All about materials.
It is not surprising that the focus of the Materials Matters is all about materials and I agree, materials really do matter.
I often find myself walking around design shows and it being the material, or how something is made, that draws my attention more than the actual design. I am a strong believer that choosing the right or the wrong material for a product can really make it or break it. For a successful design it is just not possible to cut corners.
Materials can also have a large environmental impact and with climate change it is increasingly important how we consider the choice of materials when making a product. Natural materials are often more sustainable than man-made materials due to their recyclability or ability to break down naturally, so it’s not surprising that these types of materials were the main focus for the Material Matters exhibition during the London Design Week 2025.
I have created a summary of my favourite design objects from the show categorised by the material they are made from.
WOOD
A commonly used natural material with a long history and loads of possibilities.
Around Table by Andu Masebo
Her Captain’s Chair by Lily Hitchcock Design
Swivel by Sriya Reddy from India
CORK
Another type of wood and a material which I have seen more and more lately.
Isomi cork table
Modus cork table
STONE
It is hardly possible to find an older material, however with modern water jet cutting capabilities the shapes that are possible to achieve are taken to a completely different level.
Lundhs Real Stone
SALT
Salt is not just for your food it is also a great material for things such as lights due to how beautifully it admits light. Not a material for damp environments, though!
Saltscapes – Studio Brère
BIOPLASTICS
Biodegradable plastics made from bio sources such as corn starch, sugarcane and seaweed.
CP! Biofab Fair
OTHER
Some other interesting materials made from things you can readily find in any home. Think flour, milk, coffee grounds etc…
Roxy Tilse – Notes from the Mundane
FRIDA RAGNAR 