Renovating
Warm Up Your House With Materials Provided by Mother Nature
Use naturally beautiful stone, earth, timber, steel, concrete, oxides and textured fabrics to bring your home to life
So what is a natural material? By definition it is any product that comes from plants, animals or the ground, including the minerals and the metals that can be extracted from the ground and forged, such as iron. Mother Nature has, in fact, been very generous to us, providing the most beautiful, colourful, textural and, at times, imperfect (which I like) materials to use to adorn our homes and create spaces that are warm to help nurture our soul. No two pieces of stone or wood, for example, are identical, unlike man-made products. After all, you can’t grow identical trees or influence millions of years of rock formation to produce the amazing colourful veins found in marble or granite.
So why is it that we crave the real things in life; the things that give us that warm and fuzzy feeling? It’s because they ground us and keep us in touch with Mother Nature and, most of all, it’s because it’s where we are derived from, too. And like all natural materials found on this earth, we are all different, and it is the difference or personality of the material that brings out its warmth just like in you and me. Here’s how you can use the gifts from nature around your home…
So why is it that we crave the real things in life; the things that give us that warm and fuzzy feeling? It’s because they ground us and keep us in touch with Mother Nature and, most of all, it’s because it’s where we are derived from, too. And like all natural materials found on this earth, we are all different, and it is the difference or personality of the material that brings out its warmth just like in you and me. Here’s how you can use the gifts from nature around your home…
Before I begin, I want to share this photo. I love it because it encapsulates the materials from nature that can be used to create an amazing space. This beautiful outdoor landscape also reveals a clue to how to successfully warm your house with natural materials. It’s a clue that can also be found in every subsequent photo in this Ideabook, but I will leave this secret until the end … unless you can see it already.
STONE
Marble
It is no coincidence that for thousands of years the Romans and Greeks used marble to adorn their palaces and homes. It is a beautiful material that weathers and ages well. You can see this in the many steps of old churches where the marble has eroded to display the footprint of millions of people that have walked on them. Bars and cafes traditionally, too, have used marble for countertops, and it is something special to touch the stone with all its imperfections knowing that countless others have touched it in the past.
Mim Design has brought out the warmth in this kitchen by transferring the colour of the vein found in the marble island bench and splashback to the dark joinery and the island stools, creating a soothing palette. Although the marble is white in colour, it can still be used to create warmth. Many homeowners are hesitant to use marble because it stains. However, I find this one of the great qualities of the stone because it shows the activity that has taken place with family and friends. Just remember to avoid getting lemon juice and other acidic foods on the marble, which will etch the surface.
Marble can be sealed, but don’t panic, there are now contractors who can come to your home and re-hone the marble (dust-free) and bring it back to new again.
Marble
It is no coincidence that for thousands of years the Romans and Greeks used marble to adorn their palaces and homes. It is a beautiful material that weathers and ages well. You can see this in the many steps of old churches where the marble has eroded to display the footprint of millions of people that have walked on them. Bars and cafes traditionally, too, have used marble for countertops, and it is something special to touch the stone with all its imperfections knowing that countless others have touched it in the past.
Mim Design has brought out the warmth in this kitchen by transferring the colour of the vein found in the marble island bench and splashback to the dark joinery and the island stools, creating a soothing palette. Although the marble is white in colour, it can still be used to create warmth. Many homeowners are hesitant to use marble because it stains. However, I find this one of the great qualities of the stone because it shows the activity that has taken place with family and friends. Just remember to avoid getting lemon juice and other acidic foods on the marble, which will etch the surface.
Marble can be sealed, but don’t panic, there are now contractors who can come to your home and re-hone the marble (dust-free) and bring it back to new again.
Limestone
David Edelman Architects has created the most amazing kitchen benchtop using travertine limestone with a thick nosing that gives the impression of solidity. Once again the colour of the vein has been picked up to select the appropriate natural timber and stools to complement the stone and create a glowing warmth in the space.
David Edelman Architects has created the most amazing kitchen benchtop using travertine limestone with a thick nosing that gives the impression of solidity. Once again the colour of the vein has been picked up to select the appropriate natural timber and stools to complement the stone and create a glowing warmth in the space.
Marble and limestone
In my own project, we combined marble and limestone. The colour of the bathtub takes its cue from the solid black marble slab, while the colour of the glass pendant light takes its cue from the amber in the vein running through the marble.
An ambiance of warmth and luxury is further highlighted with the use of a taupe limestone on both the floor and the walls. The single glass slipper-shaped bathtub sits in the space acting as a sculpture where you can bathe and enjoy the warmth of the surroundings.
In my own project, we combined marble and limestone. The colour of the bathtub takes its cue from the solid black marble slab, while the colour of the glass pendant light takes its cue from the amber in the vein running through the marble.
An ambiance of warmth and luxury is further highlighted with the use of a taupe limestone on both the floor and the walls. The single glass slipper-shaped bathtub sits in the space acting as a sculpture where you can bathe and enjoy the warmth of the surroundings.
TIMBER
With a variety of natural timbers available, there is an endless palette of species from which to choose. Here, interior designer Darren Palmer has successfully created a cosy and contemporary warm bedroom using timber as a main wall feature while simultaneously using it as a floor finish and window bench. The black joinery, in contrast, is a high gloss that teams well with the dark window frames and curtains and complements the natural timber. A rug that appears to be made of hemp, another gift from Mother Nature, takes on the tones of the timber. The warmth of the space is essentially created not only through the selection of materials but also through the textural and colour qualities.
With a variety of natural timbers available, there is an endless palette of species from which to choose. Here, interior designer Darren Palmer has successfully created a cosy and contemporary warm bedroom using timber as a main wall feature while simultaneously using it as a floor finish and window bench. The black joinery, in contrast, is a high gloss that teams well with the dark window frames and curtains and complements the natural timber. A rug that appears to be made of hemp, another gift from Mother Nature, takes on the tones of the timber. The warmth of the space is essentially created not only through the selection of materials but also through the textural and colour qualities.
Timber and rammed earth
Can there be no better gift from Mother Nature than the soil on which your home sits? Rammed earth is a mixture of clay, sand and aggregate compacted in layers between formwork that gives you that horizontal textural pattern.
Rammed earth is such an amazing wall finish. Not only does it display the colour and characteristics of the natural environment, but it provides a solidity that only concrete can mirror. In this beautiful home, CCS Architecture has combined the use of rammed earth with timber. The timber wall has similar toning and horizontal banding to the rammed earth wall. To further warm up the space a darker timber is used on the staircase and this has the effect of drawing your eye up towards the first floor in anticipation of what lies beyond.
Can there be no better gift from Mother Nature than the soil on which your home sits? Rammed earth is a mixture of clay, sand and aggregate compacted in layers between formwork that gives you that horizontal textural pattern.
Rammed earth is such an amazing wall finish. Not only does it display the colour and characteristics of the natural environment, but it provides a solidity that only concrete can mirror. In this beautiful home, CCS Architecture has combined the use of rammed earth with timber. The timber wall has similar toning and horizontal banding to the rammed earth wall. To further warm up the space a darker timber is used on the staircase and this has the effect of drawing your eye up towards the first floor in anticipation of what lies beyond.
CONCRETE
Most homeowners think that concrete is a very cold material but, in fact, it is a very warm material. A wonderful characteristic of concrete is that it can store heat during the day when the sun shines on it, and then release it at night to warm up the space.
Concrete can be used in its natural raw state as seen in this fireplace or it can be polished to expose the aggregate and used as a final floor finish requiring very little maintenance. Concrete is a very versatile floor finish and different aggregates and other materials, such as glass, metal or even favourite objects, can be added to the mixture so that when ground back they are exposed as a feature. I have even known homeowners to add coins from their birth year so that when exposed they are there for posterity.
In this wonderful living space, Moloney Architects has combined the raw elements of concrete and steel (seen in the large floor-to-ceiling windows) to not only enhance the space but to invite the landscape inside displaying all the wonders of Mother Nature.
Most homeowners think that concrete is a very cold material but, in fact, it is a very warm material. A wonderful characteristic of concrete is that it can store heat during the day when the sun shines on it, and then release it at night to warm up the space.
Concrete can be used in its natural raw state as seen in this fireplace or it can be polished to expose the aggregate and used as a final floor finish requiring very little maintenance. Concrete is a very versatile floor finish and different aggregates and other materials, such as glass, metal or even favourite objects, can be added to the mixture so that when ground back they are exposed as a feature. I have even known homeowners to add coins from their birth year so that when exposed they are there for posterity.
In this wonderful living space, Moloney Architects has combined the raw elements of concrete and steel (seen in the large floor-to-ceiling windows) to not only enhance the space but to invite the landscape inside displaying all the wonders of Mother Nature.
Concrete, brick and timber
This very relaxed living room designed by the architects at Dale Jones-Evans Architecture displays a variety of natural materials that, used in combination, have created a very warm and inviting space. Mother Nature can sometimes provide us with the raw ingredients that, once combined, result in a finish that in itself is beautifully raw and doesn’t require any further enhancement.
Concrete has been formed up to create the ceiling and the dramatic column with its tapered head. Rather than paint it or hide it, the concrete has been left in its natural state and the formwork supports are left imprinted in the material to add visual interest.
The bricks, too, made of clay and fired in a kiln or naturally baked by the sun, are a warm brown colour. Their colour is picked up in the timber floor and the laser-cut screens on the mezzanine. Finally, the timber furniture, cabinetry and feature wall colours both complement the other natural materials to create a space that glows.
This very relaxed living room designed by the architects at Dale Jones-Evans Architecture displays a variety of natural materials that, used in combination, have created a very warm and inviting space. Mother Nature can sometimes provide us with the raw ingredients that, once combined, result in a finish that in itself is beautifully raw and doesn’t require any further enhancement.
Concrete has been formed up to create the ceiling and the dramatic column with its tapered head. Rather than paint it or hide it, the concrete has been left in its natural state and the formwork supports are left imprinted in the material to add visual interest.
The bricks, too, made of clay and fired in a kiln or naturally baked by the sun, are a warm brown colour. Their colour is picked up in the timber floor and the laser-cut screens on the mezzanine. Finally, the timber furniture, cabinetry and feature wall colours both complement the other natural materials to create a space that glows.
STEEL
Centrum Architects has used rusted steel panels in a very dramatic way to create a golden rust effect in this home. They line the walls of the hallway and draw your eye to the timber ceiling above. The colour of rust itself is a very warm and earthy colour.
Steel panels can be used inside or outside. The appropriate steel to use is called Corten because the steel itself is allowed to rust in order to form a protective coating and will eventually stop rusting. If you use normal raw steel it will also rust but continue to rust under the influence of weather and eventually deteriorate. You can seal the panels to limit the rusting but it can change the look and not give you that warm feeling you desire.
Centrum Architects has used rusted steel panels in a very dramatic way to create a golden rust effect in this home. They line the walls of the hallway and draw your eye to the timber ceiling above. The colour of rust itself is a very warm and earthy colour.
Steel panels can be used inside or outside. The appropriate steel to use is called Corten because the steel itself is allowed to rust in order to form a protective coating and will eventually stop rusting. If you use normal raw steel it will also rust but continue to rust under the influence of weather and eventually deteriorate. You can seal the panels to limit the rusting but it can change the look and not give you that warm feeling you desire.
OXIDES
Oxides have been used for thousands of years as a means of decorating homes with fresco walls or creating masterpieces of art. They are found in the earth as natural soils, but they can also be created using natural materials, such as iron or clay, and manipulated to create other colours using heat. They are often added in cement or render to create earthy tones.
In this home, DDB (Design, Development & Building) has designed an external garden wall using a sand cement render tinted in brown oxide to create a dramatic backdrop to the outdoor space.
Oxides have been used for thousands of years as a means of decorating homes with fresco walls or creating masterpieces of art. They are found in the earth as natural soils, but they can also be created using natural materials, such as iron or clay, and manipulated to create other colours using heat. They are often added in cement or render to create earthy tones.
In this home, DDB (Design, Development & Building) has designed an external garden wall using a sand cement render tinted in brown oxide to create a dramatic backdrop to the outdoor space.
In this home theatre room the designers at Minosa have used a black oxide and trowel finish to the floor to create a dramatic interior that exudes warmth. The colour of the oxide is picked up in the paint finish and fabric of the furniture. The space is immediately welcoming.
Oxides and concrete
In my design of a subterranean multipurpose room that has no connection to the outside I have created a feeling of warmth by rendering a wall with a white plaster finish that has an umber oxide incorporated within. The swirls are created by troweling the render. When the render drys (usually over a period of three days) it leaves the effect as seen on the wall. To further protect the finish I added a beeswax and then buffed it to give it a shine. The concrete floor was also polished and an umber oxide added in the mixture. The simple but sparse furnishings of the day bed in colours similar to the floor and wall create a relaxed and restful space to contemplate (or watch people exercise!).
In my design of a subterranean multipurpose room that has no connection to the outside I have created a feeling of warmth by rendering a wall with a white plaster finish that has an umber oxide incorporated within. The swirls are created by troweling the render. When the render drys (usually over a period of three days) it leaves the effect as seen on the wall. To further protect the finish I added a beeswax and then buffed it to give it a shine. The concrete floor was also polished and an umber oxide added in the mixture. The simple but sparse furnishings of the day bed in colours similar to the floor and wall create a relaxed and restful space to contemplate (or watch people exercise!).
FABRIC
Fabric is one of Mother Nature’s gifts that is so versatile it can be used to warm up your home in myriad ways – think linen and cotton in curtains, upholstered walls using leather, and storage such as these utilitarian sisal baskets.
This simple and beautiful bedroom interior by C+M Studio is a very inviting and warm space because it combines fabrics and timber against a white backdrop.
Fabric is one of Mother Nature’s gifts that is so versatile it can be used to warm up your home in myriad ways – think linen and cotton in curtains, upholstered walls using leather, and storage such as these utilitarian sisal baskets.
This simple and beautiful bedroom interior by C+M Studio is a very inviting and warm space because it combines fabrics and timber against a white backdrop.
Natural fabrics are derived from the fibres of animal coats, plant seeds, stems and leaves, and silk worm cocoons. They are soft and breathable, and UV light does not cause discolouration. This shower curtain is an organic linen which is pesticide free, making it ideal for this beach-themed home photographed by Chris Dorsey.
Harvesting Mother Nature’s gifts
There is no limit to what nature can provide us to warm up our homes. From the natural stones and oxides of the earth to the timber grown from trees and the fabrics from plant and animal life, the harvest is vast and real. When used in their natural state, all the perfections and imperfections add a warmth to your home that connects you to the earth.
I mentioned in the first photo of a beach house in Victoria that that photo and all the subsequent photos contain a clue to how to warm your house with materials provided by Mother Nature. In nature, no one object exists in isolation. The trees are connected to the earth, the earth contains the stone and rock formations, the earth is inhabited by the plants and animals. So when using natural materials to warm up your home, use them in combination with others, such as stone and timber, concrete and steel, oxides and fabric. Choose colour tones that are similar and carry them through into the paint and other finishes. The first photo along with the above snapshot of the same beach house’s living room reveals a rich selection of natural materials such as timber, steel, wax, linen, hemp and plant life, coexisting to create a warm and cosy home.
HAVE YOUR SAY
If you have used natural materials in your home design, send in a picture or share your thoughts in the comments section.
MORE ON ALL THINGS NATURAL
Deep Cleanse: Boost the Health of Your Home With Natural Fibres
Get Back to Nature With Decorating Ideas Inspired by the Great Outdoors
Kitchen Aid: 10 Ways Natural Timber Can Warm Up the Heart of Your Home
Just What Is Organic Architecture, and What Can It Do for You?
There is no limit to what nature can provide us to warm up our homes. From the natural stones and oxides of the earth to the timber grown from trees and the fabrics from plant and animal life, the harvest is vast and real. When used in their natural state, all the perfections and imperfections add a warmth to your home that connects you to the earth.
I mentioned in the first photo of a beach house in Victoria that that photo and all the subsequent photos contain a clue to how to warm your house with materials provided by Mother Nature. In nature, no one object exists in isolation. The trees are connected to the earth, the earth contains the stone and rock formations, the earth is inhabited by the plants and animals. So when using natural materials to warm up your home, use them in combination with others, such as stone and timber, concrete and steel, oxides and fabric. Choose colour tones that are similar and carry them through into the paint and other finishes. The first photo along with the above snapshot of the same beach house’s living room reveals a rich selection of natural materials such as timber, steel, wax, linen, hemp and plant life, coexisting to create a warm and cosy home.
HAVE YOUR SAY
If you have used natural materials in your home design, send in a picture or share your thoughts in the comments section.
MORE ON ALL THINGS NATURAL
Deep Cleanse: Boost the Health of Your Home With Natural Fibres
Get Back to Nature With Decorating Ideas Inspired by the Great Outdoors
Kitchen Aid: 10 Ways Natural Timber Can Warm Up the Heart of Your Home
Just What Is Organic Architecture, and What Can It Do for You?