Top 9 Materials That Will Dominate Interior Design This Year

Limewash & Venetian Plaster: Walls That Breathe and Captivate

The return of limewash and Venetian plaster is nothing short of a design renaissance. These ancient materials have been rediscovered for their remarkable ability to add soul and texture to interiors.

Limewash creates gentle, cloud-like gradients on walls, giving rooms an almost ethereal softness. Venetian plaster, famed for its smooth, marble-like finish, elevates spaces with a touch of old-world luxury.

What’s truly surprising is how these materials are also champions of sustainability—they’re non-toxic and naturally regulate humidity, making homes healthier. Designers and homeowners are falling in love with their charm, opting for subtle earth tones or moody greys to set the mood.

These finishes are perfect for anyone craving walls that do more than just stand there—they breathe, reflect light, and tell a story. The tactile sensation of running your hand over a limewashed wall is unbeatable, inviting you to connect with your space in a whole new way.

Natural, Unfinished Wood: Embracing Imperfection and Warmth

There’s something deeply comforting about the raw beauty of unfinished wood. This material is surging in popularity as people gravitate toward spaces that feel grounded and authentic, almost like a warm hug from nature itself.

Unfinished wood, with its knots, grains, and subtle imperfections, brings a sense of honesty to interiors that polished, manufactured surfaces simply can’t match. It’s being used everywhere—from chunky dining tables to exposed ceiling beams, even as wall cladding that blurs the line between the indoors and the outdoors.

The unfinished surface allows the wood to age gracefully, developing a patina that tells the story of your home’s life. More than just a trend, choosing unfinished wood is a quiet rebellion against disposable culture, as it often comes from sustainable forests and encourages longevity in design.

These pieces become more than just furniture—they are heirlooms in the making.

Textured Stone (Travertine, Limestone): Ancient Elegance Meets Modern Calm

Textured stones like travertine and limestone are making a majestic comeback, transforming ordinary rooms into tranquil retreats. These stones, formed over millennia, carry a sense of history and grounding that’s impossible to replicate.

Travertine, with its naturally pitted surface, adds rugged elegance and depth, while limestone’s subtle grain creates a calm, understated luxury. Designers are using these stones for everything from statement fireplaces and bathroom vanities to coffee tables and kitchen countertops.

What’s especially inspiring is their versatility—they look just as stunning in sleek, contemporary spaces as they do in rustic settings. The cool touch of stone under your hand, its unique patterns, and variations make each piece feel like a work of art from the earth itself.

It’s no wonder people are falling in love with the serenity and timelessness these materials bring.

Matte Metals (Brushed Brass, Iron, Blackened Steel): Understated Brilliance

Say goodbye to the harsh shine of chrome. This year, it’s all about matte metals—brushed brass, iron, and blackened steel—that bring a sense of sophistication and quiet drama to interiors.

These finishes are subtle yet impactful, casting a soft glow rather than a blinding reflection. Brushed brass, with its golden warmth, pairs beautifully with both bold colors and natural wood, adding an inviting touch to kitchens and bathrooms.

Iron and blackened steel evoke a sense of urban chic, perfect for those who crave a bit of edge without sacrificing elegance. Matte metals are popping up in everything from sleek light fixtures and cabinet hardware to sculptural furniture bases.

They are durable, easy to maintain, and create a refined look that feels both current and timeless. It’s the kind of beauty that doesn’t scream for attention—it quietly commands it.

Recycled & Composite Materials: The Eco-Friendly Revolution

If there’s one trend that truly defines the spirit of this year, it’s the embrace of recycled and composite materials. Designers are turning the ordinary into the extraordinary—think tabletops crafted from recycled glass, pendant lights made from repurposed plastics, or countertops combining stone fragments with eco-resin.

These materials are not only stylish but also deeply meaningful, as they embody a commitment to reducing waste and protecting the planet. Composite materials like engineered wood and terrazzo are gaining traction for their versatility and strength, proving that sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or durability.

Homeowners are drawn to the unique stories embedded in each piece, knowing their choices are making a positive impact. The playfulness of mixing unexpected materials gives interiors a fresh, almost rebellious energy that feels right for our times.

Curved Plaster (Organic Shapes): Softness in a Sharp World

Curves are sweeping through interiors, and curved plaster is leading the way with its soft, organic forms. In a world that often feels harsh and angular, these gentle lines offer a soothing escape.

Curved plaster arches, swooping ceilings, and rounded walls create spaces that feel more like natural landscapes than man-made environments. This material allows designers to break free from rigid, boxy structures, instead crafting interiors that flow and embrace you.

It’s not just about looks—these organic shapes are proven to make us feel more relaxed and at ease. The hand-applied nature of plaster ensures that no two curves are ever exactly alike, adding an element of artistry and personality to every room.

It’s a celebration of imperfection, a reminder that beauty often lies in the unexpected.

Woven & Fibrous Textures (Rattan, Jute, Bouclé): The Comfort of Touch

Tactile materials are taking center stage, and woven textures like rattan, jute, and bouclé are at the heart of this movement. These materials invite you to reach out and touch, bringing a sense of warmth and approachability to any room.

Rattan, with its light and airy vibe, is making waves in everything from chairs and headboards to lighting fixtures. Jute, prized for its durability and earthy appeal, is a favorite for rugs, baskets, and decorative accents.

Bouclé, with its nubby, cozy surface, transforms sofas and chairs into irresistible spots to curl up and relax. What’s especially powerful about these textures is the emotional response they evoke—there’s something nostalgic and grounding about them, like the memory of summer days or the comfort of a favorite sweater.

These materials make interiors feel lived-in, loved, and undeniably welcoming.

High-Tech Ceramics (Durable & Stylish): The Future of Functionality

Ceramics are getting a high-tech makeover this year, and the results are nothing short of dazzling. New manufacturing techniques have created ceramics that are not only visually stunning but also incredibly tough—resistant to scratches, stains, and even extreme heat.

This makes them perfect for busy kitchens, spa-like bathrooms, and anywhere durability is as important as style. These ceramics come in an astonishing range of finishes, from matte neutrals to bold, patterned glazes that mimic stone or metal.

Designers are using them for everything from sleek countertops and statement sinks to dramatic wall tiles and ultra-modern tableware. The best part?

These materials combine the artistry of traditional ceramics with the innovation of modern science, offering the best of both worlds. They’re proof that you can have beauty, brains, and brawn all in one package.

Bold, Painted Finishes (Lacquered Walls, High-Gloss Cabinets): Daring to Stand Out

If there’s one trend that’s sure to turn heads, it’s the rise of bold, painted finishes. High-gloss cabinets in electric blues or gleaming lacquers in unexpected shades are transforming ordinary rooms into unforgettable showpieces.

These finishes reflect light in captivating ways, making spaces feel brighter, bigger, and more energetic. Lacquered walls bring a sense of drama and luxury that’s hard to ignore, while high-gloss cabinetry adds a playful, almost futuristic edge to kitchens and living rooms.

Designers are encouraging homeowners to embrace color and shine, using these finishes to create striking focal points or to bring a sense of joy and confidence to spaces. It’s about self-expression, daring to break away from the neutral, and making your home a true reflection of your personality.

What material surprised you the most?