Trend Talk: Why materials matter

Inhouse Project Director, Phillip Wyatt, looks at why materials matter so much in architectural and interior design:

As professionals in the architectural arena, understanding and embracing how materials are crucial to the success of a project is essential. While aesthetics are obviously a first port of call, other factors such as functionality, cost, sustainability and relevance to a project’s intention are equally important considerations. 

Choosing the appropriate material impacts the success and excellence of our work. By recognising the role materials play we can create designs that are visually stunning, functional and resilient. 

Our passion for design means we are always on the lookout for new and exciting materials but finding a balance between what works best for your project and newness-for-newness’ sake is imperative. This list is a breakdown of some of the most common finishes there are and ways to use and combine. 

Timber 

The versatility, warmth and endurance of wooden finishes is something we as interior architects return to time and again. Much loved for its vast variety of tones – whether the classic look of oak, the minimalism of beech or the depth of teak, the natural vibrance of wood makes it a timeless choice. The practical application of wood is just as varied – it can be used in floors, walls, ceilings and for adding decorative detailing. 

Stone

Like wood, the natural tones and detailing in stone brings substance to spaces, whether in indoor or outdoor applications. It is a supremely durable finish and can elevate an interior thanks to its rich tones, textured or polished finish and often natural lustre. From highly polished stone countertops to luxurious marble wall-based focal points and contemporary applications of granite or slate on floors, walls and in architectural details, as well as the huge scope of colours, you can trust stone to bring a sense of gravitas to an interior installation. 

Metal

We often use metal in interiors projects to add that finishing touch that other materials simply cannot achieve, be it in the form of decorative details but also in larger structural elements such as I-beams. The opportunities to manipulate metal elements to suit your exact vision are vast – think copper clad focal walls, bespoke door frames in steel and the gravity of a bronze statue in a custom-built space. 

Glass 

The contemporary nature of glass is useful in interiors and its transparency is a practical factor in creating a contemporary look and feel. Glass can appear to float in a space, can be textured, tinted and tempered for safety and structure and its very transparency can amplify a sense of space. 

Concrete 

An essential component in any building project, concrete is also a contemporary choice as a finish for interior and exteriors. Supremely durable, it is a versatile material that can be used on walls, floors and countertops and which amplifies a modern industrial interior mood. 

Tiles 

The consistent innovation in ceramic and porcelain floor tile colour, pattern and format design means that they remain a popular choice for interior professionals for use on walls or floors, be it for expansive areas or as key points of focus. 

Fabrics | Upholstery 

Your fabrics and upholsteries act as an imperative layer in furnishing a space and choosing tones and textures that set a mood can enhance an architectural vision. Practical considerations like rub count and colour fade technicalities are of key importance when making soft furnishing, upholstery and curtaining selections. 

Plastics and Polymers

Modern and striking, the beauty of manmade plastics including polycarbons and the likes of polypropylene is the sheer versatility – be it in form or colour or the likes of lighting and furniture. Each year we see more innovations in this realm which can only serve to inspire and excite interior experts. 

Designing in the 21st century has never been more exciting – access to technological material innovations, to global markets and to likeminded professionals and suppliers in our arena makes planning the interiors finishes of any projects an extremely stimulating and rewarding endeavour. The fundamental principles of form following function remain – and what should continue to govern our materials selections process from concept through to creation.