Earthly Delights: How to Use Natural Materials in Modern Homes
Our world feels increasingly fast-paced and disconnected from nature. As a result, when we use natural materials in our modern, technologically advanced homes there’s something deeply grounding about the experience. The natural materials trend is a shift toward authenticity that goes far beyond simple design movement. Sustainability, and a desire to feel more connected to the earth, even within our four walls, is guiding design professionals and enthusiasts to embrace the earthly delights by using more natural materials in modern homes.
How to Use Natural Materials in Modern Homes
From raw wood and woven textiles to stone, clay, and rattan, materials found in nature are taking center stage in modern interiors—and for good reason. Here’s our guide for how to use natural materials in your modern home, and in every room.
1. Wood, In Its Most Honest Form
Forget glossy finishes and engineered perfection. Today’s love affair with wood leans toward the raw and imperfect. Live-edge slabs, reclaimed timbers, and visible grain patterns celebrate the beauty of nature’s handiwork and create unique pieces with bespoke details.
Integrate wood in its most honest form by placing a chunky oak dining table or a handcrafted walnut bench into your dining room. Natural wood furniture like the Trunk Bench instantly brings warmth and depth to any space.
2. Stone Surfaces That Bring You Back To Earth
Marble, travertine, and soapstone have all claimed their place in the resurgence of natural materials. But not in the overly polished way you might remember or immediately think of. No, the current approach favors the informal matte finishes, irregular veining, and tactile, organic shapes. The raw edges of stone shows off the sparkly interior of the material and gives your otherwise elegant design aesthetic a rough-and-ready spirit. Some of our favorite ways to incorporate stone is through a terrazzo-inspired backsplash or a piece like the Epic Coffee Table.
3. Woven Textures & Organic Fibers
Lend subtle texture and a relaxed, truly organic, vibe to your home with the craftsmanship of woven textiles and the soft aesthetics of organic fibers. Jute, sisal, wool, and cotton create some of the most beautiful ease and authenticity to any room’s design. Layer a jute area rug with cotton-upholstered furnishings, and hang a woven pendant light amongst linen curtains for a breezy, light-filled look.
4. Clay, Terracotta & Earthenware Accents
Find the perfect quiet charm with hand-thrown pottery, terracotta planters, and the perfect imperfection of handmade ceramic vases. Pottery, in all its forms, is one of the most effective ways to introduce natural color tones—rust, sand, ochre, and stone gray—into even the most minimalist or modern home.
The color palette and aesthetics of pottery, glazed and unglazed, work beautifully across a variety of interiors, from Scandinavian to Southwest to Japandi.
5. Rattan, Cane & Wicker Revival
A mainstay of retro interior design, rattan and cane furniture have made a legendary comeback. Contemporary designers, however, have given the classic rattan and wicker aesthetics an elevated twist. Today’s wicker and rattan furniture designs feel lighter and more sculptural, paying homage to the traditions and Mid-Century constructions while also mixing them with modern silhouettes and bold upholstery for a fresh, modern take.
Rattan chairs, woven headboards, and wicker pendant lights are perfect for creating that relaxed, resort feel without sacrificing sophistication and comfort.
Why Natural Materials Just Make Sense
At its core, the shift toward organic textures and sustainable design is about intention. Natural materials don’t just look beautiful; they feel good to live with and they are often made through sustainable methods. These materials pulled directly from Mother Earth patina gracefully with time, age honestly, and invite us to slow down and appreciate the craftsmanship behind the objects in our homes.
The Future is Naturally Inspired
From earthy palettes and eco-friendly materials to thoughtful craftsmanship, the revived natural materials trend shows no signs of fading. In fact, as more homeowners prioritize wellness, sustainability, and timeless design, using natural materials in modern homes is quickly becoming highly desirable.
Explore HORNE’s curated selection of sustainable furniture, natural home decor, and organic lighting to bring warmth, texture, and authenticity into your space.
