Here at Material Lab, we’re all about discovery and material innovation. And we love materials that are made from, or inspired by, other things.
Our search for some of the most unusual materials that take their influence from nature has led us to all sorts of projects, from wallpaper that looks like crystalised rock to vases made from bee propolis…
These wallpapers are naturally incredible. Created by Custhom , the Igneous range is designed to imitate the beautiful crystalisation of igneous rocks, which are formed through the cooling and solidification of lava. The finished result is wallpaper that features unique distressed and highly polished random metallic specks, in a range of hues.
Incredibly each of the beautiful bowls by Wael Seaiby was once a plastic bag. Winning acclaim for his up-cycling project, the product designer was named as one of the Design Council’s 70 Ones to Watch for 2015 . Turning our landfill-destined plastic bags into stunning hard-worked interior pieces, the project is just one example of a process that shifts a useless and aesthetically tasteless object into valuable craftsmanship.
Inspired by the intricate hidden work of insects, Marlene Huissoud’s From Insects project is a fascinating glimpse into the art of nature. Each of her unique pieces are created using material from insects, whether that’s propolis resin, a product honey bees collect from different trees to seal their hive, to silkworm cocoons. Due to her enlightening exhibition, Huissoud earned the honour of being added to the Design Council’s Ones to Watch for 2015 list.
Portugal-based Granorte used cork recycled from the waste of wine stopper production to create absorbing wall panels. Available in three rustic yet distinctive finishes – bark, rough-hewn and textured strip effect – they are a naturally brilliant and eco-friendly way to bring an organic touch to interior schemes.
The glazed porcelain honeycomb tiles from Johnson Tiles are rather sweet. Inspired by the intricate patterns of nature, their Metis range of glossy, geometric hexagonal tiles is available only in black and white for maximum impact.
Find out more about these projects on Mix Interiors and have a read of our monthly column, Material Matters. Come visit us at our studio in Great Titchfield Street in central London if you’re seeking more material inspiration.
