Natural Materials in Interior Design

This is a guest blog feature from interior design studio COR London.

Every aspect of our life has seen an increase in environmental consciousness, and interior design is no different. Natural materials have been increasingly popular in interior design over the past few years, appealing to both designers and homeowners. They are less harmful to the environment, decompose better and most often last longer – not to mention that they have an aesthetic look that attracts the eye like no other!

We at COR London, are extremely passionate about material materials. They always look elegant and timeless, regardless of whether it’s for furniture, coffee tables, side tables, or decorative accessories. Above all, they help bringing a bit of the outside inside, making us feel hugged by the nature, and bring warmth, cosiness and relaxation to the spaces they are in. 

Benefits of Natural Materials

1. Sustainability. Natural materials are inherently more eco-friendly than their artificial counterparts such as plastic. Additionally, solid wood can be always upcycled or get a different coat if we wish to change the style. 

2. Improving your well-being. Our health can be significantly impacted by the materials that are in our immediate environment. Using a lot of chemicals and toxins in a home is affecting our health. Even while some processing is necessary for natural materials to serve as furniture, there are significantly fewer toxins.  

3. Affordable but durable and easy to maintain. This is an important factor for many people when choosing material for their flooring or furniture.  

4. Easy to style. Natural materials fit in most styles starting from Rustic with some terracotta and wood materials, all the way to Modern style with metal and concrete elements. 

What Exactly are Natural Materials?

Stone

Starting with stone. It is one of the most popular natural materials to use in interior design. It comes in many forms that are in vogue, such as granite, marble, onyx, limestone and quartzite, just to mention a few. This variable material, which is available in distinctive patterns and colours, is a fantastic solution for countertops, backsplashes, bath, flooring or even a form of small side table and easily become a statement piece of the room. Stone finishes have high durability, and water and heat resistance. 

Metal

When we think of metal, the first thing that comes to mind is its elegance mixed with its rawness and coldness. A fantastic approach to adding depth, balance, and definition to a space is using mixed metal accents. Metals can be classified into two categories. One, cool metals include silver, nickel, chrome, stainless steel, and aluminium, and two, warm metals are gold, brass and copper. Metal can carry heavy loads well despite appearing to be light. Additionally, it is resistant to chemical, atmospheric, and physical damage. 

Rattan

Rattan comes from nature however, you need to be aware of synthetic rattan, which is plastic. Adding character to your home whilst creating a modern climate and harmony with the interior. Rattan furniture can be easily curved or bent and because of this, it can take on some extremely lovely forms and shapes in furniture. 

Wool

Wool has a long history in interiors that keeps its popularity even today. Wool blankets are perfect solutions for both summer and winter as they keep the heat on hot days and keep it cool for freezing winter days. They are also used as rugs and are well-liked in form of sheepskin throws too. 

Linen

The fibres used to make linen come from the flax plant’s stems. Due to their crystalline structure, flax fibres are extraordinarily strong, up to three times stronger than cotton. This structure changes into a sturdy, long-lasting linen fabric. Ideal for different upholsteries such as bed sheets, tablecloths and curtains. 

Wood

Wood can be used in furnishing, flooring and also as timber cladding. They are considered one of the most energy-efficient materials because of their superior thermal insulation and also a great solution for sound insulation too. On top of this, it adds aesthetic value and requires low maintenance. Wall panelling for the interiors can also be applied instead of paint, tiles or wallpaper. Hardwood floors are known for their durability and value that is added to the property. There are numerous types of woods to choose from. The best-known quality is oak, walnut, pine, beech and maple.

Red Brick

Red brick is considered a sustainable material as it is made of organic minerals. They are so strong and resilient that they can resist strong winds and bad weather. Red bricks are excellent insulators because they capture heat during the day and release it at night. This helps keep the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Today, they are often used for interiors too, usually as part of Industrial Style.

How to add natural texture to a room

What is texture? The texture is the use of furnishings, textiles, objects, and finishes in a variety of materials to enhance a room’s visual appeal and tactile variety. Your living room will look unique by using different materials. 

Let’s examine the home decorating trends that make use of these natural materials. Here we gathered a few examples of how natural materials appear in styles: 

Scandinavian Boho Style

One of the key elements to achieving Bohemian style is jute fabric. It is very often found in woven rugs, carpets and furniture. Raffia is also a peculiar material. It can be employed in a wide variety of ways in home design products thanks to its adaptability. Raffia helps in bringing the current trend of natural organic textures and colours to life in furniture. 

Industrial Style

Metal is most commonly used in large amounts in Industrial-style designs – especially iron, brass, and copper – where it highlights the huge storage areas and amplifies the effect with the exposed pipes. It is also common to cover the walls with brick and employ glass as room dividers or balustrades.

Coastal Style

Coastal homes are often constructed with sturdy materials to withstand the sea breeze. Natural materials include cement, brick, metal, porcelain clay tile, and wood that have been treated with preservatives. As for the interiors, wood, textures like rattan and natural fibre rugs are common. 

Mid-Century Modern Style

Natural materials are incorporated into Mid-Century Modern design in small elements like throw cushions, artwork, and table centrepieces. It draws inspiration from nature, but not overly; it also contributes to the creation of a refreshing atmosphere. The main focus of Mid-Century Modern interior design is, indeed, these varied wood grains, stone and ceramic.

Modern Farmhouse Style

When we think of Modern Farmhouse style, the first things that come to mind are woven materials, rustic textures and natural elements that come back in wooden artwork, natural material planters like woven hemp and bamboo baskets, wooden frames or clay vases. 

Ceramic vase, solid raw wood table, earthy colours. 

Japandi Style

This design style emphasises comfort, simplicity, and natural components in light colours and blending smooth and modern together. Rattan, bamboo, cotton, hemp, and paper are all often used in Japandi style and also some nice metals for visual intrigue can be incorporated. Woven lighting fixtures can be authentic statements of the design.

Minimalism Style

In Minimalist interiors, materials like stone, wood, glass, clay, textiles, cork, bamboo and canvas will all have a place. For flooring, genuine wood, stone, or faux-natural textures are all acceptable options.  

Hopefully you have been inspired by the beauty we can find in nature and the benefits of making sustainable choices. Next time you are planning a new space or updating an old one be sure to include as many natural materials as possible. 

This is a guest blog feature from COR London.

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