4 Intentional Living

Material concepts

1/ Horizon Scanning Colour Material 2/ Turning Point Colour Material 3/Alignment Colour Material 4/ Intentional Living Colour Material

Material Direction

Material Concepts

Simplicity

The materials for Intentional Living illustrate a nostalgic longing for simpler times. They reflect a deliberate choice for the quality of pure, natural, modest materials such as cotton, linen and wool; nothing luxurious or shiny. The materials trigger nostalgic associations and connect with everyday life.

Left material, 60% Organic Cotton, 40% Tencel vía Ecological Textiles

Right material, Eggshell waste with a bio-polymer binding

Comfort

The materials for Intentional Living are irregular and mix colours into mélange compositions, like an exploration of colours. The materials are crafted colour effects that have a sense of humanity. Turning towards a non-consumerist approach means accepting unique pieces that are already in existence, with their vibrancy of woven colours and lively personalities. Products made for a longer timeline are also made with quality and care, reflecting the desire to improve the quality of life. This encourages us to appreciate and be more emotionally bonded to our items.

Left material, 100% cotton corduroy

Right material, 100% polyester jacquard fabric

Soften

The materials evoke the feeling of natural skins and are used to provide warmth. They are melange explorations that are also tactile explorations. Gentle on the skin, these materials feel like a gentle embrace. There is a touch of homely familiarity that imparts a sense of comfort. The materials’ textural depth can mimic the calming, beneficial effect nature has on human well-being.

Left material, 50% jute waste fibre, 50% porcelain plaster by Studio LvdW

Right material, Cotton yarn tufted on a cotton woven textile

Calming

The materials of Intentional Living have an air of timelessness. Finding safe spaces in our surroundings is important to us for achieving tranquillity. A natural and contemporary ambience can create an uplifting experience, eliciting the sense of feeling relaxed and safe, like being at home. We are invited to take time to slow down and appreciate the basics, the grain in the wood panels and the extra layer of details provided by the recycled cocoa husks.

Left material, Maple veneer watered

Right material, 97% natural raw materials, Cocoa husks by Forbo

Material Research

Materials for well-being

Intentional Living is a philosophy that values the deliberate choices made in everyday life. The materials used reflect a desire for simplicity, comfort, softness, and tranquillity. Intentional living emphasizes the quality and naturalness of materials such as cotton, linen and wool. These materials are crafted in an exploration of colour and techniques, providing unique and vibrant compositions. They are made to last, and are valued for their emotional connection and longevity. The textures of these materials mimic the calming effects of nature and the skills of craft, helping to improve human well-being.

Image: Cerapi anti-bacterial and breathable duvet made of waste oyster shells

Leather alternative

TômTex is a naturally biodegradable alternative made from seashells and mushrooms, free from toxic dyes. It can mimic leather, vinyl, suede and latex.

Milk yarn

Milk cotton made from the casein powder found in milk, dyed with natural dye by Shahar Livne.

<Back to top

Brushed Wool

Pale yellow brushed 100% wool fabric that is warm and has a heavy weight to it, from The Fabric Sales.

Hemp insulation

Hempcrete is a composite made of natural materials, lime and hemp. The hemp block naturally regulates the temperature of the building by diffusing the accumulated heat.

Knitted softness

Translucent knitted sleeve over white glass floor lamp by Vibia to create warmth and texture.

Weaving

Singtex’s single-layer woven textile has a soft shell and air layer, offering durability and lightweight warmth. Coffee grounds are integrated in the yarn to achieve odour control.

Local colour

Iron sludge, a waste product of drinking water production, is used in ceramic products by Lotte de Raadt. The location of the used material influences the colour.

Touch

A 3D layered knit with filling yarn in between, made from a blend of wool, which gives this textile a natural touch, and GRS recycled nylon by ByBorre Create.

Tricot techniques

Knitting innovations by Quinta & Santos make it possible to create new textures reminiscent of vintage tricot techniques.

Craftsmanship

Sharabati Denim celebrates denim heritage. While investing in new technology and sustainable processes, they craft the denim on old Ruti shuttle looms.