Trends

Art & Design
Natural stone

In contemporary interiors, the focus is shifting from purely visual impact to a more sensory approach. Within this evolution, natural stone is playing an increasingly prominent role, particularly in furniture and objects. While the material was once mainly used as a finishing element, it is now developing into a defining feature within the overall interior concept. Tables, consoles and smaller objects gain a strong presence through the use of natural stone, where texture, weight and surface have a direct influence on how a space is experienced. The emphasis is not only on form, but also on colour, finish and the combination with other materials.

This renewed interest in natural stone is reflected in a broad palette of materials. Marble remains a staple thanks to its distinctive veining and rich colour variations, while travertine stands out for its layered structure and visible pores, which give the surface a tangible depth. Limestone, in turn, introduces a softer, powdery character with subtle tones, making it particularly suited to understated interiors. At the same time, alternatives such as ceramics, synthetic slabs and other composite materials are gaining ground. These materials approximate the appearance of natural stone while offering more practical advantages, such as lower weight, greater scratch resistance and easier maintenance.

Beyond aesthetics, sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in interior choices. Natural stone is valued for its longevity and its potential to be used with minimal processing, making it relevant within a more circular approach to design. The reuse of existing stone elements is also receiving growing attention. Combined with the current preference for rounded forms, earthy tones and pronounced textures, this results in objects that are both visually and physically present. In this way, they contribute on multiple levels to how a space is experienced and used.

Architecture & interior design by Phoebe Nicol Interiors, built by Salt, styling by Joseph Gardner © Dave Wheeler
Barbara Barry x Baker McGuire Collection, 'Slope Spot Table'
Eco Hotel El Agua, Anthony Picq © L'escale Voyage
Esther Knopfler © Oliver Bartha
Harmony Credenza by Sebastien Durelli is limited edition 5 and exclusive to STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN © Sebastien Durelli
Kaïn & Abel
Parsa © Oracle Paris
Rue Vintage 74 © Marta Tena
Thierry Lemaire, The Future Perfect © Ethan Jones
Cor Agglomerati, Tom Fereday, Alcova M9 © Alejandro Ramirez Orozco
Interior

Design
Metallic

Metals are making a striking comeback in contemporary interiors. The metallic trend encompasses various materials — such as chrome, inox or stainless steel, and aluminium — that introduce visual clarity and a contemporary aesthetic. These materials appear in a wide range of applications, from glossy accessories to matte furniture pieces and architectural elements, offering a versatile palette of possibilities.

Each metal within this trend possesses specific properties. Aluminium, for instance, is valued for its light weight, malleability and resistance to corrosion. Moreover, it can be endlessly recycled without any loss of quality, making it a sustainable alternative to reduce waste. Chrome, on the other hand, stands out for its highly reflective capacity, adding extra dynamism through the interplay of light. Finally, inox or stainless steel is renowned for its exceptional durability, as well as its sleek and precise appearance.

Although metallic materials long carried a reputation for being inexpensive, they allow only minimal room for error. Even the smallest deviations or imperfections are immediately noticeable, requiring a highly skilled production process to achieve refined results.

Today, the metallic trend manifests itself in a variety of forms and nuances. From mirror-like silver and grey tones to matte, brushed or softly satin finishes, the diversity of surface treatments makes it possible to create different atmospheres. Reflective metals enhance the incidence of light and lend a space a futuristic touch, while matte variants offer a more subtle and tranquil effect. Applied to furniture, detailed finishes, lighting, kitchen fronts or decorative objects, these materials strike a balance between industrial influences and refined elegance.

Thanks to their neutrality and timeless character, metallic materials combine particularly well with natural textures such as wood, stone, leather or textiles. This combination results in a layered interior in which cool precision and tactile warmth reinforce one another, making the metallic trend a lasting and versatile choice.

Apropos by Paradowski Studio © PION Studio
Lido Steel by Studio Paolo Ferrari © Joe Cramm
Curation by Studio Willy Rizzo, Table by Pierre Lacroix at Invisible Collection’s Beaux-Arts residence
© Six Dots Design
Architecture & interior design by Phoebe Nicol Interiors - built by Salt - styling by Joseph Gardner - photo by Dave Wheeler
Atelier Baptiste Legué © Ludovic Balay, set design by Lisa Sicignano and Studio Collected
Axel Chay © Clement Vayssieres
Christopher Sitzler © Franz Grünewald
Linde Freya Tangelder - Destroyers Builders - cc weststrand © Eline Willaert
Luso Collective © Irina Boersma Machado
Studio Paolo Ferrari © Ema Peter
Studio Paolo Ferrari © Ema Peter
Paddy Pike © STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN
Tacchini x Roberto Sironi © Andrea Ferrari
Cove by Tom Fereday © Sean Fennessey
Art & Design
Objects and sculptures

Are objects and sculptures more and more replacing the ‘pure work of art’ in interiors. They do. A piece of art need not always be big to impress. A striking object or sculpture can also create a surprise effect. Mainly in the somewhat lost corners this can have a lot of impact. Next to standing objects, wall sculptures are all more to be found in our interiors. You have finally creates your dream interior; with carefully selected furniture, beautiful upholstery, and a harmonious colour scheme. Yet there is still something missing to take your interior to the next level and make it truly unique: artworks.

Pieces of art do not only add an aesthetic value to your interior, but they also bring with them a feeling of personality, expression and refinement. A tailor-made closet is a handy tool for integrating this. Do you have a treasured object that deserves a special place? Vary (coffee table) books with images, vases, or other objects for a playful character. When you look for a binding factor, the result will look anything but busy. You can find the perfect objects for every interior style. There are predominantly minimalistic options, complete with neutral colours and a minimum of additional adornments. Nevertheless, bright colours, imaginative details, and experimental shapes do not need to expect less representation. The options in materials and finishes are really broad as well. In short: irrelevant what your style of choice is, there are without a doubt objects and sculptures that create the ideal final touch and make a world of difference in a few steps.

Linkerkolom, van boven naar beneden:
1. 'Stepping on Ukrainian soil' collection by Victoria Yakusha / Yakusha Studio
2. 'Arch' by Frederic Saulou, photography by Germain Herriau
3. Cylindrical vase by bultin, photography by Cafeine
4. Chalk Sculpture by Noa Noon Gammelgaard, available at ALIUM
5. Claustra 'Echo' by Denis Castaing, available at Modern Shapes Editions
6. 'False Idol' by Levi Hawken
7. 'Kayu Remaja' by Scott Vandervoort
8. 'Totem' by Norm architects, available at ALIUM
9. 'Ovoid Extrusion' by Lucien petit, available at Modern Shapes Editions
10. 'Tuman' by Elena Medvedeva, available at ALIUM

Rechterkolom, van boven naar beneden:
11. 'Ambiguë' by Frederic Saulou, photography by Germain Herriau
12. 'Blok' by Helen Vergouwen, available at Modern Shapes Editions
13. Candle holder by Arno Declercq
14. 'Chaud' Side Table by Charlotte Jonckheer
15. 'Cube' by David Umemoto, available at Modern Shapes Editions
16. 'Goblet' vase by Arno Declercq
17. 'Masse' Wood Bench by Charlotte Jonckheer
18. 'Vaults' series by Norm architects, available at ALIUM
19. 'Pipe' by ABSID, available at Modern Shapes Editions
20. 'Ukiyo 048' by Katrien Doms, Atelier Ecru Gallery
Interior
The key to stone interiors

Natural stone gives a unique character to your interior. It can be incorporated as a subtle finish, such as in your kitchen worktop, a characterful floor or as an eye-catcher such as the decoration of a fireplace or complete wall covering. There are many different types of natural stones that we are already familiar with. For instance, a material like marble was mainly used in palaces and stately mansions and we now see it coming back more and more often, even in sleek, modern interiors.

There are countless ways to incorporate natural stone in the exterior or interior of a home. However, it is important to take two aspects into account. First of all, the use of the room usually determines which natural stone application lends itself best to it. In addition, appearance also plays a very important role. The material is pleasing to the eye and adds a touch of luxury to your interior. The natural look of natural stone suits the living room, kitchen and bathroom. Natural stone, the name says it all, is a natural material.

There are all kinds of variations, so there is a type of natural stone to suit every type of interior. For instance, travertine is often used for floors as the material is timeless and easy to maintain.Although it is usually light in colour, it gives your home an authentic and natural look.Marble is especially a popular choice for transforming your bathroom into your own luxurious spa. More so, it is associated with comfort and transforms even the smallest space into a gem.Granite is a natural stone that is very strong and shows favourable properties against acids and dirt, ideal for the kitchen.If you want to cook undisturbed, a granite worktop is definitely recommended. Not to mention the well-known terrazzo.This consists of crushed granite and marble granules bound together with cement.The advantage is that in terms of colour, you can make it exactly the way you want it.There is no right or wrong choice. Which choice is best for you depends mainly on the desired look and your available budget.

Left column, from top to bottom:
1. Agra Natuursteen, design by AC Ramboux, interior by Lanco Design, photography by Cafeine
2. Agra Natuursteen, design by Tjip, photography by Annick Vernimmen
3. Hullebusch, design by Chielens Interior, photography by Cafeine
4. Verbaendert Natuursteen, interior by Monolith by Wendy Verstrepen, photography by Stijn Vereeken
5. Potier Stone, interior by Michael Everaerts, photography by Cafeine
6. Patho Stone, design by Tjip, photography by Annick Vernimmen

Right column, from top to bottom:
7. Potier Stone, design by Blij Interieur, photography by Cafeine
8. Il Granito, design by Studio P Architects, photography by Cafeine
9. Hullebusch, design by Megrijn Degraeve, photography by Cafeine
10. Potier Stone, design by Frederic Kielemoes, photography by Cafeine
11. Il Granito, design by Dieter Vander Velpen, photography by Cafeine
Art & Design
Organic forms

Round shapes make a room softer, cosier and above all create a balance. No wonder we see this trend more and more. Big round mirrors, carpets and furniture with organic shapes, there is no escape anymore.

These organic shapes go hand in hand with the wabi sabi philosophy. Designs that are not perfectly aligned often fall under 'organic'. All these oval and round shapes are usually inspired by nature, which evokes positive associations in our minds. Interiors where everything is ordered and clean often give a strict feeling, while organic shapes activate friendly emotions. This trend is a search for tranquillity and balance in terms of both form and colour. Soft textures, flowing forms and light colour tones are often used. The aim of this trend is to maintain balance in your interior and create a serene atmosphere in the living space. So, you won't find organic shapes and dynamic colours here, that would be too much of a good thing.

Especially after an era of minimalist interiors with clean, straight lines, we need warmth and cosiness at the moment. Our interiors now express themselves in more cuddly materials, organic shapes and soft lines. These elements radiate a warm and inviting atmosphere. Minimalism is still very popular, only now it is combined with organic forms for a playful effect.

Left column, from top to bottom:
1. Project by Geraldine Van Heuverswyn Interiors, photography by Cafeine
2. Architecture of Silence by Wentz + Blackhaus
3. Objects by Bieke Casteleyn
4. Project by K.frame
5. Hygge Lounge by Saccal Design House
6. Rose Duo Multilaque by Pierre Augustin
7. Showroom by Roman Plyus
8. Objects by Bieke Casteleyn
9. Ztista low table by FAINA

Right column, from top to bottom:
10. Art Eco by Artem Babayants Architects
11. Interior by Angelica Chernenko
12. Colina Credenza by Kelly Wearster
13. Shchedryy table by FAINA and Yakusha Design
14. Morphe collection by Studio Straf
15. Rose Sofa by Pierre Augustin
16. Soniah bench by FAINA
17. Armand & Francine, photography by Kaatje Verschoren
Finish
Decorative stucco

Stucco, stucwork or plaster has been used for centuries to finish walls and ceilings. Not only does it provide a flat surface that is easy to attach wallpaper to or paint over afterwards, but (interior) architects are increasingly choosing to regard this type of wall as a decorative element and not to hide the pure material from view.

We are not talking about ornamental work such as rosettes, moulures and other similar frills that can be seen, for example, in Belgian bourgeois townhouses from the 19th and early 20th centuries, but about the tighter, more timeless use of stucco. After all, a seemingly simple wall can radiate a lot of warmth and emotion, as you can see in the projects we are showing here. There are various techniques for applying stucco and it is therefore also possible to add some relief to a monochrome wall, bringing subtle dynamics to a room. It does require a great deal of skill to achieve a beautiful result with stucco, but the combination of functionality and a decorative element provides great added value in a room.

Nowadays we see this kind of stucco more and more often in high-end interior and architectural projects. It also fits in with the increasing popularity of natural materials and organic shapes used in interiors to create an even more soothing environment. Light colour variations give a wall, ceiling or floor a less ‘man-made’ or ‘artificial’ look and a more artisanal feel, which adds to the cosy atmosphere of a room. At the same time, it provides a neutral background that does not distract too much from any interesting pieces of furniture and art, or that rather interacts with them in a natural way.

Left column, from top to bottom:
1. Project by Faina
2. Project by Detale Copenhagen
3. Project by Grain Designoffice
4. Project by NC Design & Architecture
5. Project by Grain Designoffice, photography by Piet-Albert Goethals

Right column, from top to bottom:
6. Project by Marc Merckx
7. Project by Dezest
8. RR Interior by Grain Designoffice, photography by Cafeine
9. Project by Proske Architects and Georgie Shepherd Interior Design, photography by Christopher Morrison
10. Project by h206design, photography by Willem Van Puyenbroeck

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