I admit to having a few material obsessions! I love paper, tile, and cork—each one tugs at my designer heart in its own way. I’ve long believed that falling in love with materials is essential to design. These materials are our vocabulary, our paint, our poetry. I love working with them and I love the surprise on peoples faces when they see what these materials can do.

My Fascination with Paper

Paper lighting, wallpaper, countertops made of paper, even papier mâché—all are dear to me!

Paper is humble and miraculous all at once. It begins as pulp and is versatile evolving into a  story, structure, or sculpture depending on who handles it. I think of Isamu Noguchi’s Akari light sculptures—those weightless lanterns that turn light into atmosphere—and I’m reminded how a simple material can carry deep emotional resonance. The famous sculptures suffered a bit from the Ikea versions creating confusion about their importance in design history (everyone loves special and hard to get/expensive), but the whole point of Noguchi’s light sculptures being made of paper was so they could be accessible to everyone. So really, Ikea was just picking up the ball from Noguchi and running with it. It is the democratization of design and I am here for it!!!!

PaperStone countertops, made from compressed recycled paper, show that even the most ordinary element can transform into something durable and timeless. Wallpaper, meanwhile, has a way of dressing a wall with humor and heart. Paper reminds me that the best design materials don’t demand attention; they quietly elevate everything around them. And ideally, they get us to look at the materials that make up our daily world with new eyes and less judgment!

The Enduring Allure of Pattern

Another love of mine is encaustic tile—the “cement” tile that has made such a strong return in the U.S. over the last decade. Each tile is hand-made, using pigmented cement poured into molds, creating an artisanal piece with a living surface. No two tiles are alike, and that imperfection is what gives them soul.

I first fell for these tiles because of their history—they’ve been used for centuries in European homes, courtyards, and cathedrals—and they’ve earned their reputation for both beauty and endurance. I love their versatility. They’re just as comfortable in a historical restoration as in a modern bath. And yes, you can use them in showers. The trick isn’t avoiding them; it’s understanding them. With the right sealant, cement tile performs beautifully and lasts for generations.

There’s a saying in design: nothing lasts unless you know how it’s made. I find that to be true for materials—and for people, too. When you respect the process, you unlock longevity.

A Quiet Strength Beneath Our Feet

And then there’s cork—perhaps my greatest love of all. Cork is beautiful, natural, and versatile. It seals wine bottles, lines boats, and even acts as siding on houses because of its insulation and resilience. But what I love most is how it feels.

In 2019, when I redesigned my childhood home, I replaced the old asbestos tiles with cork flooring. The transformation was astonishing. The house became quiet, soft, and grounded—suddenly, it felt more elevated but still authentically late  mid-century again. I also used cork to sheeth the walls and used cork counter tops and counters in the laundry room, partly because I wanted a place to pin up my children’s art and our family schedule, and partly because I was craving peace from the sound of the washer and dryer. The result is a room that is so quiet it feels like a monastery. The machines hum just on the other side of the bifold door, but they do not distract or call any attention to themselves. It’s remarkable what a bit of cork can do.  

When I first started in this industry, I worked on projects in the Hamptons. Some of the old homes there still had original cork floors from the 1930s in the kitchens, screened porches and work areas of the home. Even after decades, they were in good or even better shape than the  hardwood floors. The wear was graceful, not tired—like a well-loved leather bag. I remember thinking: why did we ever stop using this?

Cork’s reputation for fragility is undeserved. When someone insists it’s not right for wet areas, I can’t help but smile and say, “Tell that to the boat builders.” Cork has been lining hulls and decks for generations—it’s water-resistant, renewable, and practically immortal. Here’s a look at how cork is made and why it’s such a marvel of nature. It’s also seen as a sustainable alternative to teak in marine design. The floors of the Sagrata Familia in Barcelona are covered in it in many areas….it is hard wearing and sound absorbent making the space comfortable to be in.

Cork is everything we want design to be: renewable, forgiving, and quietly luxurious.

Knowing What the World Is Made Of

The most important thing to know as an interior designer is how materials behave in the real world—how they age, what they need by way of maintenance, what they give back by way of beauty or comfort. You’ll be amazed once you start looking closely: cement tile can live in showers, cork can thrive in laundry rooms, and paper lighting—far from a trend—is a historic choice that still feels fresh.

Interior designers have to know so many things and one of those is the best uses of materials….doubt us at your own peril!!!