Māori design is more than form—it’s a living embodiment of cultural identity, passed down through generations across Aotearoa (New Zealand). Traditional structures, such as the wharenui (meeting house) and pātaka (storehouse), are rich with carved symbolism and aligned with the spiritual and environmental rhythms of this land. Carvings and weavings tell stories of ancestors, iwi …
May 6, 2025
Traditional Japanese design is rooted in cultural values of harmony, humility, and connection to nature. From the thoughtful proportions of architecture to the quiet restraint of interior finishes, every detail is selected with intention. Natural materials like cedar, bamboo, stone, and rice paper form the foundation of this style, while sliding Shoji screens, low platforms, …
April 15, 2025
Born out of a desire for progress and beauty in post-World War I Parisian Art Deco design combined the elegance of traditional craftsmanship with the forward-thinking ethos of the Machine Age. The Parisian iteration of this style emphasized harmony between form and ornamentation—balancing geometric motifs with luxurious finishes like marble, bronze, and lacquered wood. Architects …
Philip Carpinella | April 28, 2025
Finnish sauna design is one of the oldest wellness traditions in the world—an integral part of daily life in Finland, where the sauna is seen not as a luxury, but as a necessity. With over two million saunas in a country of just over five million people, this design ethos is rooted in ritual, simplicity, …
May 12, 2025
Pop art-style bathrooms are a bold, playful take on traditional design, transforming the space into a vibrant canvas that celebrates color, unique shapes, and iconic imagery. Known for its embrace of everyday objects and bold graphic quality, pop art serves as the perfect inspiration for residential bathrooms that make a statement. The color palette in …
February 26, 2025
Native American Pueblo design is one of the oldest continuously practiced architectural traditions in North America. Originating with Pueblo peoples—including Hopi, Zuni, Taos, Acoma, and others—it is deeply connected to place, sustainability, and cultural expression. Traditional structures are built from adobe—sun-dried earth mixed with water and straw—and stone, forming multi-level homes organized around central plazas …
April 21, 2025
Color has a significant impact on how one navigates through the world. It affects your mood, behavior, perception of space, and productivity. In commercial landscapes, such as healthcare, workplace, and hospitality, these visual cues create an optimized environment for tenants, workers, and visitors. Sue Wadden, Sherwin-Williams’ Director of Color Marketing, and the Global Trendsighting team …
August 19, 2024
Once overlooked, the classic roadside motel is getting a design-forward revival. Boutique motels are popping up across the country—reimagined with personality, local flavor, and thoughtful material choices that combine nostalgia with contemporary comfort. The result is a new kind of hospitality experience: intimate, playful, and unmistakably memorable. What defines the modern boutique motel is its …
April 28, 2025
In clinical spaces, selecting the right surfaces is more than aesthetic—it’s essential. Surfaces in healthcare environments must support hygiene, durability, and patient well-being, all while contributing to a calming, professional atmosphere. As design continues to play a key role in care delivery, clinics are turning to high-performance materials that meet both functional needs and design …
May 12, 2025
Mood Boards are the latest enhancement to Material Bank Boards to support your design process. You can add material and installation images directly from your Board, then arrange and rearrange, add notes, and customize with text and background colors. Take the guesswork out of material selection by turning inspiration into actionable, cohesive designs. Crystallize concepts, …
October 10, 2024
