The more unique a material, the more personalized a space can become. It’ll stand out and distinguish itself from other home designs. If you’re someone trying to turn their home into an extension of self-expression, here are some unique materials you can use for interior design that are either rare or recontextualized in use.

Barn Wood

If you desire a rustic design, you can’t do better than antique barn wood siding or flooring. As it comes from old barns, barn wood provides a unique and beautiful design that you can’t replicate by any means other than natural aging. Think of it like a fine wine. After undergoing reclaiming and refurbishing, there’s nothing else like this wood. Thus, it provides a feeling of rarity that makes it highly desirable.

3D Gypsum Board

Do you prefer something with a bit more texture? Fiberglass-reinforced gypsum board panels have seams and ripples that skilled drywall installers create. The workers mud and sand the seams to create a continuous pattern that allows the gypsum board tiles to connect seamlessly. The best way to use this material is to place it on an accent wall or the ceiling to make it really stand out and complement the whole room.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel doesn’t often cross your mind when you think of unique materials you can use for interior design. Typically thought of as a material reserved for industrial use, stainless steel has incredible potential in a home setting. People can mold it to fit various stylistic personalities, from modern to minimalist. Your creativity is your only limit, as stainless steel can have many designs engraved or cut into it. You can even be unorthodox and use chain link stainless steel like a shower curtain for a “softer” design.

Laminated Resin

While often used for cabinet door inserts or lampshades, a laminated resin can work in a large-scale project with a bit of finesse. For instance, you could apply the laminate resin along your stairway for a patterned material that filters light but keeps an essence of privacy and mystery as well. It’s generally a great material to use if you want to encourage natural light within a room but maintain a degree of privacy. When used correctly, the laminated resin can recreate the feel of a calming Japanese tearoom.