Material Connection 

Our way of living and enjoying spaces is no longer the same, we have changed and the way we interact with others and with elements that surround us, so it is very important to consider this change in design.

People need to connect with materials, so this means increasing the tactility of surfaces. The imperfections of natural elements are the simplest way to make people connect to the materials. Craftsmanship is the perfect example because materials are used in their natural condition.

Swiss designers Julie Richoz and Nicolas Le Moigne have created a collection of screens and a range of lamps, all with decorative motif surfaces formed by weaving dried leaves around the frames. We recommend a visit to their website.

Natural reliefs are a good source of inspiration that with a good dose of ingenuity can offer new life to more traditional patterns. For example, changing the scale of the natural pattern can add an extra dose of energy to the design.

Inkiostro Bianco, in its their vinyl paper imitating curtains, plays with scale to recreate a close-up of the natural veining of a stone in its vinyl paper imitating curtains.

Another example is the treatment of dimensionality with different pile heights and embroidered details seen in Studio Lizan Freijsen's rugs.

In the Surface Trends 20/21 OTH (Observatory of Habitat Trends) report, it names Crudo as a surface treatment linked to the most sustainable trend in the report. Raw becomes the backbone of design focused on currents of connection with nature.

Caliza is a material with an appearance and properties similar to ceramics, its use is temporary or rather symbolic, since when it comes into contact with water it breaks down and is incorporated back into the ecosystem.

Design inspired by this trend should emphasise the enhancement of surface relief and texture. Making it unique will give a special character to the surface.

Ceramic is a material able to reproduce precisely patinas and abrasion. Accompanying the design with a relief will give the product character and credibility.

Let's not forget that designing from simplicity facilitates the creation of products focused on transmitting calm and comfort, which are currently highly valued attributes in both residential and commercial spaces.

Interesting links:

 Julie Richoz

Nicolas Le Moigne

Inkiostrobianco

Studio Lizan Freijsen

Caliza