Interior design materials have evolved throughout history, ranging from natural materials such as stone and wood to synthetic (artificially made) materials such as plastics and laminate. Each material has its own set of characteristics, such as availability, cost efficiency, maintenance, and usage. Throughout history, different materials have been in trend depending on the style each era had. For example, the signature decorative materials of the neoclassical era greatly varied from the clean and minimalist materials of modern design.
According to the top interior designers of Pakistan, choosing a material for your space is one of the most crucial steps in interior design. This can impact the overall appearance, feel, and functionality of the space. Before deciding on a material, you should ideally understand the different types of materials available in the market, the different variations they provide, and their properties and applications.
A range of materials approved by top architects in Lahore are listed below. Their specific characteristics make them ideal, according to the climate of Lahore and Islamabad. Read along for a comparative analysis of the top five trending materials that can be used for any surface in your interior space.
Wood
Wood is one of the most commonly used materials in most homes across the world. This is primarily because of its availability and variety of use. Interior designers have created new innovative ways to use wood in doors, kitchen cabinets, wall paneling, and flooring.
The versatility and adaptability of wood is unmatched, which makes it very in-demand, even though many alternative materials are available. Wood enables you to reuse it and change its form in the future.
In Pakistan, wood is generally classified into two broad categories: hardwood and softwood. Hardwood is used for making cupboards, panels, and door frames. They are extremely durable and can resist change due to temperature and humidity. Common hardwood used by best interior designers in Pakistan are deodar, mahogany, and teak. On the other hand, softwoods are more flexible. They are mostly used in wooden flooring, doors, and furniture. Some of the softwoods available in the market are Chir pine, Fir, and Hemlock (shekran).
In comparison to other materials, the maintenance of wood is difficult and requires attention. Since wood is often used with minimum modifications, it can easily lose its detailing and turn rough. For this reason, users often hesitate to use wood extensively. Additionally, natural wood can also be more expensive than other similar synthetic materials. Hence, it is important for you to plan the use of wood in your interior spaces accordingly.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and timeless material that can be used for a variety of surfaces in interior spaces. It is a natural stone formed from limestone, treated with high pressure and heat to transform into distinctive crystalline structures of different colors and patterns.
Specific material characteristics of marble allow it to be used in spaces with different functions. Marble, due to the impurities in the stone, forms a natural veining pattern. It is further polished to form different textures and finishes to achieve the desired appearance. This allows large slabs of marble to be used on feature walls and luxurious statement pieces. Furthermore, it is one of the most durable materials, with resistance to cracks and scratches. For this and its heat-resistance properties, experienced interior designers in Pakistan often recommend using marble as countertops in the kitchen. In many homes and most large-scale projects, marble is preferred for flooring due to its cool temperature. In warm-climate areas such as Lahore, it can be an ideal choice, hence making it amongst the top 5 materials to use in your interior design.
However, marble can be challenging to maintain. To keep its appearance perfect in the long run as well, it requires a great deal of attention and care. Due to its porosity, marble is prone to absorbing liquids, which can lead to permanent stains on the surface if it is not cleaned properly. Furthermore, some marbles can be extremely costly, depending on the limited availability of large slabs. Uniform slabs for flooring and countertops can be challenging, which might lead to inconsistent patterns and colors.
It is important for you to discuss the advantages and drawbacks of marble with your interior designer and decide accordingly. If you are seeking a luxurious and sophisticated aesthetic, marble can be an ideal choice.
Glass
Glass is a versatile material widely used in multiple aspects of interior design due to its transparency, sleekness, and the illusion of space it provides. The primary use of glass in any architectural project is in windows. The transparency and light-transmitting properties allow maximum natural light to enter the interior spaces, creating the illusion of a larger space, which enhances the overall ambiance. In specific interior spaces, such as drawing rooms and dining rooms, glass is often used in partitions to visually connect different areas while maintaining some degree of separation. This allows for maximum space utilization with the help of flexible layouts and adaptable features.
Furthermore, glass can also be used as a decorative material on interior surfaces making it amongst the top materials to use in your interior design. If glass is used strategically as a design tool on feature walls, its reflective qualities can be utilized with light to create patterns. This can help visually expand the perceived size of the space by adding depth.
While glass has a lot of potential to enhance your interior space, it is also wise to take account of its drawbacks as well. One of the major concerns is the lack of safety it offers due to the material’s fragility. Regularly available glass is susceptible to breakage and cannot be used on surfaces that face more resistance (glass bridges or large spans) without proper reinforcement. Requiring additional treatments for glass or acquiring thicker slabs of glass can be very expensive. Other than that, glass installation requires skilled labor, which increases the overall cost as well.
Tile
Tiles are one of the most common materials used in the interior and exterior design of an architectural project. They are mostly made from various materials, such as ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone, with each having specific properties and characteristics. Tiles are widely used, primarily because of the variety available in the market. According to the demand of your space, tiles can have different surface finishes like glossy, matte, or textured. Since they are also available in different shapes and sizes and can easily be cut to accommodate corners, they provide creative liberties to architects and designers.
Tiles are easier to install and maintain, which adds to their popularity. They are extremely cost-efficient because of their availability and lack of specific skilled labor requirements. Most tiles are very durable, with resistance to permanent stains. For example, porcelain tiles offer heightened resistance to color and texture deterioration and scratches. Some of the commonly available tiles recommended by interior designers in Islamabad include ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, mosaic tiles, and terracotta tiles.
While using tiles is easier and more cost-effective, it is also important to be aware of their disadvantages. While most tiles are durable, they are also prone to cracking or chipping under heavy impact. Additionally, the cement or grout filling between the tiles is harder to maintain. They can accumulate dirt over time and require regular cleaning to avoid discoloration.
Laminate
Unlike wood and marble, laminate is a synthetic material consisting of multiple layers, including a surface layer, a core layer (high-density fiberboard), and a protective top layer (adding durability and resistance from moisture). Similar to tiles and wood, laminate is also available in different finishes.
Laminates are a popular choice for partitions and linings of wardrobes and kitchen cabinets. They are available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, such as wood grains, abstract designs, and replica marble patterns. This allows interior designers to implement their concepts easily and accurately. Furthermore, the installation process is easier than with most other materials, requiring interlocking or adhesive sheets only.
However, it is essential to consider the material’s drawbacks as well. Laminate is extremely moisture-sensitive, which makes it unsuitable for wet areas such as the bathroom or kitchen. Additionally, Laminate cannot be repaired after damage, requiring you to change the entire piece in case of scratches, chips, or burn marks. Lack of heat resistance can result in discoloration or warping. For this reason, laminate is avoided while designing countertops or in areas with direct sunlight.
Conclusion
Interior design materials can be categorized into two major categories: natural and synthetic materials. Each material has its own unique qualities, texture, color, and usability. Natural materials like wood and stone are much more durable, while synthetic materials like laminates are more affordable and versatile.
When you are choosing materials for your project, technical aspects need to be considered as well. This includes factors like construction techniques, skilled labor, and surface engineering. Additionally, it is also important to consider the sustainability of the material you are choosing to minimize waste and environmental impact.
After an in-depth analysis of all the materials available, you can consult your architect and interior designer to determine the best combinations for the space. Interior designers in Lahore and Islamabad emphasize practices like considering color wheels for contrasts, mixing patterns and textures, and creating curated color schemes to instantly elevate your space.
Written By: Aimal Moazam