January 26, 2024

As consumers and designers become more aware of design’s impact on mental health, we see calming and soothing design principles incorporated into both commercial and residential spaces to promote rest, relaxation, and mindfulness. Many interior designers focus on calming materials and colors in spatial design to help reduce high stress and anxiety levels. Let’s look at the materials and hues designers incorporate into their tranquil, healing design schemes.

Calming Materials

The Calming Properties of Clay

The purported healing powers of clay have been used throughout history in different cultures all over the world. Even though clay is basically dirt, it is considered a purifier with grounding energy. It is also considered a key calming material because of its visual qualities and physical tactility. When it comes to surfacing, you probably think of terracotta or Saltillo, but it’s worth remembering that ceramic tile is basically clay and water! The calming properties are not just relegated to the material itself; clay and terracotta hues are considered warm neutrals and bring a calming, intimate feel to interior spaces.

Icon is a terracotta tile, simple, light, and devoid of decoration, with minimalist character. 

Copper for Healing

Many believe that copper comes with a broad spectrum of healing properties. It is purported that copper can help clear out negative energy, balance emotions, and calm you down, among other things. Whether or not you subscribe to these beliefs and philosophies, copper’s smooth, shiny surface brings a calming aesthetic to interiors.
Sideview Glass mosaics in copper reflect eye-catching style from every angle.

Wood for Relaxation

Wood is aesthetically pleasing, and environments with wooden structures are also shown to cause a drop in blood pressure, lower the pulse, and have a calming effect. Researchers have seen enhanced productivity, improved focus, and reduced stress levels. The phenomenon that causes these healing effects is called the biophilia effect. The concept behind biophilic design is the idea that spending time in a more natural setting can improve the physical and mental health of the people who live, work, and gather in the space.
Woodridge wood-look ceramic tile, with its linear texture and natural maple tones, creates the ultimate definition of modern form.

Concrete for Grounding

Concrete surfaces add a minimalist and grounding aspect to interiors. Psychologically, grounding means becoming fully present in your body or connecting yourself to the earth. Grounding is said to reduce emotional stress, improve immune responses, and elevate moods, to name a few positives.
With a deliberately rough surface, like visual concrete, Crush porcelain tile is ideal for environments that seek out the mark of an authentic, contemporary style.

Calming Neutrals

Neutral colors are, by nature, calming. Airy, understated neutrals are calm and reassuring and always help set a serene mood in your interior spaces. Trend forecasters expect a rise in foundational neutrals, connecting to changing lifestyle choices around the pursuit of rest and balance and the wellness effect. Here’s a look at some of the key colors that are expected to inform interior spaces.

Warmer, Textural Whites

Stark whites can bring a clinical feel, whereas warmer, softer whites create spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation. Moving away from flat finishes, designers are using textured whites to create a comforting and serene tactility.
Inspired by the timeless art of plaster, our Gesso porcelain wall tile collection is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The textured 3D surface in a soft white hue mirrors the purity and versatility of traditional gesso.

Barely There & Translucent

Embrace reflected light and varying transparencies to create a dreamy color that plays with light.  This key material direction includes using veined stones, marbled minerals, and onyx to showcase a softer aesthetic with translucent qualities. Designers predict pink marble and onyx will be hot in new home decor.

Our Onyx porcelain tile is characterized by bands of white and gold veining woven into a smooth, almost translucent body. 

Earthy Pinks

Muted, earthy, and clay pinks answer the need for natural hues that offer a sense of reassurance. These elevated and neutral pinks can create a sense of balance in interior spaces.
Inspired by the traditional Kasbah of Arab Mediterranean architecture, our Casbah ceramic wall tile in Teja offers striking geometry in an earthen, clay-pink hue. 

Grounding Grays

Warm grays are grounding and can bring a sense of calm to spaces. Gray offers a sense of practicality and reliability and has trans-seasonal appeal.
Nomad ceramic wall tile in Nirvana features a 3D design with subtle translucent glazes and flowing surfaces.

Functional Beige

Dependable beige has natural and artisan qualities and can add warmth and sophistication to spaces. Pinterest searches for “beige room aesthetic” saw a sharp increase in searches last year, a good indicator that beige will continue to be a timeless color.


Inspired by the character and warmth of the countryside, our Cottage porcelain floor and wall tile collection, shown here in Sand, mimics whitewashed terracottas in naturally aged and shaded variations of color. 

These selections are just a few of the many tile collections we offer, reflecting today's trends for healing materials and calming hues. Our tile pros at 27 dedicated locations are ready to assist you in exploring the latest tile trends and help you specify your tile projects with confidence. Connect with us today!