material authenticity

Natural materials embody timeless strength and enduring beauty, making them an ideal choice for residential interiors.

Their inherent durability ensures that spaces remain functional and elegant over time, while their organic textures and tones foster a warm, inviting atmosphere. At Alexis Holcombe Design, we champion the use of these materials to create homes that not only stand the test of time but also nurture well-being through a deep connection to nature.

We prefer to use authentic materials whenever possible and practical:  various wood species with grain and character; resilient concrete, ceramic, porcelain and cork; natural stone such as marble, limestone,  slate and soapstone; metals such as steel, aluminum and zinc; clear, textured and tinted glass; and organic textiles such as linen, cotton and wool. 

These durable design elements wear beautifully, showing their origin and the character of the people who use them. Moreover, they are almost always chemically benign and usually pose little to no danger to human health.

But the origin and methods of extraction, manufacture and transportation of these materials are not always sustainable. A dramatic, richly veined Arabescato marble imported from Carrara, Italy involves significant environmental burdens of sourcing and movement to market, especially from a distant location. An enormous amount of water is used in manufacturing this luxury material; moreover, 30% — 70% of the product that is extracted is ground, cut off and wasted before it is shipped out (Architectural Digest, 2021).

That’s why we also recommend that our clients always consider locally sourced material alternatives as well as recycled or reclaimed options as a more sustainable choice. Materials such as stone can be responsibly sourced and potentially save money on a project’s bottom line. And with most imported materials now facing skyrocketing tariff costs, these sustainable alternatives make even more sense.