Much like fashion, trends within the interior design industry are constantly changing. However, one theme has remained constant throughout the years: the use of natural materials. It’s easy to see why they’ve stayed so popular: they bring a sense of warmth, texture, and authenticity to a range of spaces, from living rooms to bedrooms.
Natural materials can complement numerous aesthetics, including rustic, modern, and even maximalist spaces. If you want to use the beauty of natural materials within your home, keep reading as we dive into the different types and benefits of these wonderful mediums.
What Are Natural Materials?
Natural materials are sourced directly from the environment and undergo little alteration by human processes. Examples include wood, stone, metal, clay, glass, and even natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, and linen. These materials are prized for their organic qualities and the unique character they bring to interior spaces.
Types of Natural Materials Used in Interior Design
1. Wood
Wood is the most widely used natural material in interior design. Its range of colors, textures, and grains allows it to fit seamlessly into any design style, from more rustic homes to modern spaces.
Hardwood such as oak, maple, and walnut is dense and durable, making it great for flooring and furniture. Softwood, on the other hand, like pine and cedar, is lighter and more suited to decorative elements such as wall paneling.
Wood is a truly versatile medium that you can use in many applications, including flooring, cabinetry, and wall cladding. Recently, reclaimed wood has been making a splash for adding character and history to homes.
2. Stone
Stone is another incredibly popular natural material that exudes luxury and permanence. Each type of stone has its own unique characteristics, making it suited to various designs. Here are some different stone types and how you can use them:
- Marble: Prized for its elegance and eye-catching veining, marble is often used for countertops, bathrooms, and flooring.
- Granite: Highly durable and scratch-resistant, granite is a great choice for kitchen countertops.
- Soapstone: Highly durable with a unique feature of a patina that develops with time. This is standard in Farmhouse design or any classic kitchen
- Limestone and Slate: These types of stones offer a more rustic look, making them perfect for use in farmhouse kitchens as flooring or as splashbacks.
Using stone around your home can be done in many ways, from big changes like countertops and flooring to more subtle accents such as vases and sculptures.
3. Metal
Metal might not be your first thought when it comes to natural materials, but iron, copper, and brass are all naturally occurring and are sure to bring a unique aesthetic to your interior design:
- Iron: Often used for furniture and fixtures such as statement lights, iron brings a strong industrial feel.
- Copper: Known for its warm, reddish hue, copper looks stunning for focal points like lighting and fixtures.
- Brass: Boasting a gorgeous golden tone, brass is perfect for decorative use or light fixtures.
4. Natural Fabrics
Natural fabrics offer comfort and texture to living spaces and do wonders to enhance coziness and elegance.
Incorporating materials like cotton, wool, linen, and silk into your home, whether through upholstery, bedding, curtains, rugs, or throws, adds depth and sophistication.
5. Clay and Terracotta
Clay and terracotta have been used in both construction and design for centuries. Prized for their earthy tones and durability, they’re ideal for use in tiling, pottery, and elements like chimneys and fireplaces.
6. Glass
Glass is formed from sand and minerals, which makes it a natural material perfect for adding light and transparency to rooms. Use it for windows, partitions, lighting, and decor, and to add extra drama, choose frosted or tinted glass to create a more dynamic effect.
Benefits of Adding Natural Materials to Your Home
Aesthetically Pleasing
Since these materials come from nature, they offer an excellent way to bring the outside in. They provide a sense of tranquility and grounding to our living spaces, and each material boasts a unique texture, color, and pattern, bringing depth and interest. Not to mention, natural materials such as wood and stone never go out of style, aging gracefully and adding more character over time.
More Sustainable
Many natural materials are renewable, biodegradable, and have much less of an environmental impact than synthetic alternatives. They’re often harvested responsibly and have a lower carbon footprint. For example, using reclaimed wood is a sustainable option that reuses old materials instead of relying on new resources.
Highly Durable
Natural materials will often last longer than synthetic ones. When properly cared for, they can last for generations, making them a wise investment to cherish for years to come. Additionally, many natural materials like stone and wood develop what’s known as a patina over time (a gloss or sheen due to cleaning and polishing), adding character and history to the space.
Design Tips for Using Natural Materials
1. Mix and Match
Pair warm materials like wood with cooler ones such as stone or metal. For example, try adding a wooden dining table with metal chairs for a dynamic yet cohesive look. Also, try layering textures by incorporating different elements such as rough stone, smooth wood, and soft textiles to add depth and interest.
2. Think about Color Schemes
Natural materials often come in neutral or earthy tones, which makes them very easy to work with. Start with a neutral color palette; think of shades of white, beige, or gray, as the foundation; this will help the natural textures and materials stand out. Then consider adding pops of color using natural elements like plants or even vibrant stone such as jade or marble with elaborate veining. This will add color to your interior without overwhelming the natural vibe.
3. Use Texture and Patterns to Create Interest
Natural materials boast a unique range of textures and patterns, which can add visual interest and tactile richness to a space. Think about the grain of wood, the veins in marble, or the weave of linen; these stunning features should be allowed to take center stage. You can also try mixing smooth surfaces like polished stone with rougher textures like raw wood to create a striking contrast.
4. Maintain Natural Materials
While they are durable, natural materials also require proper care to ensure they stay beautiful as the years go by. Wood furniture and floors should be regularly oiled to protect them from drying out and cracking. Also, avoid exposing wood to excessive moisture. Stone surfaces like countertops and tiles should be sealed to prevent staining. Avoid using abrasive cleaners as this can damage the stone. Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen should be washed according to care instructions and protected from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
5.Source Ethically
When you’re choosing your natural materials, it’s also important to consider where they come from and their environmental impact. Look for wood products certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) as this ensures that the wood is harvested sustainably. Alternatively, consider buying reclaimed materials as this reduces the need for new resources; it also has the added benefit of bringing history and character to your home.
Using natural materials offers many possibilities for creating a beautiful and timeless home that connects you with the outside world. Whatever you choose, be it the warmth of wood, the elegance of stone, or the comfort of natural fabrics, these materials are sure to bring a sense of warmth and authenticity to any space.
Ready to welcome the beauty of natural materials into your home? We offer stunning quartz, granite, marble, porcelain, and quartzite stone countertops to add charm and elegance to your space. Contact us to find out more and schedule an appointment with our experienced team.
