Photography Courtesy of Cortina LeathersExplore Materials and Sample A time-honored testament to material ingenuity, leather has served as an enduring element of design history. With an array of advantages that were first discovered in prehistoric times, leather’s aesthetics and applications have evolved and expanded over the years as a result…
Since they were introduced to the West in the 1970s, Tibetan wool rugs have been admired for their texture, colors, and patterns. But how did they become a popular import, and how do they differ from other hand-knotted rugs? The history of Tibetan rugs is uncertain. The first time that…
Wood block printing onto fabric has been a main staple of Indian culture and commerce for the last 2,000 years. Although today there are mechanical means, such as screen printing, which are able to mimic the appearance of traditional block printing—some not only echoing the motifs, but integrating minute mistakes…
The Superleggera Chair Giovanni Ponti was an architect, designer, exhibition organizer, and editor who is widely thought to be one of the major influences of the 20th century. His most famous works include the Superleggera chair, the Littoria Tower—which is now known as the Branca Tower—and the Pirelli Tower in…
Photography Courtesy of Fabric InnovationsExplore Materials and Sample A dexterously double-woven fabric that first gained popularity during the 18th century, matelassé materials mimic the dimensional designs of handcrafted quilts made in the south of France. The figured fabrics feature a weave that is distinctly designed to imitate the intricacies of…
Diverse design projects often demand different types of timber. An awareness of the distinctions between various species can help to determine material selections that will best suit certain design needs. While it is well-understood that wood is often classified into two categories—hardwood and softwood—the driving differences between these two classifications…
Photography Courtesy of Porcelanosa Sintered stones are expertly engineered with high-performance properties to provide exceptionally strong and stable surfaces. An innovative manmade material that can be used across an array of interior applications—from flooring and wall surfaces to countertops and cabinetry—sintered stone is turned to for its supremely strong performance…
A classic architectural embellishment with a long lineage, decorative mouldings can be used to mask, contour, or enhance the seams of surfaces with an added flourish. Cutting a striking profile with prominent angles and sinuous curves, the traditional trimmings can create a cohesive and polished aesthetic. Adapted from elements of…
Limestone is lauded for its lasting durability and versatility. Maintaining an enduring material history, the nuanced natural stone has been utilized for millenniums in the making of many architectural masterpieces. Storied limestone structures situated around the world have stood the test of time, demonstrating the distinct advantages achieved with its application.…
Photography Courtesy of Kirei Inherent advantages including durability and modularity make felt a versatile material that meets the design needs of a variety of interior settings. “Felt’s design power is threefold,” says John Stein, president and founder of Kirei. “It offers advantages of both color and tactile beauty, with the ability…
Rubber is revered as an exceedingly ecologically friendly material equipped with a rare balance of function and form that is well-suited for use as resilient flooring. Naturally slip-proof and shock-absorbent, rubber’s range of recompenses include its extreme elasticity, strength, durability, and ease of maintenance, as well as a resistance to…
Characterized by captivating colors, graphic geometric patterns, and flatwoven forms, the kilim holds a vibrant history that spans centuries and reflects a rich compilation of cultural influences. The pileless, tapestry-woven rugs and textiles are regarded by many as a material representation of the crossroads between Eastern and Western cultures, .…
The subway tile is an essential element of interior design that holds a storied 100-year history, having first emerged in the early twentieth century as an easy-to-clean, sleek surfacing solution for the subterranean spaces beneath New York City streets. The ubiquitous three-by-six-inch rectangular tile has evolved from applications across Manhattan…
An essential aspect of many material specification methods involves a determination of durability and resistance to abrasion. Developed over 200 years ago, the Mohs scale of mineral hardness offers a straightforward system for testing the toughness of materials—including minerals, rocks, and gemstones—that roughly measures of the resistance of a smooth…
Photography Courtesy of OmniDecor Glass Design When a designed space demands both opacity and openness from its surfaces, etched glass panels provide a favorable fix for an array of applications. Adding dimensionality and depth to interiors, decorative acid etched glass surfaces deliver a degree of privacy by delicately obscuring outlines…
Photography Courtesy of Artistic TileExplore Materials and Sample Characterized by kaleidoscopic colors unfolding across undulating layers, onyx is a precious gemstone material that is imbued with intrigue. The lightweight and luminous stone has a long and rich history of use—its earliest appearances can be traced back to ancient Egypt and…
Acoustics play a crucial role in any environment, impacting everything from productivity in the workplace to the market value of residences. Though the science behind sound is well established, the act of implementing it to design a desirable acoustic environment is complex and a broad scope of solutions is used…
A celebrated interior element, cork is a compelling renewable resource regarded for its tactile touch and timeless, organic appeal. The vast majority of cork is used in the production of bottle stops, while its other uses range from consumer goods to construction uses and transportation components. Ubiquitously used for design…
Distinguished by delicately rendered decorative patterning, damasks and brocades are two types of finely detailed fabrics. Bearing many similarities, they are often thought to be interchangeable by those less acquainted with their intricacies. While both fabrics boast age-old histories dating back to centuries ago, their alluring appeal has endured over…
Photography Courtesy of AnzeaExplore Materials and Sample It is well known that performance fabrics are ideal for outfitting high traffic areas in interior spaces that are designed to stand the test of time. When searching for easy-to-clean materials that can hold up to heavy wear-and-tear, it is best to specify…
Photography Courtesy of Emser TileExplore Materials and Sample Grout plays a fundamental role in tile installations. Though it often goes unnoticed, grout is hard at work between the tiles, bonding them together, strengthening their surface, and fighting off water damage and stains, while imparting a finished look for floors, walls,…
Marble (left) and Granite (right). Photography Courtesy of Arca Marble and granite are two highly sought-after surfacing materials armed with a timeless allure that elegantly adapts to almost any aesthetic from classic to contemporary. While granite and marble share many common characteristics, an understanding of their unique attributes is essential…
The prospect of selecting a paint often entails dedicated deliberation and a drawn-out decision-making process. From choosing the right type of paint to pinpointing the precise color that will best suit a space, a series of steps is involved. While often saved for last, finding the right finish is just…
Photography Courtesy of Milliken When it comes to choosing carpet, one primary consideration is the type of fiber used in its construction. The characteristics of the carpet fiber can determine the carpet’s appearance and feel underfoot, as well as its ability to hold up over time. While many types of fiber…
Photography Courtesy of Carnegie In the world of wallcoverings, vinyl has dominated the scene for decades. When searching for a different way to cover your walls, it is worthwhile to explore the array of alternatives also on the market. There are many contenders comprising unique materials that pack a punch…
