The Surface Speaks: How Materials are Leading the Design Conversation

In 2025, materials are doing more than finishing a space. They’re speaking volumes. About sustainability. About tactility. About who we are and how we want people to feel.

From the grain of timber to the ethics behind a tile, clients and users alike are attuned to surfaces that go beyond looks. At Vie Studio, materiality isn’t just a layer; it’s a language. Every surface carries meaning, emotion, and intention. Here's how finishes are shaping thoughtful design in 2025.

1. Texture is the New Visual

Design is no longer just about what you see; it’s about what you sense. Tactility is taking centre stage as we prioritise materials that invite touch, create mood, and deepen connection. A brushed render. A hand-moulded tile. Timber that tells a story through its grain. These are the elements that linger long after a visit.

What we’re specifying:

• Trowel-finished renders and atmospheric lime washes

• Rough-cut stone and ribbed or slatted timber for contrast

• Matte-gloss layering to build dimensional depth

Design insight: Texture grounds the experience, connecting guests to the space on both a physical and emotional level.

2. Sustainability with Soul

Eco-materials are no longer a trend. They’re a baseline. But in 2025, it’s not just about being sustainable; it’s about being intentional. The story behind a surface matters as much as the look. Clients want to know where it came from, how it was made, and why it belongs in the space.

Trends we’re embracing:

• Recycled composites that show their raw character

• FSC-certified timbers with visible knots and imperfections

• Terrazzo and stone offcuts that reflect a zero-waste mindset

Design insight: Sustainability isn’t just a feature. It’s a philosophy. And materials are the messengers.

3. Local is the New Luxury

Forget rare imports. In 2025, provenance is prestige. Designers and clients are embracing the beauty of what’s close to home. Locally sourced materials offer more than carbon reduction. They bring cultural resonance and unique narrative depth.

How we’re sourcing smarter:

• Partnering with regional artisans and fabricators

• Choosing stone, clay, or timber from nearby sources

• Prioritising natural variation over uniform perfection

Design insight: Local materials bring a sense of place and a story you can stand behind.

4. Finishes That Evolve, Not Expire

In a throwaway world, longevity is radical. We're designing for patina, not polish. The most compelling materials are those that age beautifully, taking on character, softness, and individuality over time.

Examples we love:

• Stone that weathers with use, gaining richness

• Brass or copper that tarnishes into unique tones

• Oiled timbers that carry the imprint of everyday life

Design insight: A surface that grows with time adds soul to the space.

5. Material as Brand Memory

In 2025, materiality isn’t background; it’s identity. We’re helping brands create spatial signatures through surfaces, developing tactile moments that reflect values, ignite emotion, and linger in memory.

How we embed brand through finish:

• Custom tones, stains, or aggregates unique to each concept

• Soft transitions between surfaces that shift with user intent

• Handmade or crafted elements that speak to human connection

Design insight: The materials you choose are your brand. Make them mean something.

Final Thought:

Surfaces aren’t silent. They speak through texture, ethics, and presence. In 2025, every design decision is an opportunity to connect: through story, through substance, and through sustainability.

At Vie Studio, we curate materials that do more than function—they feel. Let’s design a space that speaks.

📩 Curating finishes for your next retail, hospitality, or commercial space?

Let’s choose materials that speak—visually, tactilely, and sustainably.