Interior materials of the future: the sustainable shift

The interior materials of the future revolve around two big keywords: “green” and “sustainable”. Users increasingly favour materials that are safe for the environment, long-lived and close to nature, while still delivering refined aesthetics. Below are the material groups that dominate — and will continue to dominate — interior design, together with the architectural styles associated with them.

The material groups on the rise

Brick, stone and concrete

These three materials share a quality of “permanence” — very long lifespans that express durability over time:

• Brick and stone: durable, reusable, with beautiful natural grain.
• Exposed concrete: making a comeback as a way of celebrating the raw, essential beauty of the material.
• Environmental note: concrete is harder to recycle than brick or stone, worth weighing when sustainability is the priority.

Wood

Wood is the most fundamental and versatile material, present in floors, walls, ceilings and furniture. Overusing wood across too many surfaces (especially walls and ceilings), however, creates a heavy, closed-in feeling and diminishes the material’s sense of value. In line with the minimalist trend, high-quality HDF engineered wood with sound and heat insulation properties is widely recommended by specialists — see engineered wood types in interiors.

Glass

Glass is special for its transparency and light transmission — the opposite of the other materials. It fills gaps, carries light deep into the plan and creates lively reflection and refraction effects, which is especially useful in small apartments.

Humble materials (bamboo, rattan, plywood)

Low-cost, environmentally friendly materials such as bamboo, rattan, plywood and hemp will see growing use. Inspiration from Japanese culture — particularly the minimalist wabi-sabi movement — has made this rustic group increasingly popular.

Materials and the styles of the future

Materials and architectural styles shape each other. The trend towards organic, durable materials is driving three notable design directions:

• Green architecture: design in harmony with nature, harnessing natural energy, reducing environmental impact and adapting to each region’s climate.
• Minimalism: championing simplicity and closeness to nature, favouring high-quality sound- and heat-insulating materials.
• High-tech architecture: for technology lovers, combining glass, metal, stone and engineered materials with modern equipment.

Choosing materials in a sustainable spirit

The overall trend leans towards natural, durable and environmentally friendly materials — distinctive yet approachable. When choosing, weigh lifespan, reusability and how well each material fits the overall style. Read more on green materials in interiors and construction and the minimalist interior style for the discerning to pick materials in the right direction.

AIC works to a single-point design-build model, with over 10 years in the trade (since 2016 under the predecessor Nhan Viet; AIC was founded in 2019) and two in-house factories (1,200 m² and 600 m²) — giving it direct control over joinery and finishing materials. From a floor plan, AIC can produce a BOQ estimate within roughly 4 working hours so you can size your materials budget; projects are handed over with a warranty of up to 24 months. See our apartment interior design and build service.

Frequently asked questions

Which interior materials last longest?

Brick and natural stone have a quality of “permanence” — very long lifespans and the ability to be reused. Good-quality wood and natural materials such as bamboo and rattan are also durable and environmentally friendly. Concrete is durable but hard to recycle, so weigh it carefully if green factors are the priority.

What are humble materials?

Humble materials are the rustic, low-cost, environmentally friendly group — bamboo, rattan, plywood, hemp. They are tied to the minimalist, wabi-sabi spirit and are increasingly popular for their natural, approachable beauty.

Should wood cover all the walls and ceiling?

No. Using wood across too many surfaces, especially walls and ceilings, easily creates a heavy, cramped feeling and diminishes the material’s sense of value. Combine wood deliberately with other materials such as stone, glass and metal to create depth and balance.