Founded by Canadian photographer Danielle Henderson, neutral shade offers luxe rattan furniture that brings a taste of exotic comfort to every space, evoking a resort-style vibe at home. We chatted with Danielle to learn more about her initial drop, which consists of two headboards, a chair, a side table and an oversized coffee table, each of which comes with a writeup explaining how it’s unique and sustainably handmade. —Vita Daily
When and why did you launch neutral shade? What products do you offer, and what makes them unique?
I launched neutral shade in January 2021. We offer high-end rattan furniture that is sustainable and individually handcrafted. My love of home decor encompasses different styles from European to Asian and the Pacific Rim. I have always felt drawn to unique architectural elements, mixed materials and decor pieces that draw from the outdoors. With people spending more time at home, there is a greater demand to love the space you are in. This time in our homes has allowed many people to transform their spaces, or at least a portion into a laidback luxe oasis.
We know rattan, but what’s luxe rattan? Also, how does the material fit into modern decor?
The luxe aspect comes from the fact that each piece is extremely high quality and individually handmade, unique in its own way! Every product comes in eco-friendly branded packaging, which also is accompanied by a personalized card describing its hand crafted design. Think of it like purchasing a piece of art. We want customers to feel like they are bringing home a truly exclusive item that is beautiful and naturally durable. Rattan is one of those timeless trends that fit in any space, but it works especially well in modern decor. Natural materials instantly add warmth and character to cool, contemporary tones, and creates a calming, hygge vibe. What I love about neutral shade’s pieces is that they act as a focal point in any room, tying the space together!
Tell us about the sustainability of your products.
Rattan is an eco-friendly material that unlike wood, does not destroy the forest. The process from harvesting rattan to a final product is highly labour intensive. Each piece is crafted utilizing sustainable methods. It was important to us that we worked with artisans and manufacturers who uphold ethical methods at every step of the process, including ensuring quality working conditions. Rattan is actually grown in gardens within the forest that are similar to a rosebush that need to be planted and harvested in order to be enjoyed. This process although labour intensive, provides work for a large portion of the labour force in Indonesia. These farmers are amazing at their jobs. We chose to work with a company that incurs much higher costs than competitors in alternative countries with similar products. Not all rattan is the same. There is an entire process that needs to be overseen in order to ensure a quality item.
How does your brand help fill the travel void during these restricted, pandemic times?
We all crave travel right now which is what inspired me to create a collection that allows you to reproduce that feeling at home. Rattan creates a beautiful warm feel when added to home decor. Imagine you are on vacation with people you care about and the zen but playful state that occurs. That’s the feeling I want our customers to have. Neutral shades pieces work well in almost any design space. Rattan is no longer just the boho trend we have all come know. We want customers to be able to create their own private Bali like villa oasis in their homes!
From your first product drop, which piece is your personal fave, and why?
My favourite piece has to be the Tribeca oversized coffee table. Coming in at over four feet in diameter it goes against all traditional thoughts of rattan. It is big, bold and beautiful while appearing dainty at the same time. It is modern and sure to be the envy of all of your other living room decor.
Win! 2 Beach Chairs From Neutral Shade!
Congrats Keisha J. of Chilliwack, B.C., who will receive two beach chairs from neutral shade valued at $400! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadaily.ca. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.
March 24th, 2021 at 9:17 am
Mahoods Beach, Powell River,bc
Nlorser
March 24th, 2021 at 9:33 am
The beaches in BC
@mmsittie
March 24th, 2021 at 9:40 am
The beaches outside of Canada- the sand is so soft!!!
@melissa_fracz
March 24th, 2021 at 9:52 am
Topsail Beach or Northern Bay Sands. @fossie55
March 24th, 2021 at 10:04 am
Kaanapali Beach, Maui is my favourite beach @cfgermain
March 24th, 2021 at 10:06 am
All my favourite beaches in Melbourne, Australia! I lived there for many years….
Instagram handle: @jenna.morcom
March 24th, 2021 at 10:27 am
Any Nova Scotia beach!
@seafoodmwg on ig
March 24th, 2021 at 10:34 am
My all time favourite beach is pollenca beach on Mallorca, Spain ❤️
Instagram: nicolepitulia
March 24th, 2021 at 11:51 am
Centennial beach in tswassen
@amber_olak
March 24th, 2021 at 1:55 pm
McKenzie Beach Tofino @missycat11
March 24th, 2021 at 2:59 pm
Risser’s Beach @asherares
March 24th, 2021 at 3:07 pm
Sunset Beach – truly lives up to its name! @winterpalm
March 24th, 2021 at 3:18 pm
Petrie Island
March 24th, 2021 at 3:36 pm
Crescent!! There’s one in BC & NS!!
March 24th, 2021 at 3:46 pm
Any beach in the Philippines! @leightav
March 24th, 2021 at 4:06 pm
Maracas in Trinidad @sara.marie.a
March 24th, 2021 at 7:48 pm
Puka Shell Beach in the Philippines ❤️
IG: @calbi
March 24th, 2021 at 8:45 pm
tel aviv beach is amazing
March 25th, 2021 at 5:36 am
Sandbanks Provincial Park has the best beaches in Ontario!
March 25th, 2021 at 10:28 am
Cultus Lake Beach in Chilliwack!
IG: @joyfulhomebody
March 25th, 2021 at 10:34 am
Wainfleet longbeach in Ontario @chadmi1
March 25th, 2021 at 5:29 pm
These look amazing! ? Fave beach is Wreck Beach, Vancouver BC.
@klscuts
March 25th, 2021 at 5:38 pm
Long point provincial park @tatimitch
March 26th, 2021 at 5:35 am
cool
March 26th, 2021 at 2:01 pm
The beach at Presqu’ile Provincial Park in Brighton, Ontario. @shirleyoflynn
March 26th, 2021 at 2:12 pm
Our favourite beach, due to COVID travel restrictions, is Richardson Beach which is located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. @iceyviolet
March 26th, 2021 at 3:37 pm
I love the beaches in Punta Cana. If I had the choice in BC I gotta say Long beach in Torino
March 30th, 2021 at 5:46 pm
Bavaro beach in Punta Cana is incredibly beautiful. I also love the rocky beaches of my home province, Newfoundland and Labrador.
March 31st, 2021 at 4:36 pm
Beaches in the Palawan in the Philippines ❤️. IG: @nurse_cinny
April 5th, 2021 at 10:29 am
Nha Trang, Vietnam !