Sustainability: An interior design trend
Hardly any other material is more synonymous with nature than solid wood. Therefore, solid wood can be seen everywhere in interior concepts this year. Cork and marble are also on trend. The desire for cosiness and natural materials isn’t surprising, considering the fact that everyone is talking about the “hygge” interior design trend which creates a home that counterbalances hectic everyday life.
Wooden walls and floors
Already at imm, the international interiors show held in Cologne in January, design fans with a liking for natural materials got their money’s worth. The Austrian company Team 7, for example, presented its “Waldkante” wall cladding, which is made entirely from untreated, natural wood. Not only does this create a unique and attractive finish; it also makes for a healthy and pleasant indoor climate. Natural flooring additionally contributes to a feeling of wellbeing. Here, a classic is the solid wood parquet.
Linoleum – A versatile classic
Besides various types of wood, there is a whole range of other natural materials available which are extremely versatile too. Linoleum, for example: durable flooring made of linseed or soybean oil, jute fabric and saw or cork dust. It is very resilient and easy to maintain. Moreover, linoleum flooring has an antistatic and antibacterial effect.But that’s not all: linoleum has good dyeing properties and therefore comes in a great number of designs to suit almost any interior style. There is even a matching switch product range available, Gira Esprit Linoleum-Plywood, which combines two natural materials. As opposed to plastic frames, the switch series is made of robust and versatile renewable resources.
Cork – Sustainable, warm and timeless
Cork is a truly sustainable and practical material for home accessories, flooring, or furniture. Cork comes from the shavings of cork oak bark, so there is no need to cut down trees to obtain the material.Cork is water-repellent, resilient, recyclable and easy to maintain. That’s why more and more designers are experimenting with this natural material, producing fascinating pieces of furniture that create a cosy atmosphere. The company Birkenstock, which has been using cork for its shoes for many years, plans to produce beds from the material in the future.
Robust and durable: Sisal
Sisal, another material made from renewable resources, creates the perfect rug to go with a cork floor. It is made from the fibres of sisal agave leaves and is spun into yarn.With this yarn, very robust floor coverings can be woven. Due to its multifaceted properties, sisal is applied in more and more areas – it is, for instance, increasingly used as a filling for natural mattresses.
On trend again: Natural stone
Various types of natural stone are still among the most popular natural materials. The use of materials such as granite, marble or slate in houses date back to antiquity. The great thing about natural stone is that, in principle, it suits any interior design style. Minimalist, classic, or playful interior design concepts can be created with the use of natural stone.
With natural stone, a customized and exclusive home interior can be achieved.
Natural materials have long lost their stuffy “eco” image. On the contrary, using natural materials allows you to design modern interiors that are both high-end and unique.
Which natural material is your favourite? We look forward to receiving your comments.
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