Nature has always inspired interior designers and architects. Its infinite colour palette offers endless possibilities for designing spaces that speak to people on a deep emotional level. In contemporary interior design, natural colours have become particularly important in the search for a balance between modern technology and natural harmony. The choice of surface materials plays a key role here, and the right laminates and surface materials for interior design can bring the beauty of nature indoors in a sustainable and stylish way. In this article, we dive into the world of nature-inspired colours and explore their use in modern interior design.
Why do natural colour palettes work in interior design?
Nature's colour palettes work exceptionally well in interior design because they are already harmonious entities. In nature, colours rarely occur alone, but form balanced combinations that have evolved over millions of years. This innate harmony is also conveyed in spatial design.
Natural colours also have proven psychological effects. The greens and blues of the forest calm the mind and lower stress levels. The blue tones of water increase concentration and creativity. Sun-inspired yellows and oranges bring energy and joy to the space. When used in surface materials such as high-pressure laminates, these colours can have a significant impact on the mood of a space and the well-being of the people in it.
The use of natural colour combinations also makes space planning easier, as they provide a ready-made base on which to build. For example, a forest landscape colour palette combining dark greens, browns and muted yellows almost invariably works well together. This natural compatibility helps create cohesive spaces with depth and interest.
Evolution of natural colour trends
In 2024, nature-inspired colour trends have evolved towards more sophisticated and multidimensional shades. In particular, the use of earthy tones has taken on new dimensions when combined with modern surface materials.
Mineral-inspired colour palettes have become increasingly popular. Textures and colours reminiscent of marble, slate and quartz crystal bring a sense of natural calm and permanence to spaces. These can be reproduced in laminates in a way that brings out the best of the materials without excessive consumption of natural resources.
Forest greens have made a strong comeback, but now they are deeper and more complex. Moss green, dark shades reminiscent of conifer needles and the browns of the forest floor combine to create a calming ambience that's perfect for kitchens, bathrooms and public spaces.
The blue and turquoise tones inspired by water are particularly visible in spaces where cleanliness and freshness are to be emphasised. These shades work perfectly Kerrock composite panels, which allow for seamless surfaces and organic shapes.
How to combine natural colours with modern materials?
Combining natural colours with modern materials requires an understanding of the properties of both the colours and the materials. High-pressure laminates provide an excellent platform for this, combining natural colours with technically advanced materials.
The texture of materials plays a major role in achieving a natural finish. Matte and gloss laminates create a different impression of the same colour. Matt materials reflect light more softly and create a more natural look, while glossy surfaces can enhance the intensity and vibrancy of the colour.
Combining natural colours often works 60-30-10 rule: 60% for the dominant colour, 30% for the supporting colour and 10% for the accent colour. For example, in a forest-inspired space, you could use 60% neutral shades of brown and beige on laminate surfaces, 30% green on textiles and 10% sunny yellow on details.
A technique to make natural colours look authentic in a modern environment is colour layering. Just as in nature, where a single tree is made up of countless shades of green and brown, so too in spatial design you can use different shades of a single colour to create depth and interest.
Challenges and solutions to the use of natural dyes
Using nature-inspired colours in spatial design also brings challenges. One of the most common is the durability of colours under different lighting conditions. A natural-looking green can look very different in natural light than in artificial lighting.
The solution is to test the materials in the lighting conditions in which they will be used. High-quality laminates retain their colour better under different lighting conditions and are more resistant to UV radiation than many other materials.
Another challenge is to find the right balance between a natural and modern look. Too dominant an element of nature can make a space look dated, while too little naturalness will not have the desired calming effect.
The solution to this is deliberate contrast. Modern, geometric shapes combined with natural colours create an interesting balance. For example, sharp-edged furniture combined with soft, earthy laminates create a tension in the space that makes it interesting yet harmonious.
Sustainable material choices in natural colours
The use of natural colours in spatial design often goes hand in hand with ecological values. Eco-friendly laminates, manufactured with sustainability in mind, add real value to projects.
Environmentally responsible surface materials, such as certified laminates, offer a sustainable alternative to the use of natural materials. They can provide the same aesthetic experience without excessive consumption of natural resources. At the same time, they often have better technical properties: they are more resistant to abrasion, moisture and temperature fluctuations than natural materials.
The recyclability and life cycle of materials are important considerations in modern space design. By choosing surface materials that are durable and recyclable, you will significantly reduce the ecological footprint of your project.
Sustainable material choices also contribute to the overall appearance and values of a space. They communicate to users and visitors a sense of responsibility and thoughtful design. This is particularly important in public and corporate spaces, where values need to be made visible as part of the look and feel of the space.
At Lore, we understand the importance of natural colours in modern interior design. That's why we offer a wide range of surface materials that combine natural inspiration with modern technology. See our spaces with natural colours and see how we can help you create spaces that are both beautiful and functional, and that stand the test of time, both aesthetically and physically.