Interior Design by Kallos Turin
Last year, a trend of all-over color dominated stylish interiors, social media feeds, and designer visions, wrapping us in warm, earthy tones and vibrant jewel hues. This year, in alignment with a renewed interest in adding texture to our living spaces, designers are taking this trend to a luxurious new level: material drenching. This technique involves covering an entire room in a singular stone, tile, wood, mirror, or fabric, elevating the look with a distinct tactile experience.
In this feature, we asked interior designers to share insights on why this bold design trend has gained popularity, which rooms are best suited for it, and how to execute it effectively.
Meet the Experts:
Abigail Turin and Stephania Kallos, co-founders of architecture and design firm Kallos Turin
RóisÃn Lafferty, an interior designer from Dublin, Ireland
What Is Material Drenching?
Interior Design by RoÃsÃn Lafferty
Similar to color drenching, material drenching imbues a space with a cohesive and intentional atmosphere. However, it goes beyond the impact of paint by engaging the senses.
“The effect is striking, creating a sensation of being enveloped by the material, or stepping into another realm,” explains interior designer RóisÃn Lafferty. A tactile covering on walls, ceilings, and floors fosters a deeper connection with a space, both emotionally and physically. “It invites interaction with the space, not just visual admiration,” she adds.
Although this trend may seem modern, its origins can be traced back to the 1920s when interior design shifted from the opulence of Art Deco to a more streamlined aesthetic.
“The early modernists excelled at this,” notes Abigail Turin from Kallos Turin. “By prioritizing simplicity over ornamentation, fewer materials were used but with greater impact. The Barcelona Pavilion by Mies van der Rohe in 1929 is a prime example, showcasing the use of stone slabs.”
The choice of material plays a crucial role in determining the overall intensity. For instance, stone can introduce subtle texture with bold veining, while small tiles offer intricate patterns and concentrated color.
Why It’s Popular
Interior Design by RoÃsÃn Lafferty
Today, our homes serve as sanctuaries that influence our well-being. Material drenching can enhance this sense of comfort and contentment. “It’s a way to transform how a space feels and how you interact with it,” Lafferty explains. Just as colors impact our mood, materials can evoke similar emotions with added depth.
This trend also caters to the growing demand for personalized interior designs that reflect individual tastes and spaces. “When a client resonates with a particular color or material, emphasizing its use makes the project more personal to them,” emphasizes Stephania Kallos of Kallos Turin.
Lafferty views its popularity as a testament to the blending
If the idea of incorporating materials into your interior design feels overwhelming, interior designers suggest looking to the early modernists for guidance. They recommend focusing on aspects like sunlight, air, and utility when choosing materials for a space.
Consider how light interacts with the space and how a material will either reflect or absorb it, explains Kallos. The impact of color is also important to keep in mind, as using more of a material or color can intensify its effect. It’s crucial to think about maintenance as well – for example, fabric might not be ideal for a steamy bathroom, while stone could make a bedroom feel too chilly.
Lafferty emphasizes the importance of engaging all five senses in design. Intimate spaces benefit from softer and warmer materials like timber and polished plaster, which also offer good acoustic properties. On the other hand, dramatic materials such as stone can be suited for impactful spaces that are less sensitive to their presence.
If you’re hesitant to fully embrace the trend, start by incorporating small or subtle elements. A powder room with rich materials can create a bold statement, while Venetian plaster can add character to a room while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.
