The Best Materials for Every Room in Your Home
by Your Trusted Cambridge Interior Designer
When designing a home, material selection is just as vital as choosing the right layout or colour scheme. The surfaces you touch, see, and live with daily contribute to the overall feel and functionality of your space. As a Cambridge Interior Designer, I guide clients through finding beautiful, durable materials that elevate their home, room by room.
Bathroom: Durable, Water-Resistant Elegance
Bathrooms are high-moisture areas that require style and strength in equal measure. Prioritising water resistance and clean finishes can help you create a spa-like atmosphere that lasts.
Best Materials for Bathrooms:
Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles – Ideal for both floors and walls, these materials resist moisture and stains with ease. Bonus: they come in hundreds of patterns and colours. Link to a tile supplier like Porcelanosa or Domus tiles.
Quartz Countertops – Low-maintenance and non-porous, quartz is perfect for vanity tops where durability and elegance intersect. Link to a trusted brand like Caesarstone or Silestone
Natural Stone Accents – Slate, marble, or travertine can add luxury when sealed properly. Link to Mandarin Stone or Lapicida
Brushed Brass or Matte Black Fixtures – Modern, easy to clean, and resistant to fingerprints and water spots. Link to Crosswater or Buster + Punch.
Looking for an Interior Designer Near Me to bring hotel-worthy tranquillity to your bathroom? We’ll help tailor every choice to your lifestyle and space.
Puzzle tiles by MUTINA , Bathroom designed by Pinterior.space
Kitchen: High-Performance Meets High Style
The kitchen is a functional workhorse—materials here need to withstand heat, splashes, spills, and a whole lot of daily love.
Best Materials for Kitchens:
Quartz or Granite Worktops – Scratch-resistant, beautiful, and practical. A timeless favourite for every cook and design lover. Link to our supplier Granite Worktops, Marble & Quartz Worktops from Quince Stoneworks.
Engineered Wood or LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) Flooring – Mimics real wood with added moisture resistance—great for busy homes. Link to Kährs or Woodpecker Flooring
Ceramic, Glass, or Zellige Tile Backsplashes – Easy to clean and available in unique textures and colours to express your style.
Solid or Painted Wood Cabinetry – Durable and versatile, wood creates a natural warmth that balances metal and stone surfaces.
Working with a Cambridge Interior Designer means choosing materials that perform under pressure without compromising style.
Kitchen designed by Pinterior.space, Worktop - Porcelain slab
Bedroom: Comfort, Texture, and Tranquillity
In bedrooms, materials should invite rest and warmth. This is your personal retreat—make every touchpoint feel like comfort.
Best Materials for Bedrooms:
Natural Wood Flooring – Rich in tone and character, it adds depth underfoot. Layer with rugs to soften acoustics and add cosiness.
Cotton, Linen, and Wool Textiles – Natural fabrics for sheets, drapes, and throws are breathable and sensory-soothing. Link to our supplier, Performance Fabrics
Link to Romo Group or Designers Guild or Search fabric by Sanderson | Sanderson Design Group
Upholstered Headboards & Furniture – Add comfort and elegance with velvet, linen, or tweed details. Link to our supplier Home - ENVIRO Furniture
Matt Emulsion Paint or Textured Wallpaper – Subtle finishes that reduce glare and promote calm.
Whether you're furnishing a primary suite or a guest bedroom, a local Interior Designer Near Me can guide you in layering softness with purpose.
Living Room: Timeless Materials with Personality
The living room reflects your personality and daily rhythms. Choose materials that balance aesthetic impact with long-term durability.
Best Materials for Living Rooms:
Performance Upholstery – Fabrics that resist stains and wear are ideal for sofas and chairs—look for linen-look weaves or crypton-coated options.
Engineered Oak or Hardwood Flooring – Provides longevity, beauty, and a neutral base for any design style.
Natural Stone or Microcement Fireplaces – Create strong focal points without dating the room.
Layered Rugs, Throws, and Curtains – Use mixed textures like jute, bouclé, and cashmere for comfort and design cohesion.
As a seasoned Cambridge Interior Designer, I help clients choose practical yet beautiful combinations that create a meaningful central space.
Living space
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best materials for a modern kitchen?
Quartz countertops, engineered wood flooring, and glass backsplashes are all excellent choices. They're durable, easy to clean, and create a sleek, contemporary look.
Q: Which flooring is ideal for bedrooms?
Natural wood or engineered wood adds warmth and timeless charm. Pair with a soft area rug to enhance texture and comfort.
Q: Are natural materials better than synthetic ones?
It depends on the space and your lifestyle. Natural materials like stone and wood offer longevity and beauty, while synthetics (like performance fabrics or quartz) provide practicality and resilience.
Q: How do I choose the right materials for my bathroom?
Focus on water-resistant surfaces like ceramic or porcelain tiles, quartz counters, and rust-proof metal fixtures. A Cambridge Interior Designer can help you choose stylish materials that suit your needs.
Q: Can a local interior designer help with material choices?
Absolutely. If you're looking for an Interior Designer Near Me, we provide tailored advice on materials that match your aesthetic and lifestyle Cambridge Interior Designeracross Cambridge and surrounding areas.
Final Thoughts
Choosing materials isn’t just about following trends—it’s about building a home that serves you beautifully for years to come. From smooth countertops to soft textiles, every detail matters.
If you’re planning a renovation or redecorating your space, partnering with a Cambridge Interior Designer ensures every material is selected with purpose and style. And if you've ever searched “Interior Designer Near Me,” you’re already one step closer to a more intentional home.
At our interior design studio, our passion is creating beautiful interiors that reflect our clients' unique tastes and requirements. Let us help you bring your vision to life!
Contact us today to via the form or give us a call on 07968 449090 to get started. Don’t forget to take a look at our previous projects so you can get a better idea of the high-level of standard we offer.
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