?

Personalisation That Suits Your Design Needs And Your Particular Lifestyle. We all have different lifestyles and different daily routines. With custom-made furniture, your pieces can be made to perfectly suit your life and style - both functionally and aesthetically.

Along with your lifestyle, bespoke pieces are also designed to fit your home itself. We will keep your available space in mind when designing and creating your custom furniture to ensure that they fit your space.

We understand that if your space is smaller, you may be worried about using your space well. We’re happy to design furniture pieces that are functional and beautiful, even if they’re compact. We use clever design tactics and quality materials to ensure that every one of our pieces, big or small, fulfils their purposes well.

Top Quality Artistry And Materials. We at MOTIDE prioritise using sustainable, natural materials that stand the test of time. For example, we use plywood, which offers durability, natural beauty and long-lasting resilience. We only use quality materials from suppliers we trust so that the pieces we build not only meet but exceed your expectations.

We use these materials to create custom-made furniture, following carefully thought-out designs that were made with your preferences in mind. With your ideas, our expertise and eco-friendly materials, we can create furniture that’s truly special.

Timeless Aesthetic Appeal And Design Elements. Bespoke furntiure offers one-of-a-kind designs that can enhance the look and feel of a New Zealand home. We design simple, functional and nature-inspired furniture that aligns with modern lifestyles and sustainability goals.

No matter what kind of design style you prefer for your furniture, the beauty of natural materials is that they never go out of style. The lovely look of wood has been adored by people all over the world for centuries, and it will continue to be loved for generations.

Premium Sustainability. We at MOTIDE care deeply about the world around us, which is why we focus on eco-friendliness and green practices. Bespoke furniture supports eco-conscious living by minimising waste, using sustainable materials and promoting long-lasting pieces over lower-quality, disposable trends. Our furniture is locally made with natural materials, further reducing our impact on the environment.

Long-Term Value. Quality bespoke pieces can financially benefit you in a few ways. Although custom-made solutions may have a higher price tag than lower-quality options, they are more likely to fit your needs and last longer. So, you won’t have to stress about spending more money to replace the furniture that doesn’t suit your lifestyle, or that breaks too soon.

Aside from financial value, bespoke pieces are more likely to gain sentimental value as well. These pieces were designed specifically with you in mind. Having your own custom-made furniture can create a true sense of ownership and emotional value. With your bespoke furniture, you have a chance to have something that gains its own story over time, and it could even become a beloved family heirloom or keepsake.

What To Expect From Your Bespoke Furniture Journey

What should you do when designing custom-made furniture with us? We at MOTIDE are here to help. We follow a set, four-step design process:

Initial Consultation And Concept Design. Every project starts with a meeting and some initial concept ideas. Our consultation can be at your home or at our office, wherever you feel comfortable. We will consider your ideas and your space to come up with a job estimate.
Detailed Designs And Revisions. Once we have the information we need, we will continue with detailed designs. During this stage, we will revise our designs based on your needs and thoughts.
Final Design And Manufacturing. Once we finish and you approve the designs, we will continue with the manufacturing process. Every one of our pieces is lovingly hand-crafted right here in Raglan, NZ.
Inspection And Installation. Once the pieces are completed, we invite you to come and see them yourself so that you can give your final approval. Then, we will carefully install your beautiful bespoke pieces so that you can begin enjoying your very own custom-made furniture.

Creating Beautiful, One-Of-A-Kind Bespoke Furniture In Aotearoa

Whether you need new pieces for your kitchen, bathroom or another part of your home, we at MOTIDE are here to make your furniture dreams come true.

We welcome you to call us on 022 0678910 or use our contact page if you’re interested in bespoke furniture.

Trust us at MOTIDE to create gorgeous, sustainable furniture for your home.

Christina SchregelDecember 5, 2024

A NATURAL BATHROOM WITH TROPICAL VIBES

Our client asked us to create a bathroom design with a natural vibe. Inspired by the beautiful olive green tiles she found, we developed a colour concept around them.

For the vanity, we opted for warm timber tones combined with rattan, creating a natural and tropical feel. To add a touch of contrast, we incorporated a black frame for the sliding door. A handmade concrete basin became the centrepiece of the design, grounding the overall aesthetic, while the brass tap and handle added a touch of luxury.

To maximise storage for smaller items like face creams and oils, we added a matching shelf with a sliding door.

The final element that completed the tropical ambience was the use of tropical wallpaper in the background, tying all the design elements together.

Bathroom, InteriorChristina SchregelJune 13, 2023Motide Raglanrattan, Wiener Geflecht, bars tap, concrete basin tropical bathroom, olive green tiles, plant wallpaper, bathroom shelfComment

NEW VIBES FOR AN AirBnB

We've been busy designing kitchenettes lately, and here's another example for a local AirBnB. Despite its compact size, this small kitchen is equipped with plenty of drawer space, featuring soft-closing Blum hardware for a smooth experience. It includes convenient features such as an inbuilt dish drawer and a microwave oven, ensuring that guests have everything they need.

To enhance the ambience, we've incorporated integrated LED lighting, providing a lovely glow in the evenings. The combination of Gaboon plywood, a sleek black laminate POLARIS benchtop, and minimal open shelving creates a modern and inviting atmosphere, making this kitchenette a beautiful addition to the holiday home.

KitchensChristina SchregelJune 12, 2023Motide Raglankitchenette, made in raglan, made in nz, gaboon plywood kitchen, open shelves kitchenette, black POLARIS bench top kitchen, sustainable kitchen designComment

THE FAMILY KITCHEN

When our client approached us, her vision for the kitchen was clear - a space that would be practical for her busy daily life with kids, constructed with good quality materials, and above all, inspiring, warm, and fun.

Together with her, we designed a kitchen that has a designated place for everything, from plates, glasses, and cutlery to essential appliances. A small pantry with ceiling-high shelving caters to her storage needs, providing ample space for food items and additional kitchen appliances.

We introduced open shelving and pops of colour. These elements not only allow our client to showcase her cherished vintage pieces and beloved plants but also infuse the kitchen with a playful atmosphere that truly resonates with her vision.

In the entry area, we installed a tall shelf extending from floor to ceiling, offering a convenient spot for everyday essentials like keys and phones. A small drawer with a wooden top keeps things organised, providing immediate storage. A charming vintage lamp illuminates the space during evening hours, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

To add warmth and character, we used native Tawa timber for the benchtops and overhead cabinets. The finger joint edge detail on the kitchen benchtop served as an extra design feature, which our client loves, adding a touch of uniqueness and charm to the overall aesthetic. The cooktop site features a stainless steel benchtop with a Tawa edge.

In the end, we were able to create a practical, high-quality kitchen that not only caters to our client's daily needs but also serves as a space that inspires, uplifts, and brings joy to her and her family.

KitchensChristina SchregelJune 11, 2023Motide RaglanTawa, nz, native timber, ply, plywood kitchen, birch ply, stainless benchtop, resen karen walker paints, sustainable homeComment

THE SOULFUL KITCHEN

This soulful kitchen in the heart of the house was designed in collaboration with the owners.

Its warm combination of colour, wood, curves and handmade clay tiles makes the space light and inviting. The cosy nook is a favourite place to sip a cup of tea, read or chat.

Everything was well considered from the upstand to keep herbs and oils to the pantry for storage and the placement of compost and recycling bins.

The result is an inviting space that's functional and inspiring.

Kitchens, InteriorChristina SchregelJune 9, 2023Motide Raglankitchen design raglan, tischlerei motide ploen, plywood kitchen, ply furniture, green cabinets, oak cabinets, Tiles of EzraComment

A FRESH LAUNDRY

In this laundry room, a colour palette of two shades of green and white tiles creates a fresh atmosphere.

To infuse warmth into the space, wooden shelving and a wooden edge beneath the pristine white benchtop were incorporated. The custom-made wooden handles and handcrafted knobs, skillfully created by our client, tie in with the wooden elements, adding a touch of natural beauty. A tall ceiling-high storage cabinet offers ample space for storing linen, ironing essentials, vacuum cleaner, craft supplies, and other household necessities, keeping everything organized and easily accessible.

The tiles in the laundry are laid in a beautiful pattern, adding both visual interest and texture to the splashback wall. This thoughtful detail elevates the overall design, transforming a functional space into a visually appealing and inviting laundry area.

Laundry, FurnitureChristina SchregelJune 8, 2023Motide Raglanlaundry, green cabinets, fresh laundry, tile patterns, laundry bench Comment

COLOUR FOR THE KIDS BATHROOM

The bathroom for our lovely clients' children is a vibrant and colourful space that is sure to inspire joy.

The vanity features grooved green fronts and a custom-made green concrete top with an integrated sink. Adding a personal touch, the wooden handles were skillfully handcrafted by our talented client. An LED strip inserted under the vanity is the highlight in the evening.

To maximize storage space, a large mirror cabinet was incorporated into the design. The generously sized mirror doors not only reflect light, creating an illusion of a larger space but also bring a contemporary flair with their curved corners. Constructed from marine-grade Meranti plywood, this cabinet introduces a wooden element to enhance this cool bathroom design. Complementing this, the wing wall is adorned with a solid Blackwood top.

Interior, BathroomChristina SchregelJune 8, 2023Motide Raglangrooved fronts, gren cabinets, green concrete, curved mirror, mirror cabinet, plywood furniture, wooden handles, pink wall, terrazzo tilesComment

KAURI AND CONCRETE LOVE

For our wonderful clients in Raglan, we crafted a custom vanity using beautiful New Zealand Kauri timber, resulting in a truly unique piece.

The timber used in this vanity is recycled, showcasing the unique character and traces of its previous life. To accentuate these features, the holes and imperfections have been filled black, creating a striking contrast. The design features recessed handles, allowing the timber to take centre stage and adding an elegant touch.

A thick, custom-made concrete bench with an integrated sink spans the length of the vanity, that is nestled between two wing walls. Its oatmeal hue harmonises beautifully with the natural tones of the tiles and timber, creating a warm peaceful atmosphere. Adding a final touch, a small Kauri shelf sits just above the tiles, forming the base of a striking arch mirror that completes the overall design.

The brass tap and waste perfectly complement the tones of the beautiful bathroom and add a touch of warm luxury.

Bathroom, InteriorChristina SchregelJune 8, 2023Motide Raglanrecycled kauri, vanity, custom, solid wood vanity, bathroom design, arch mirror, curved mirrorComment

COSY AND DARK - AND LOTS OF STORAGE

After completing their kitchen renovation, our clients turned their attention to their bedroom as part of their ongoing house renovation project.

Their vision for the bedroom was to create a cosy and intimate space, utilising rich dark brown timber tones and black cabinetry. A key priority was to maximize storage capacity within the room.

To bring their vision to life, we used Meranti plywood for the front panels, complemented by black plywood for the cabinetry carcasses. This combination of materials added a sophisticated touch to the overall design.

To create a visual contrast and to enhance the ambiance, we incorporated a light birch backing behind the bedhead. This not only reflects light in the reading area but also introduces a contrasting element to the color scheme.

Our clients added bold feature to the bedroom in form of a dark teal ceiling and wall. This colour choice adds depth and character to the room, serving as a statement piece within the overall design.

Furniture, Bedroom, InteriorChristina SchregelJune 8, 2023Motide Raglanbedroom, wardrobe design, plywood design, plywood furniture, moody, dark bedroomComment

WAINUI STREAM COTTAGE

Nestled in a bush-clad valley, this cottage is located within walking distance of the famous Raglan Beach.

Our clients recently underwent a renovation project for this beautiful little cottage and asked us to design and craft a kitchen and vanity to complement their new space. The kitchen was supposed to be both fully functional and adaptable in its layout. It included a table and bench seats, a compact pantry unit, and a window seat that cleverly doubles as a bed.

For the colour scheme was supposed to be a warm, earthy and a little moody palette to create a cozy atmosphere. The addition of beautiful green tiles, paired with darker timber elements and grey-washed plywood fronts, added depth and character to the kitchen. A beautifully crafted dark grey benchtop blends beautifully with this colour scheme. The copper handles and taps bring a touch of warmth and served as eye-catching accents within the colour scheme.

The bathroom vanity followed the same design scheme as the kitchen, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic throughout the cottage.

Kitchens, InteriorChristina SchregelJune 7, 2023Motide Raglanconcrete benchtop, plywood kitchen, ply, tiny house, kitchen reno, sustainable homeComment

ART DECO INSPIRED KITCHEN RENOVATION

This new kitchen is a result of our clients' house renovation, which aimed to modernise the interior while still paying homage to the original art deco inspired design of the house. As part of the remodelling process, certain walls were removed to create an open and light-filled dining and kitchen area that functions well during their busy family life.

The kitchen design embraces a clean and airy aesthetic while incorporating elements inspired by the art deco era. White is the dominant colour in this design, creating a sense of freshness and brightness. To create a bold contrast, the back wall, which houses a full-height pantry cabinet, is elegantly adorned in black. This contrasting element adds depth and visual interest to the overall design.

The feature element of the kitchen is the curved island, where white slats introduce a textural element to the design. The benchtop, crafted from beautiful Blackwood, adds a touch of warmth to this meeting point. On the opposite side, where the hob, oven, and sink are located, a stone benchtop was chosen to ensure a highly functional and user-friendly work area. The beautiful natural brass tap that our clients have chosen is an eye-catching highlight of this area.

The cabinet fronts are constructed from plywood with a matt laminated surface, providing both durability and a sleek appearance. Throughout the kitchen, larger brass knobs were chosen to create a cohesive and eye-catching design element.

Blackwood shelves and LED lighting strips were incorporated into the kitchen design. These elements add a layer of visual depth and create a cozy atmosphere within the space.

KitchensChristina SchregelJune 7, 2023Motide Raglankitchen renovation, white and black kitchen, plywood kitchen, ply, art deco, brass knobs, brass tap Comment

SHELVES TO MATCH THE RETRO KITCHEN

A few months after completing the retro-modern kitchen for our clients, they approached us with a new request—to construct a shelving unit that would harmonise with the retro-modern style of their new kitchen. This shelving unit was intended to house books, the TV, a stereo and turntable, some tapes and vinyl records and some other smaller equipment.

The shelving unit was designed to occupy the green wall next to the old fireplace while maintaining a light and airy feel. So we developed a modular design that incorporates an interplay of open and closed backing for the modular cubes.

The central open space was specifically allocated for the TV. Some of the equipment is hidden behind sliding doors to maintain a tidy, mostly equipment-free look. To the left and right of the base unit, two larger open spaces are designated to accommodate the speakers. The remaining cubes serve as storage for books, plants, and collected treasures.

Interior, FurnitureChristina SchregelJune 6, 2023Motide Raglanretro-modern, green wall, plywood, modular shelf, sideboard, tv unit, ply furnitureComment

A NEW RETRO KITCHEN FOR VINTAGE LOVERS

This kitchen is designed to suit the vintage-loving tastes of our clients. It combines retro-modern elements with a mix of dark green, white, and warm timber tones. Open shelves are incorporated for displaying their collection of vintage NZ pottery treasures.

The benchtop and handles are crafted from Rimu timber, supplied by our clients. The warm timber tones used in the benchtop and open shelves pay homage to the mid-century era. For the open cabinets, we have used Gaboon plywood that harmonises beautifully with the rich tones of the Rimu benchtop.

The cabinets feature a modern and minimalistic recessed handle detail, creating a grid-like pattern.

The sink benchtop has a welded-in sink and features a Rimu edge, creating an interesting transition and connection to the adjacent Rimu Benchtops.

Tucked away in the corner next to the fridge, there's a compact yet functional ‘step-in’ pantry. Despite its small size, this pantry offers ample storage space for all the groceries needed for gatherings with family and friends.

Overall, this kitchen design blends vintage-inspired elements with modern functionality.