Layered living: how material use brings personality into interior design
26 May 2025
Studio Piet Boon on crafting characterful spaces through material layering. What makes an interior truly personal? At Studio Piet Boon, materiality is more than aesthetics—it is a form of expression. From softly brushed wood to the subtle sheen of a PVD finish, every material tells a story. In this design story, the studio shares its vision on material layering and how this approach contributes to interiors that feel like a true extension of their inhabitants.
Materiality as a starting point
Studio Piet Boon’s design philosophy is multidisciplinary: architecture, interior, and product design come together in a signature style of calm, balance, and refinement. Within this approach, material choice plays a central role. It’s not just about what you see, but also what you feel.
“We prefer natural materials that age beautifully,, they bring character, comfort, and a sense of identity to every design.”
Listening before designing
A personal interior starts with understanding the client. What drives them? How do they live? The material palette only takes shape once those questions have been answered—ensuring it genuinely reflects who they are. Subtle choices in art, textiles, or local materials then form a bridge between personality and environment—intimate, yet never overt.
The power of layering
At the studio, ‘material layering’ means the careful combination of textures and finishes to bring richness and depth to an interior. Not through quantity, but through nuance—a matte wall beside a glossy detail, a rough travertine floor next to a smooth countertop.
Light plays a key role in enhancing these effects. The way a surface captures shadow or reflects light directly shapes the spatial experience. A polished finish comes alive in sunlight, while a rough surface introduces stillness and depth.
“These contrasts create a sense of tension without disrupting the overall calm. They make a space feel both vibrant and balanced.”
Details that anchor the design
Hardware—like door handles or drawer pulls—is considered early in the design process.
Though small in scale, these elements contribute to the overall harmony. Their shape, finish, and tactility must align with the broader material palette.
“Especially in minimalist interiors, it’s all about subtlety,” she notes. “You look for details that only reveal themselves upon closer inspection.”
A finish like matte black or light bronze adds depth without demanding attention. FORMANI’s collections integrate seamlessly within this philosophy. Their refined finishes enrich the material composition and complete the overall image—without overpowering it.
A shift toward warmth and tactility
Within high-end interior design, the studio sees a clear shift toward earthy tones such as terra, sand, and taupe, often paired with wood, natural stone, and lime-based finishes. Sustainability is playing an increasingly central role. What once was a conscious design choice—using natural or recycled materials—has now become second nature.
Refinement over excess
For designers aiming to bring more character to their work, the advice is simple: start small.
“Listen to who someone is. What brings them calm, what gives them energy? Let those insights guide the story you tell through materials.”
The key isn’t in using more—it’s in choosing better. By playing with contrasts—smooth versus rough, matte versus gloss—you create an interior that resonates. A space with emotion, personality, and depth.
