Best Materials for a Modern Home: Interior Design Tips from a Pro
Violet Marsh Interiors specializes in warm modern, functional interior design in Atlanta and across the East Coast. Every space we create is rooted in timeless beauty, livable comfort, and personalized detail. To bring our clients' style to life, we thoughtfully layer elements like lighting, paint, flooring, furniture, and art—each chosen for its ability to elevate and enhance daily living. When it comes to designing a modern home, the materials we use matter. From clean-lined cabinetry to natural stone and hardwood flooring, I have a few favorite materials I return to time and again for their function, durability, and effortless style. If you’re planning a new build or renovating with a modern interior in mind, these are the materials I recommend most.
Natural Wood
Natural wood has stood the test of time—and for good reason. As modern design moves toward warmer, more layered spaces, wood is having a well-deserved resurgence. The key to using natural wood in a modern home lies in the finish, tone, and texture. Whether it’s white oak flooring, walnut cabinetry, or pine ceiling beams, each species brings its own character and depth. Natural wood softens modern lines, adds organic warmth, and creates a sense of grounded beauty in any room—from the kitchen to the bedroom. It’s one of the most versatile materials for achieving that coveted warm modern look.
Quartzite
Quartzite is one of our go-to materials for adding quiet luxury to modern interiors. As a natural stone, it offers the durability of granite but with softer, more refined color tones and subtle, organic veining. Whether polished or honed, quartzite brings a sense of elegance and earthiness that feels right at home in today’s modern spaces. We love using it for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, showers, and even custom windowsills. Its versatility, resilience, and timeless beauty make it a standout choice for anyone looking to elevate their home with a natural material that blends form and function.
Brass or Polished Nickel
When selecting finishes for lighting, plumbing fixtures, and hardware, nothing compares to the enduring beauty of real brass or polished nickel. Solid brass has a rich, weighty feel and develops a natural patina that adds character over time—perfect for those who appreciate a lived-in, collected look. Polished nickel, on the other hand, offers a sleek, mirror-like finish with a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with both modern and traditional interiors. Both finishes are long-lasting, elegant, and elevate the quality of any space, making them ideal choices for a modern home that’s built to stand the test of time.
Wool or Velvet
Wool and velvet are two of my favorite materials for adding depth, luxury, and a modern sensibility to any space. These textiles have a timeless appeal—offering durability, elegance, and incredible richness of color. Wool brings a natural, refined texture to rugs, upholstery, and throws, while velvet adds softness, sheen, and a touch of drama to furnishings and drapery. Available in a wide range of textures and tones, both materials layer beautifully in warm modern interiors and help create spaces that feel elevated yet livable.
Glass
If there’s one material that instantly elevates a modern home, it’s glass. From expansive, mullion-free windows to sleek shower partitions and interior glass doors, this material opens up a space and invites in natural light. Glass enhances visual flow, creates a sense of openness, and blurs the boundaries between indoors and out. Whether you’re designing a sun-drenched living room or a clean, contemporary bathroom, incorporating glass is one of the best ways to achieve that airy, modern feel.
Ready to Design a Modern, Sophisticated Home?
These are just a few of the timeless materials I return to again and again when designing modern homes that are both beautiful and highly functional. Whether you're embarking on a new construction, renovation, or simply refreshing a room, selecting the right finishes makes all the difference. If you're ready to elevate your space with a refined, modern aesthetic, book a discovery call to get started. Prefer to manage your own project but want a designer's guidance along the way? Learn more about our Designer On Call service—expert support, tailored to your needs.
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