Use of building materials is a fundamental aspect of interior design. They help define the aesthetics of a space and enhance its practicality.
Wood is a versatile material that adapts to many styles of homes. It is also known for its psychological benefits; the presence of wooden elements can lower stress and improve cognitive performance.
Wood
Wood is a natural building material that provides strength and integrity for structures, warmth and calmness to designs and a whole lot more. It’s the most popular building material and can be found in almost any home design, whether as a solid carved coffee table or an oak framed window frame.
There are many different types of wood available in the market with unique colors, textures and grain patterns that can suit any interior design theme. Using the right type of wood is key to creating beautiful and functional designs.
Poplar wood is a versatile option that works well in both traditional and contemporary designs. Its light color and fine grain make it ideal for painting, and its durability means that it will hold up to daily use.
Other types of wood used in the construction industry include maple, teak and mahogany. Oak has a rich, dark color and a tight grain that can be used to create strong furniture pieces. Teak is also a strong and durable wood that will age beautifully over time, turning to a deep brown shade that can be used for furniture and cabinetry.
Wood is also a natural insulator, helping to keep rooms warm. This is important for families who want to cut down on energy bills and live in a more eco-friendly way.
Stone
Whether you’re seeking elegance from marble, directional texture from travertine or the raw appeal of slate, natural stone offers an abundance of design possibilities. And while it may be more costly than some other materials, it’s considered a luxury by home buyers and will increase your property value.
Besides flooring, cladding and countertops are popular uses of stone in residential interiors. But you can also use it to create one-of-a-kind feature walls to add a unique flair to your space. Adding stone to any room will provide warmth and personality to the space with its diverse textures, colours and patterns.
Rocks and stones have been a favourite building material since ancient times, and they continue to be a staple for construction and home decoration today. They are durable, versatile and can blend into any style. In addition, they are environmentally sustainable and are naturally resistant to the elements.
Limestone is a common choice of building material for its durability and versatility. It comes in a variety of colours and can be carved into intricate designs. Alabaster is a translucent white stone that has been used for centuries to carve ornate forms and ornaments. Studio Tack used the material to create ornate totemic floor lamps for a Japanese restaurant in New York City (above). And Slate is a dark, fine-grained sedimentary rock that can be split – or riven – into thin sheets. Aketuri Architektai used the stone to clad the pointy woodland house in Lithuania, while Austin Maynard Architects chose diamond and scalloped slate shingles to cover a Victorian terrace in Melbourne.
Glass
A clear material that allows light to pass through, glass is a highly versatile building material and offers countless ways to be used in interior design. Glass can be treated to have different levels of transparency, reflective surfaces, and a wide variety of colours and textures. It can also be made to have various closures, partitions and finishes.
Glass brings a fresh, modern look and is a key feature of many contemporary buildings. Its transparency blends the indoor and outdoor spaces and enhances natural lighting. The latter is a major component in modern interior designs as it makes rooms feel more spacious, bright and welcoming. In addition, it reduces the need for artificial lighting and helps save energy costs.
Skylights and walls that incorporate glass are an excellent way to introduce natural light into a room. They not only make a room look more open but can also boost productivity and wellness by increasing the flow of sunlight.
Another popular use of glass in interiors is for staircases and balustrades. This trend is becoming more common, especially in private homes and commercial properties. Fluted glass is a popular choice in this regard because it can easily reflect light and help create a more aesthetically pleasing staircase. It is also a good choice for wet areas, such as showers.
Metal
The use of metal in interior design offers the opportunity to add an industrial feel, paired with a luxurious elegance. Whether it is for furniture or decorative accents such as wall art and sculptures, metal works well in a variety of styles.
The earliest uses of metals may have been as forging elements (a process that is associated with masculinity and virility), but modern trends include using them as decorative accents and within furniture pieces such as steel-framed armchairs or fireplace surrounds. With new advances in technology, metal can also be used as a durable and low-maintenance surface. The latest metallic surface materials, such as those produced by Casalgrande Padana’s Metallica, Kerinox and Steeltech ranges offer a wide variety of textures, colours and effects, including the ability to mimic patina and rust along with more traditional metal finishes.
Another option for interior metals is to use mesh walls, a growing trend that is seen in both commercial and residential spaces. These mesh-like walls are versatile and can be used for many purposes, including room or area separation, light filtration and allowing HVAC flow.
Adding metals to a space can create the illusion of spaciousness, as the material reflects light and can give the illusion of a bigger room. However, it’s important to balance the number of metallic accents and furniture pieces to avoid over-doing it.