Living in Portugal has given me a deep appreciation for the country’s natural treasures, and two materials that stand out both for their beauty and sustainability are cork and olive wood. From their eco-friendly properties to their unique aesthetic and even their connection to magic and mindfulness, these materials fit perfectly into a lifestyle that blends style, sustainability, and a touch of the ethereal.
So, when Portuguese Treasures reached out about a collaboration, I couldn’t resist diving deeper into the wonders of these natural materials. Whether you’re looking to elevate your home decor, add a bit of magic to your daily rituals, or embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, cork and olive wood have so much to offer.
Cork: The Eco-Friendly Wonder Material
If you’ve spent any time in Portugal, you’ll know that cork is everywhere. But did you know that cork is one of the most sustainable materials on the planet? The cork oak tree isn’t cut down during harvest—only its bark is stripped, allowing it to regenerate. This makes cork a completely renewable resource. Plus, it’s naturally antimicrobial, water-resistant, and biodegradable.
But beyond its practicality, cork has an almost mystical quality to it. Lightweight yet strong, it has long been used for protection, grounding, and energy insulation—perfect for creating a harmonious home environment.
Some of my favourite cork home essentials from Portuguese Treasures include:
- Cork Notice Boards – Whether you use them for vision boarding or pinning daily inspirations, these are a gorgeous and functional addition to any home.
- Cork Coasters & Tablemats – Stylish, practical, and heat-resistant, perfect for protecting your surfaces with a natural touch.
- Cork Yoga Mats – As a certified yoga teacher (even if I’m not actively teaching right now!), I can vouch for the comfort and grip of cork yoga mats. They’re sweat-resistant, antimicrobial, and eco-friendly—ideal for daily practice.
Check out their cork notice boards collection!
And if you’re into crafting your own magical space, cork boards and mats can double up as spell boards, crystal grids, or sacred altars. Just saying! 😉
Olive Wood: The Magical & Practical Kitchen Essential
If cork is all about protection and lightness, olive wood is about strength, wisdom, and grounding energy. Olive trees have been revered for centuries—used in mythology, spiritual rituals, and even as symbols of peace and longevity.
But beyond the magic, olive wood is a dream in the kitchen. Naturally antibacterial, durable, and stunningly beautiful with its rich grain, it’s the perfect choice for eco-conscious and stylish home cooks.
Some must-have pieces from Portuguese Treasures include:
- Olive Wood Chopping Boards – Not just for chopping; they make beautiful serving boards too!
- Olive Wood Utensils – These are far more durable than plastic and won’t leach any chemicals into your food.
- Olive Wood Bowls & Dishes – Perfect for serving up your favourite vegan meals in style.
And if you love a bit of kitchen witchery, stirring your potions (or, you know, soups) with an olive wood spoon adds a little extra energy of wisdom and strength to your cooking.
Bringing a Bit of Portugal’s Magic into Your Home
One of the things I love most about living in Portugal is the connection to nature and tradition. Cork and olive wood are deeply rooted in Portuguese culture, but they’re also perfect for modern homes—whether you’re going for a whimsigoth aesthetic, a cosy boho vibe, or a sleek minimalist look.
So, if you’re looking to add some natural beauty, sustainability, and a little bit of magic to your home, I highly recommend checking out Portuguese Treasures. Whether it’s a cork vision board for your manifestations, an olive wood spoon for your kitchen spells, or a cork yoga mat for your daily practice, these materials will bring a little more harmony, style, and eco-conscious living into your world.
Do you already use cork or olive wood in your home? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
This post was kindly sponsored by the lovely folk at Portuguese Treasures!
