5 Unique Materials for Interior Design

When it comes to crafting standout interiors, the materials you choose can make all the difference. After all, the finishes are what bring a space to life. Through texture, tone, form, and craftsmanship, the right surface can elevate your interior from ordinary to unforgettable. Here are five unique materials to consider for your next interior design project.

Microcement

Add dimension to your space with the cloudy, soft-looking finish of microcement. Products like X-Bond bring texture and depth to floors, walls, and joinery for a look that stands out compared to basic wall paint or traditional concrete. You can apply microcement almost anywhere, but it’s especially popular for bathrooms, flooring, and walls (either internally or externally).

Tough yet refined, X-Bond Microcement is a modern innovation engineered for the best balance of aesthetics and performance. Its strength and versatility exceeds other hand-applied finishes like Venetian plaster or limewash, but with the same bespoke architectural feel and seamless result.

Rosso Levanto Marble

Rich, dramatic, and exotic; Rosso Levanto marble is a striking natural stone known for its deep red color and distinctive white veining. Quarried primarily in Italy, this marble expresses luxury and elegance with a side of contemporary edge. If you’re weighing up different stone options, Rosso Levanto’s rich tone creates bold contrast and has a big impact in minimalist spaces. Our favorite applications are vanities, sink areas, and countertops.

Silver Travertine

Travertine is formed by mineral deposits from natural springs. Silver travertine is one variety that features a blend of silver, grey, and beige tones. With its subtle color shifts and layered linear veining, it’s the perfect intersection of neutral and dynamic. Depending on the finish — tumbled, honed, or polished — it can lean rustic or refined.

One of the key appeals of all natural stone is that no two pieces are exactly the same, which adds character to any installation. It’s one of one, just like your space.

Burnished Brass

Brass has always had a place in interiors, but it’s taken on a new life now that contemporary designers are discovering the beauty of burnished metal. This warm and subtly reflective finish puts a rustic spin on glamour with its softened, aged patina. Replacing polished brass for matte, rumbled, and brushed versions is an understated way to rebel against classic materials. It works especially well in handles, tapware, and cabinetry, where it only develops character over time.

Shou Sugi Ban

Shou Sugi Ban (also known as Yakisugi) is a traditional Japanese method of preserving timber by charring the surface with fire. The timber’s unique grain patterns and natural imperfections are highlighted by the burning process, making it even more visually distinct.

Originally developed as a way to protect wood from the elements, modern interpretations of Shou Sugi Ban are not only found on exterior cladding but now also on ceilings, walls, and even furniture. The finish varies in intensity from lightly charred to deep black with a crackled, alligator-skin texture.

The quiet drama and character of Shou Sugi Ban can’t be replicated. If you’re looking for a way to differentiate your timber finishes from everyone else, this is it.

Incorporating unique materials into your design scheme is a powerful way to create memorable spaces. Through specialised craftsmanship and one-of-a-kind detailing, these five materials can be used to express personality, build textural dimensions, and take modern interiors to the next level.

Looking to source or specify microcement? Get in touch! We’d love to help bring your vision to life with SEMCO X-Bond Microcement.