Have you ever walked into a room and felt instantly at ease? The right materials give spaces a soul and influence an occupant’s emotional connection with a building.
Interior design involves far more than choosing colors and décor. Materiality is an essential component that must always be considered. Materials elevate a space’s tactile and visual appeal, as well as its character and ambiance.
The Magic of Materiality
Materiality in interior design is the strategic and conscious selection of materials, textures, surfaces, and finishes to create a comfortable, beautiful, and productive space. Understanding how materials like fabric, metal, wood, and stone contribute to a room’s overall functionality and feel is crucial. You must also consider the materials’ durability and interaction with other elements in a room, including light, space, and décor.
Materials directly contribute to a room’s:
Functionality and Comfort: Plush rugs make a living room cozier, while bamboo furniture is lightweight enough to move and rearrange.
Durability: Granite improves the durability of a kitchen countertop, and tile flooring is stain-resistant, easy to clean, and affordable to maintain.
Personality and Aesthetics: Materials tell the story of a space, portraying its purpose and personality.
Safety: Choosing non-toxic and fire-resistant materials boosts durability and safety.
Tactile Sensation: Our sense of touch influences our perception of objects as comfortable or uncomfortable. A user will have a different sensorial experience depending on a room’s materials, such as smooth, soft fabric, or rough surfaces.
Five Materials We Love
Here are five materials that can enhance a space’s comfort, strength, safety, and aesthetics.
1. Wood
Wood is versatile and timeless. It can be used throughout a building, such as floors, decorative accents, or ceiling beams, to bring the beauty of nature indoors.
2. Stone
Stone, including marble, slate, and granite, is a natural material regaining popularity in modern design. Stone is incredibly resilient, making it an ideal choice for flooring and countertops.
3. Renewable Materials
Sustainable materials, like cork and hemp, increase longevity and reduce the carbon footprint. Use ecological coatings to improve indoor air quality or bamboo flooring to increase durability.
4. Ceramics
This clay-based material is wear- and stain-resistant, effortless to maintain, and available in a wide array of textures, patterns, and colors.
5. Synthetic Materials
Perfect for those on a budget, synthetic materials give the appearance of wood or tile without the hefty price tag.
How to Shape an Extraordinary Space with Materials and Textures
You can literally sculpt the look and feel of a room with the materials and textures you choose. Use these quick tips to create a space you love.
Layer Textures: Layering textures is like composing a song. Each adds a new note, resulting in a rich harmony. Imagine a spacious living room with a rustic stone fireplace, thick, cushy rugs, smooth leather furnishings, and wooden walls. Layering also creates contrast and visual interest.
Identify Functions and Zones: Create different zones with materials and texture to transform a large, open-plan room into a productive and adaptive space. For example, a rug can designate a seating area from a workspace.
Showcase Your Personality: Display your personality through design. For instance, if you’re a maximalist, choose ornate moldings, gilded accents, and velvety fabrics.
Match Materials: Choose materials according to a room’s function. Hard surfaces are easier to maintain and clean, while porous materials absorb sound, making a home office more efficient.
Stock Up on Samples: Before purchasing materials, ask for swatches, demos, and samples. This allows you to see how they interact with one another and existing materials in your home.
SAAarchitects Simplifies Materiality
There’s an overwhelming selection of materials available, making the selection process seem daunting. SAAarchitects’ team of expert designers takes the headache out of materiality. We develop a deep understanding of your needs and goals to choose the ideal materials that accommodate your budget.
Whether you’re designing a new room or creating an addition, we’re here to help. Reach out to us today or visit our website to learn what we can do for you.
