Unexpected Materials: Exploring Unconventional Choices in Interior Design

When it comes to creating unforgettable spaces, interior designers know that materials matter. Texture, colour, and finish contribute to a room’s personality, but sometimes, the most unexpected materials have the biggest impact. In 2025, creative and unconventional choices are redefining commercial interiors, especially in restaurants and retail spaces where experience-driven design is key. Let’s explore how these surprising materials are making waves—and how they could transform your next project.

MYCELIUM: FROM FUNGI TO FURNITURE

Imagine walls and furnishings crafted from mushrooms—yes, mushrooms! Mycelium, the vegetative part of fungi, is a biodegradable material gaining traction in sustainable design. Known for its lightweight strength, it’s used to create acoustic panels, decorative tiles, and even structural components.

For instance, The Growing Pavilion in the Netherlands showcased mycelium as a core construction material, demonstrating its potential in large-scale projects. In commercial interiors, mycelium tiles can be integrated into restaurant wall panels for both aesthetic appeal and noise reduction. This organic texture also lends an earthy, modern vibe that pairs well with natural wood and stone elements.

Why It Works: Mycelium combines innovation and eco-friendliness with a rustic, tactile charm—perfect for eco-conscious diners who appreciate design that tells a story.

RECYCLED TEXTILE COMPOSITES FOR 
TEXTURE AND WARMTH

Textile waste, including discarded denim and cotton, is being transformed into insulation and decorative materials. Denim insulation, for example, offers superior sound absorption and adds a cozy, textured look. In commercial interiors, recycled composites work beautifully in restaurant booths or walls to create a more intimate and comfortable dining environment.

A great example is the use of recycled fabric panels in Patagonia retail stores. The company integrates textiles into their spaces to reinforce sustainability while providing warmth and acoustic benefits. Imagine similar panels in fast-casual restaurants, where vibrant colors from recycled fibers could complement branding and soften noise.

Why It Works: This material choice combines functionality with sustainability, making it ideal for spaces aiming to create a welcoming, eco-forward ambiance.

In the images below, you’ll see how JDG has integrated sustainable principles into two distinct designs. At Urban One, felt lampshades made from recycled materials provide a soft, diffused glow, enhancing the atmosphere while reducing waste. Meanwhile, at OEB in Victoria, suspended acoustic panels crafted from recycled felt add visual interest while effectively absorbing sound, creating a more comfortable dining experience. These thoughtful applications highlight how sustainability and design seamlessly come together in commercial interiors.

LUXURIOUS CLAY AND CERAMIC FOR 
MODERN AUTHENTICITY

Clay and ceramic materials are enjoying a renaissance, adding a handcrafted, tactile quality to interiors. Companies like Mutina have redefined ceramics with artistic, sculptural designs used in commercial spaces for walls, counters, and lighting.

Restaurants aiming for an artisanal aesthetic—think farm-to-table concepts—can use textured clay walls to enhance the natural, organic feel. A standout example is Noma 2.0 in Copenhagen, where clay, wood, and stone create an immersive, earthy dining experience.

Why It Works: Clay brings a sense of timeless warmth and authenticity that appeals to diners seeking experiences grounded in craftsmanship and connection to nature.

VENETIAN PLASTER: A TIMELESS TEXTURE WITH A MODERN TWIST

Venetian plaster, known for its luxurious, polished texture, has been reimagined with contemporary twists. In restaurants, it’s used to create statement walls, bar backdrops, or artistic ceiling treatments that exude sophistication.

One striking example is at the bar of the American Express Centurion Lounge in New York, where Venetian plaster with a metallic sheen adds a layer of understated luxury. By mixing matte and polished textures, designers can create dynamic, light-reflecting surfaces that shift throughout the day.

Why It Works: Venetian plaster provides a bespoke, hand-applied finish that captures the allure of Old World craftsmanship with a modern edge.

BIOPHILIC DESIGN WITH FULL-SIZED TREES

Why settle for small potted plants when you can bring full trees indoors? Biophilic design is evolving from modest greenery to incorporating large-scale natural elements. Restaurants like The Grove in London take this to heart, featuring indoor trees as central design components that blur the line between indoors and outdoors.

Adding trees not only enhances the aesthetic but also improves air quality and reduces stress—proven benefits for creating welcoming dining environments.

Why It Works: Trees as architectural elements provide a dramatic focal point and reinforce the connection between natural and built environments, creating serene, memorable spaces.

BIO-REACTIVE ALGAE PANELS:
A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE

Bio-reactive algae panels, though still experimental, offer a futuristic approach to sustainable design. These panels use algae to generate energy and purify air, with potential applications in partitions and decorative elements.

An exciting example is EcoLogicStudio’s Urban Algae Canopy, which integrates algae technology into urban structures. While primarily seen in outdoor environments, the same concepts could be adapted for indoor use in energy-efficient commercial spaces, especially in green-focused cafes or wellness centers.

Why It Works: While experimental, algae panels represent the future of multifunctional materials that combine beauty, sustainability, and utility.

BRICK VENEER: RUSTIC MEETS REFINED

Brick veneer brings the rustic charm of traditional brickwork without the weight and labor-intensive installation. In fast-casual restaurants, it’s ideal for creating feature walls or kitchen backsplashes that evoke an industrial or farmhouse aesthetic.

Restaurants like Chipotle use brick veneer in their interiors to balance raw, organic materials with a clean, modern layout. It’s a cost-effective way to introduce texture and warmth without compromising durability.

Why It Works: Brick veneer provides timeless character while remaining lightweight, affordable, and easy to maintain.

CLOSING THOUGHTS: INNOVATION MEETS PRACTICALITY
- AND WHAT'S NEXT FOR CANADA

Unconventional materials offer endless possibilities for turning ordinary interiors into extraordinary spaces. From biodegradable mycelium to the refined elegance of Venetian plaster, these innovative choices blend form, function, and sustainability. Whether creating a cozy corner for diners or crafting a retail experience that wows, unexpected materials are the secret to making designs both memorable and meaningful.

When will we see these trends take root in Canada? Many sustainable and innovative materials, such as clay and recycled textiles, are already in use, with mycelium and large-scale biophilic design rapidly gaining interest. While bio-reactive algae panels remain more experimental, eco-forward cities like Vancouver and Toronto are often among the first to adopt cutting-edge concepts. Restaurant and retail owners can expect to see these materials becoming more accessible over the next few years as global awareness of eco-design intensifies and production costs decrease.

Curious to learn more about how unique materials can transform your commercial space? Check out more of our journal entries for design inspiration or contact us to explore innovative interior design solutions tailored to your business needs.