Stimulating The Senses With Tactile Materials
There has been a strong move towards using textured and tactile materials in our homes, greatly driven by the surrounding landscape. Honed finishes, raw timbers, and reclaimed brick are replacing the high-gloss and polished materials.
We’ve embraced the earthy tones, the slubby linens and irregular forms, which all contribute to the overall richness of the design and create harmony with our environment.
There is a resurgence of the imperfection and restrained design. Exposed materials providing a tactile nature are no longer reserved for the use within specific spaces like industrial lofts and converted warehouses, nor is it limited to the outdoors.
Think about the sense of pleasure you feel walking barefoot on warm stone tiles, or when you run your hand along an organic free form stone wall. Tactile, natural materials evoke a subtle feeling that’s hard to describe, but easy to imagine. If we overlook the experience tactile materials can create in our homes, are we limiting the influence the overall design has on its inhabitants?
The salvaged, organic nature of tactile materials isn’t about adding a ‘rustic’ look to the space, it’s more sophisticated than that. Bespoke, understated, honest. It’s about connecting with natural, earthy materials while relishing in the imperfections and stimulating the senses.
Image: Cotto Antico Luce terracotta tiles at Polperro Winery designed by Hecker Guthrie.
