Interior designers across the country are saying goodbye to artificial materials and faux finishes as homeowners increasingly embrace authenticity in their living spaces. The trend toward genuine materials reflects a broader cultural shift toward valuing real over fake, with people rejecting countertops that look like marble but feel artificially smooth, or vinyl flooring that mimics wood but lacks the natural creak underfoot.

This movement toward authenticity has gained momentum as homeowners seek warmth and honesty in their home materials, welcoming even the imperfections that come with natural substances. Interior design professionals are enthusiastically supporting this transition away from fake materials, hoping these artificial alternatives won't make a comeback anytime soon.

The popularity of faux finishes initially emerged as what seemed like a practical solution during challenging economic times. When home décor costs spiked during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, homeowners turned to imitation materials to achieve high-end looks while staying within budget constraints, according to Julia Newman, founder of Julia Adele Design. However, Newman now suggests that instead of stretching budgets thin or settling for imitations, homeowners should focus on finding natural materials within their price range.

The psychological impact of choosing authentic materials over fake ones has significant scientific backing. Anita Yokota, a home designer, licensed therapist, and author of "Home Therapy," explains that neuroscience research demonstrates how our sensory systems respond positively to the micro-irregularities and tactile depth found in natural materials. Real wood, stone, linen, and clay all contain subtle variations that activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping our brains feel grounded and secure in our environment.

In contrast, artificial materials can disrupt this natural psychological balance. While vinyl planks or printed quartz might appear visually convincing, Yokota notes that the brain detects the inconsistency between visual appearance and tactile experience. "There's a kind of micro-dishonesty in texture and temperature, a mismatch between what we see and what we feel, that can create low-grade stress over time," she explains.

Yokota believes the decline of faux finishes represents part of a larger wellness movement in home design. "People want homes that feel alive, not staged," she says. "Natural materials breathe and age alongside us. That evolution supports emotional regulation and a sense of belonging." This perspective aligns with growing awareness of how our living environments impact our mental and emotional well-being.

Some artificial materials have earned particularly harsh criticism from design professionals. Jeanne Barber, founder of Camden Grace Interiors, argues that not every trend deserves a second chance, especially when it comes to poorly executed imitation materials. "Ninety percent of vinyl plank flooring should never see the light of day again," she states emphatically.

Faux brick treatments have also fallen out of favor among designers. "Brick veneer walls or backsplashes can look great if you're investing in a high-end product, but most of what's out there just looks cheap and forced," Barber adds. She emphasizes that the quality of imitation materials varies dramatically, with most affordable options failing to convincingly replicate their natural counterparts.

Barber has developed a simple rule of thumb for evaluating materials in home design projects. "If a material is pretending to be something it's not, think twice," she advises. "You're better off choosing something honest about what it is." This philosophy reflects the broader industry shift toward transparency and authenticity in interior design.

The movement away from fake materials represents more than just a design trend—it signals a fundamental change in how people want to live and what they value in their homes. As homeowners increasingly prioritize wellness, authenticity, and emotional connection to their living spaces, the era of artificial materials and faux finishes appears to be drawing to a definitive close. Interior designers are betting that this shift toward genuine materials will have lasting power, reflecting deeper cultural values rather than temporary aesthetic preferences.