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As increasing focus is directed towards the ecological consequences of the items we produce and the spaces we decorate, sustainable materials have become central to these discussions. What was once considered a secondary aspect—the makeup of furnishings or textiles—is now a primary concern.
And although durability has a significant impact on the making of furniture,
sustainable homes
The adoption of biomaterials with shorter lifespans is equally important. As explained by Purva Chawla, founder and partner at MaterialDriven—a global design firm and material resource—“A better grasp of sustainability means consumers and specifiers will embrace fully biobased options even if they only endure for about three years rather than ten. These alternatives can still offer hygienic and pristine indoor environments.” She adds, “Moreover, technological advancements will enhance the capabilities of these biobased materials so that their performance rivals that of synthetic equivalents.”
With interiors and homes embracing forward-thinking trends through advanced technology and inventive designs,
sustainable product design
, the conversation about eco-friendly materials has moved well beyond recycled glass vases or reclaimed wooden chairs.
Nowadays, focus has shifted to what happens at the end of a material’s life cycle, its ability to regenerate, and how it improves our well-being within the home environment. By emphasizing these aspects, we’re not sacrificing aesthetics; instead, innovative designers ensure that attractive designs go hand-in-hand with sustainability, guiding us toward eco-friendly materials without compromising style.
1. Recycled Surface Materials
In recent years, as recycled surface materials have become increasingly popular, designers and studios are elevating their use to unprecedented levels in terms of aesthetics and substance.
Foresso
A material known as ‘timber terrazzo’, which is manufactured in the UK using wood waste, can be utilized for various purposes such as countertops, furniture, table surfaces, and even wall coverings.
Created in sheet form using timber remnants, wood particles, mineral powders, and a non-toxic, formaldehyde-free adhesive, this eco-friendly material depends less on energy-intensive elements like cement, commonly utilised in conventional construction methods.
terrazzo finishes
.
The studio’s director, Conor Taylor, points out that besides its low carbon footprint and circular production methods, designers are choosing this material for its long-lasting nature, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
If properly maintained, it has an estimated lifetime of around 50 years,” he states. “In contrast, recycled plastic surfaces typically require replacement every 5 to 10 years on average. Consequently, this makes it nearly inadvertently more economical due to the reduced frequency of updates needed.
“We were looking for a solution that offered the coziness of wood but also possessed the durability of a tougher material,” he clarifies.
Matt Barnes
, who serves as the director at CAN Architects for a residential project in London, mentioned regarding their choice of materials for a kitchen worktop, “Foresso perfectly suits our requirements.”
Another surface material that is boosting the application of recycled components is
Marwoolus®,
A proprietary composite material created by Italian designer Marco Guazzini was unveiled in 2016.
Created using recycled marble dust from local sources, wool fibres, and a two-part binding agent, Marwoolus® captures the inherent elegance of marble by integrating the woollen strands into its structure, with the hue being determined by the type of stone utilised.
In this year’s iteration of
Matter and Shape
In the collectible design showcase held in Paris, Marco Guazzini unveiled Motherboard—a collection of pieces that elevate materials to unprecedented levels. According to him, this versatile material, with its customizable options tailored for various environments and settings, has attracted significant interest from numerous interior designers and architects.
This enables it to seamlessly adapt to various settings, be it through striking contrasts or smooth alignment with the project’s colour scheme,” Marco explains. “The end result resembles genuine stone, akin to marble yet lighter, completely waterproof and more pliable. After working extensively with this material for over a decade, I can assure you it preserves its hue and texture consistently.
2. Algae
Algae stands out as an incredibly sustainable natural resource due to its rapid growth and intrinsic properties. Numerous designers and innovators are now reconceptualising the use of algae.
grown bio-material
In various manners, resulting in its rise as one of the most recent trends in sustainable materials.
Serving as a substitute for petrochemical-derived inks, this option is employed in both textile printing and artistic creations at the design studio.
LAYER
introduced a fresh partnership with the Scandinavian design firm, Muuto, at this year’s event.
Milan Design Week
.
By employing algae oil as an energy source, they presented LIGHT, a sculptural modern-day oil lamp that blends traditional elements with forward-thinking design. The studio’s founder, Benjamin Hubert, explains: “This creation aims to provide both aesthetic appeal and functionality precisely when needed most—during times of doubt, where conventional power sources cannot be counted upon.”
He explains that it is made using salt-cast aluminium to minimise material usage and enhance the reflection of the light.” The outcome, he continues, is both poetically appealing and functional; “a piece that reminds us of our connection with fundamental resources whilst offering reliable, standalone lighting in an ever more precarious environment.
3. Cork
During the 1970s, cork was a ubiquitous element in households around the globe. It was predominantly viewed as
cork flooring
, its use declined, and homeowners grew weary of the material.
In more contemporary times, however, its regenerative properties have strongly brought it back into the realm of interior design and sustainable materials. As this material is viewed with new perspectives, it continues to gain renewed admiration for its visual appeal.
During Milan Design Week, architectural firm Rockwell Group collaborated with
Corticeira Amorim
to introduce ‘Casa Cork’ — an engaging exhibit honoring the material. The founder and president of Rockwell Group,
David Rockwell
as stated by the studio’s interest in
cork surfaces
This has mostly been due to its visual appeal and suitability in architectural settings.
“He mentions how adaptable it can be for various uses.” As part of the exhibition, David Rockwell introduced his latest lighting range, developed in collaboration with
Stackabl
The sturdy cork bottoms for every design are made from 100% post-industrial cork, which is surplus material from the process of making wine stoppers.
These lamps introduce an unexpected leap in materials technology into your living space, workspace, or any setting where comfort meets aesthetics,” he adds. “Its cell-like construction offers superb soundproofing properties and it’s both waterproof and resistant to allergens and moulds, ensuring superior indoor air quality. Plus, it boasts a stunning appearance—much like natural wood grains—and provides a gentle, comforting touch.
4. Mycelium “Leather”
Over recent years, mycelium has frequently been used as an ingredient in the creation of biomaterials. Nevertheless, due to the creativity of pioneering designers and studios, its appearance and uses are quickly transforming and gaining attention within the realm of sustainable materials trends.
Featured during Milan Design Week,
Studio TOOJ
The Stockholm-based design studio established by Ashley & Johan Wilén-Jong unveiled their DUK Series – an artistic range of furnishings crafted from Reishi, a fungus-originated material developed by a biotech firm.
MycoWorks
.
Drawing inspiration from surrealistic shapes, the skilled pair behind the project describes this collection as an exploration into deception and metamorphosis of materials. The ensemble includes a levitating triangular table, a side table, and a pedestal where fabric cascades over robust frames, crafting dramatic visual effects.
The series shows that upscale interior design and sustainability are not necessarily at odds,” they state. “Historically, luxury has been linked to scarce, resource-heavy materials; however, we are demonstrating that innovation and tradition can harmoniously coincide.
Seeing this unique and sculptural application offers a glimpse into how Reishi could be used more widely in furniture production, not only elevating a design’s sustainable values but adding sophistication through its organic and tactile appeal.
5. Bacterial Cellulose Fiber
In recent years, the manufacturing of textiles intended for interiors has similarly undergone an evolution through adaptation. Many factories and experimental workshops have shifted towards using bio-based materials. This year, during Milan Design Week, we noticed one particular initiative that stood out.
Titled ‘Interwoven Cultures’, Finnish designer
Mari Koppanen
teamed up with a Swiss textiles manufacturer
Estelle Bourdet
to investigate the application of bacterial cellulose in woven fabrics.
Showcased at the House of Switzerland exhibit was an intricate woven wall hanging, which ignited discussions about its possible role as a trendy sustainable material and how interior designers might incorporate it into their commercial projects.
The design team explains that this material offers a leather-like texture and can be molded into different shapes. It surpasses plant cellulose, which is more commonly utilized in fabrics nowadays, both in purity and strength.
“We aim to investigate its scalability, potential uses in materials science, and aesthetic qualities while concurrently pursuing ongoing research and development into the material,” explains Estelle, highlighting that artists and designers are engaged with this substance because of its straightforward cultivation process and distinctive visual charm.
6. Plant-Based Natural Paints
Paint is perhaps one of the most intricate sectors when discussing sustainable materials trends. Owing to ambiguous vocabulary and insufficient regulation, this has resulted in a plethora of
greenwashing in interior design
It can be difficult for customers to make completely informed choices.
According to
Edward Bulmer
, an interior designer and the founder of his own brand focusing on plant-based products,
eco paint
A brand ensures transparency by comprehensively detailing each individual ingredient utilized.
Paint manufacturers aren’t required to disclose their formulations, so typically we only learn about the water content or some trendy eco-friendly component such as crushed olive pits,” he says. “A straightforward listing of all components would benefit consumers, although this may not seem as attractive. For example, why reveal the inclusion of plastics— which eventually degrade into microplastics —when one can simply claim ‘no intentional addition of microplastics’?
Legislation and transparency will be crucial elements in shaping the future of eco-friendly paints for interior designers.
Polly Ashman
She also mentions that her attraction to Edward Bulmer Natural Paint goes beyond its sustainable qualities. “This paint boasts an outstanding blend of historical accuracy and vivid, natural hues,” she explains. “Its distinctiveness lies in the profoundness and uniqueness of its colours. The pigments have a gentle texture and respond wonderfully to ambient daylight, subtly enhancing the ambiance of the room.”
And, with the significant enhancement in air quality that results from using
sustainable wall finishes
Like this, what isn’t there to adore?
As designers concentrate on closing the gap between aesthetic-driven designs, practicality, excellence, and environmental responsibility, the environments we craft will naturally embody these transformations as well.
Moreover, as observed, contemporary interior design forefronts sustainability deeply ingrained right from the initial planning phases, while concurrently emphasizing our health and well-being via a sensory-focused methodology.
Thanks to the advancement of cutting-edge biomaterials, this industry is poised for even faster growth as innovation accelerates. “Firms are striving to meet standards of both cost and quality; however, developing novel biomaterials presents several hurdles,” explains.
Purva Chawla
numerous developers encounter scalability challenges because their basic components or logistics networks are intricate and tailored specifically for their products. Additionally, some must incorporate between 15-20 percent artificial substances as adhesives to satisfy market demands and ensure they’re robust enough to gain certification and approval.
Nonetheless, gradual enhancements are being made, she notes, which will make it simpler to opt for sustainable materials. Given all these advancements underway, we can confidently anticipate that the coming ten years in interior design will mark an exhilarating period of evolution, driven primarily by innovative sustainable material trends that will mold the future of home decor.
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