It\’s official: cork is cool again. This 1970s interiors favourite has been given a new lease of life. Here\’s how to work the material in a modern way.

Not only does a cork-lined wall add insulation and absorb sound, it can be used as a giant pinboard to display notes and art. For the most stylish results, it is better to limit cork cladding to just one wall.

From lighting to tables and chairs, designers are finding new ways to work with cork. It’s a material that feels both natural and precious at the same time.

With in-built bounce and a natural warmth, cork is great for floors. According to Jay Jelinek, CEO of Jelinek, which has been making cork since 1855, the most common installations are tongue-and-groove floors – where no glue is required – or glue-down flooring, for which cork tiles are adhered directly to the subfloor. A cork floor is easy to maintain: soap and a damp mop will do the job.