Mixing the Look of Natural Materials in Your Home

by Rachel Lyon, Editorial Director for The House Designers

Do you want to step away from basic design? There’s so much you can do to enhance your space, including bringing some of the outdoors back inside. Natural materials like wood and stone add plenty of interest and charm, and they’re the backbone of most biophilic design schemes. This growing movement seeks to reconnect us to the natural environment through design choices, no matter the actual location, and it’s a wonderful way to make your home more attractive and comfortable to be in. Interested? Here’s how you can combine the looks of different natural materials with great results!

Choose the Right Patterns & Profiles

Biophilic design can take all sorts of forms, so make sure to find some example photos for inspiration. Some people keep it simple for a minimalist effect while others go all-in with bold choices that grab attention from the get-go. That’s why it’s so important to have a clear vision of your goals—you don’t want to leave it up to somebody else’s interpretation!

Are you aiming for a more contemporary look? Err on the neater side with clean-cut stone profiles that allow surface texture to set the tone and wood elements with low-contrast, relatively uniform colors and grain patterns. Perhaps you have a rugged aesthetic in mind? There are tons of stone options with assorted shapes and facets as well as flooring, cabinetry, and beams with knots and varied wood shades. With all the diversity of the natural world and modern manufacturing capabilities, you won’t be lost for lack of options.

Select Complementary Hues

Do you know what sort of color tone and temperature you want your space to have? Natural materials can be anything from light and bright to deep and dark, and within those categories, you’ll find they can also be warm, neutral, or cool. Some regions and their associated architectural styles lean in a clear direction—think the warm sand tones of the desert Southwest, the dark shades of the volcanic Pacific Northwest, and the ruddy hues of Appalachia—but as with anything else, the choice is ultimately yours.

It's a good idea to select one product first—like flooring or stone accents—then make the rest of your design decisions based on that to ensure a cohesive final look. In other words, let one inform the other decisions rather than ending up with an awkward amalgamation. In most cases, you’ll want to stay in the same temperature lane, or pair a warm or cool feature with something neutral. Stone comes in all color temperatures while wood is inherently warm or neutral, so keep that in mind when you decide which product to start with!

Balance the Big Picture

Of course, there’s plenty more nature you can work into your home. Consider your windows—do they bring in nice views of your environment? Take your surroundings into consideration, then, and find complementary interior finishes that help blur the line between indoors and out. If you don’t have any natural views to speak of, don’t be afraid to accessorize your space with indoor plants and/or decorative water features. You can create whatever atmosphere you want between installed products and other final touches.

Looking for gorgeous stone to add just the right amount of natural charm to your home? Eldorado Stone has a full range of veneer options! You’ll find chic and understated profiles suitable for contemporary schemes as well as rugged ones for rustic designs. These products are ideal for fireplaces, backsplashes, and accent walls, so you’re sure to find something that fits your needs. Not sure where to start? Find a local dealer who can help you explore the possibilities!