When it comes to designing a home that feels just right, materials matter. Not just for looks, but for how they shape our thoughts, mood, and wellbeing. From the wood beneath our feet to the glass in our windows, every surface sends signals to our brain - and some feel a lot better than others!
At XUL, we carefully select materials that support both the look and the feel of a home, to make it genuinely welcoming.
In a nutshell:
The materials in our environment do more than simply cover surfaces; they interact with our senses and ultimately impact how we feel. Surfaces that are overly bright, noisy, or cold can leave us feeling overstimulated or uncomfortable. However, when chosen well, materials can bring a sense of calm, creativity, and even joy.
Start with health and safety. Look out for non-toxic options and certifications like Health Product Declarations (HPDs). Even things you don’t see, like insulation or adhesives, can impact indoor air quality.
Materials that gently reflect light, dampen sound, and hold warmth often feel more soothing and balanced (Byun et al., 2018).
Absolutely. Natural materials like wood, stone, and brick connect us with nature in a way that synthetic materials often can’t. Studies show that wooden interiors can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and create a calming atmosphere (Zhu et al., 2023; Ojala et al., 2023).
On top of this, wood has also been shown to boost creativity and support "outside-the-box" thinking (Douglas et al., 2022), making it ideal for studies or home offices.
That said, too much wood can feel overwhelming. Research shows that the ideal range is around 35–65% wood coverage; just enough to evoke warmth and a sense of connection, without crossing into sensory overload or artificiality (Li et al., 2021).
Brick and stone are great too, especially in warm colours. One study even found that red brick lowered blood pressure, and brown stone helped people recover from stress (Zhang et al., 2024). Add a little greenery, and the effect is even stronger.
Not all man-made materials are bad! In fact, in a recent study, glass scored highest for relaxation, likely because it brings in natural light and connects us to the outdoors, which are key principles in biophilic design (Zhao et al., 2023).
Metal, on the other hand, often feels cold or industrial. It reflects light and sound, which can lead to discomfort when overused (Zhao et al., 2023). Despite this, a touch of metal here and there can add contrast and modernity, as long as it’s balanced with softer or warmer elements.
As for wood-look vinyl or other nature-inspired synthetics, whilst they visually mimic natural materials, they don’t engage our senses or brains in quite the same way (Wang et al., 2025). They can be a practical alternative when real materials aren’t feasible, but they’re best seen as a compromise, not a replacement
Materials like carpets, curtains, and upholstery do more than just make a space feel cozy. They absorb sound, reduce mental fatigue, and help us feel grounded and at ease. This makes a real difference in living rooms, bedrooms, and quiet corners, where comfort and calm are key.
The materials in your home can do more than please the eye; they shape how you feel, think, and function. Whether you’re planning a renovation or simply updating a room, aim for materials that feel good to the body and the mind.
Prioritise natural elements, create sensory balance, and think beyond looks to create a space that truly supports your wellbeing.
Byun, J. I., Lee, B. U., Koo, Y. S., Sunwoo, J. S., Lim, J. A., Moon, J., Lee, S. T., Jung, K. H., Chu, K., Kim, M., Lim, J. M., Lee, H. J., Lee, E., Lee, S. K., & Jung, K. Y. (2018). Bright light exposure before bedtime impairs response inhibition the following morning: A non-randomized crossover study. Chronobiology International, 35(8), 1035–1044. https://doi.org/10.1080/07420528.2018.1452030
Douglas, I. P., Murnane, E. L., Bencharit, L. Z., Altaf, B., dos Reis Costa, J. M., Yang, J., Ackerson, M., Srivastava, C., Cooper, M., Douglas, K., King, J., Paredes, P. E., Camp, N. P., Mauriello, M. L., Ardoin, N. M., Markus, H. R., Landay, J. A., & Billington, S. L. (2022). Physical workplaces and human well-being: A mixed-methods study to quantify the effects of materials, windows, and representation on biobehavioral outcomes. Building and Environment, 224, 109516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109516
Li, J., Wu, J., Lam, F., & et al. (2021). Effect of the degree of wood use on the visual psychological response of wooden indoor spaces. Wood Science and Technology, 55, 1485–1508. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00226-021-01320-7
Ojala, A., Kostensalo, J., Viik, J., Matilainen, H., Wik, I., Virtanen, L., & Muilu-Mäkelä, R. (2023). Psychological and physiological effects of a wooden office room on human well-being: Results from a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 89, Article 102059. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2023.102059
Wang, B., An, S., & Li, K. (2025). Shaping Green Choices: How Sensory Cues Drive Behavior of Wood-Plastic Composites. Behavioral Sciences, 15(3), 383. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15030383
Zhang, N., Zhao, L., Shi, J., & Gao, W. (2024). Impact of visual and textural characteristics of street walls on stress recovery. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 15115. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-64618-z
Zhao, J., Nagai, Y., Gao, W., Shen, T., & Fan, Y. (2023). The effects of interior materials on the restorativeness of home environments. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(14), 6364. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20146364
Zhu, Y., Wang, Q., & Zhao, F. (2023). Wood in office spaces: The impact of different wooden furniture on aesthetic evaluation. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 986627. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.986627