Top 9+ Interior Materials Everyone’s Using in 2025—And 2 You Should Avoid

Limewash Paint: Effortless Charm With a History

Limewash paint is enchanting designers and homeowners all over again in 2025, and it’s easy to see why. With its roots stretching back centuries, this natural paint is made from crushed limestone and water, resulting in a finish that’s as breathable as it is beautiful.

Unlike synthetic wall paints that can trap moisture and encourage mold, limewash allows walls to “breathe,” making it ideal for older homes or anyone sensitive to indoor air quality. Its soft, matte finish offers a cloudy, nuanced texture that gives walls an almost ancient, hand-crafted look.

People love how each brushstroke leaves a unique mark, ensuring your space never feels “cookie-cutter.” With more colors than ever now available—from earthy taupes to dreamy pastels—limewash lets you personalize your space while staying eco-conscious.

Recycled Glass Countertops: Sustainable Sparkle

Recycled glass countertops are turning heads in kitchens and bathrooms everywhere. These stunning surfaces are made by mixing post-consumer glass—like bottles and jars—into a sturdy resin or cement base.

The result is a countertop with jewel-like flecks in every shade imaginable, from ocean blues to earthy ambers. Besides their undeniable beauty, these countertops are tough and resistant to stains, heat, and scratches.

Homeowners are drawn to recycled glass because it offers a splash of color and personality without sacrificing environmental responsibility. By choosing these countertops, you’re not just upgrading your kitchen; you’re helping to cut down on landfill waste and reduce your carbon footprint.

Cork Flooring: Soft, Silent, and Earth-Friendly

Imagine stepping onto a floor that feels warm, cushioned, and gentle on your joints. That’s the magic of cork flooring, which is soaring in popularity this year.

Cork is harvested without harming the tree, making it a renewable resource that can be regrown again and again. It’s naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to mold, mildew, and even pests, making it a dream for allergy sufferers.

One of the most surprising benefits is its sound-dampening quality—no more loud footsteps echoing through the house. Beyond practicality, cork’s distinctive grain and natural tones add a cozy, organic vibe that works with almost any style, from minimalist to boho chic.

Biophilic Paneling: Nature’s Touch With Mushroom, Bamboo, and Hemp

Biophilic design is all about bringing the outside in, and in 2025, biophilic paneling is leading the charge. Materials like mushroom mycelium, bamboo, and hemp are being crafted into mesmerizing wall panels that look as though they grew right out of the earth.

Bamboo is prized for its rapid growth and versatility—it can be shaped into sleek, modern lines or left more rustic. Mushroom-based panels, created from the root systems of fungi, are shockingly lightweight and add a soft, organic dimension to walls.

Hemp panels are robust, sustainable, and give off a subtle, earthy texture. Together, these materials transform plain walls into living works of art, all while improving indoor air quality and boosting your connection to nature.

Reclaimed Wood Beams: Stories in Every Grain

There’s something magical about reclaimed wood beams—they’re not just decorative; they’re pieces of history. Salvaged from barns, factories, and other old buildings, each beam is unique, with weathered textures, knots, and imperfections that tell a story all their own.

In 2025, designers are using these beams as dramatic ceiling features, mantlepieces, or floating shelves that add instant warmth and authenticity. The appeal goes beyond looks: by repurposing existing wood, you’re saving trees and reducing demand for new lumber.

Whether your style is industrial, rustic, or modern farmhouse, reclaimed wood beams add soul and character that can’t be replicated by anything new.

Textured Plaster: Sculptural Walls That Come Alive

Textured plaster is back in a big way, but forget the dated popcorn ceilings of the past. Today’s plaster finishes are all about artistry—think sweeping trowel marks, gentle waves, or even bold geometric patterns.

This material offers a tactile, almost sculptural quality to walls and ceilings, making them feel dynamic and alive. Textured plaster can help with acoustics, softening echoes in large or open rooms.

It’s also surprisingly durable and easy to repair if nicked. Whether painted in a neutral shade or left raw for an earthy feel, textured plaster is perfect for anyone craving a home that feels custom and one-of-a-kind.

Matte Black Fixtures: Drama and Sophistication

Matte black fixtures are everywhere this year, and for good reason—they add a dash of drama and sophistication without being flashy. From sleek faucets and cabinet handles to bold light fixtures, matte black stands out against any backdrop, whether it’s a crisp white kitchen or a moody bathroom.

The finish is practical, too, hiding fingerprints and water spots much better than shiny chrome or brass. People love how matte black can modernize a space instantly while still feeling timeless.

It’s a choice that says, “I know what I want,” and it’s not afraid to make a statement.

Felted Wool Acoustic Panels: Quiet Comfort

Open-plan living has its perks, but noise isn’t one of them. Felted wool acoustic panels are solving this problem in style.

Made from dense, natural wool fibers, these panels absorb sound and prevent echoes, making homes quieter and calmer. They come in a rainbow of colors and artistic shapes, so you can turn them into a design feature—think of them as functional wall art.

Wool is a renewable resource, and these panels are often made without harsh chemicals, making them a smart choice for anyone concerned about toxins. As more people work from home or crave peaceful spaces, felted wool panels are becoming a must-have.

Recycled Metal Tiles: Shine With a Conscience

If you want a touch of industrial chic that’s good for the planet, recycled metal tiles are your answer. These tiles, crafted from salvaged metals like aluminum and steel, are tough and eye-catching.

Install them as a kitchen backsplash, bathroom accent, or even a dramatic fireplace surround. The reflective surfaces bounce light around, making spaces feel brighter and more energetic.

Each tile carries a bit of history—maybe from an old car, appliance, or factory. Using recycled metal reduces the need for new mining and manufacturing, which is a big win for the environment.

PVC Flooring: The Hidden Cost

PVC flooring has been a budget favorite for years, but in 2025, it’s falling out of favor for reasons that are hard to ignore. Made from petroleum-based plastics, PVC (vinyl) releases toxic chemicals during production and disposal, which can harm both the environment and indoor air quality.

It isn’t biodegradable, so it lingers in landfills for decades. While it might seem like a convenient, low-cost solution, there are now so many better alternatives—like cork, bamboo, or reclaimed wood—that offer style, comfort, and peace of mind.

Choosing PVC is starting to feel like a gamble with your health and the planet’s future.

Synthetic Paints: Danger in a Can

Synthetic paints, packed with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are coming under serious scrutiny in 2025. These chemicals can off-gas for months after application, filling your home with invisible toxins that may cause headaches, allergies, or even more serious health problems over time.

More people are looking for healthier options, like limewash or low-VOC paints, that don’t compromise indoor air quality. With so many beautiful, non-toxic alternatives on the market, sticking with old-school synthetic paints just doesn’t make sense anymore.

The shift is clear: when it comes to what’s on your walls, safety and sustainability matter just as much as color. What material surprised you the most—or is there one you can’t wait to try?