Loire Design Lab - Chapter 6: Materials Matter

Diving Into Materials and Finishes

Once we gained clarity on the large construction details, we finally felt ready to dive into the fun part: materials and finishes.

We’ll be honest — we were dreaming about these details from the moment we purchased the property. But as often happens in renovations, our original vision evolved over time. While structural elements demanded attention early on, we soon dedicated even more thought and energy to choosing the right materials and finishes.

Our Commitment to Health and Sustainability

As we shared in the Preface of this series, our goal was to turn this space into a design lab where we could experiment with healthy and sustainable materials, finishes, and products. We had many exciting ideas, but also faced the challenge of balancing aesthetics, function, and environmental responsibility.

Our priorities stayed consistent:

• Use the healthiest materials possible

• Source local and French craftsmanship whenever possible

• Incorporate second-hand or thrifted items, especially during furnishing

Local Materials as Inspiration

A major inspiration and anchor for our material palette is the fact that the house features beautiful local slate and tuffeau stone, both in excellent condition. Upon discovering the tuffeau pillar we introduced in the previous edition, we were excited to celebrate these stunning natural materials, which have been such an integral part of the home’s character and history. They set a foundation for our approach—highlighting what is authentic and local while complementing our sustainable, healthy choices.

Walls: A Canvas for Sustainability

One of the easiest, most impactful ways to integrate sustainability in any renovation is by focusing on wall finishes. We aim to avoid acrylic-based paints because of their toxic, off-gassing properties. Instead, we directed our attention toward bio-based and mineral paint options.

After much research, we initially chose an excellent mineral-based paint — but discovered it wasn’t ideal for all applications. Then we found a small regional brand producing a unique vegetable-oil-based paint. This unusual choice was the perfect test for our design lab.

Flooring Experiments with Cork and Terrazzo

Cork floors were a must for experimentation. Known for its sustainability, regenerative properties and comfort, cork is a familiar material — but we wanted to explore new installation methods. We were excited to find a water-resistant cork option for bathrooms but had to switch plans when that product was discontinued due to performance issues. Instead, we installed cork with a floating method in the office and bedroom, avoiding adhesives to see how it withstands a 150+ year-old building’s natural shifts.

We were also eager to use terrazzo-inspired flooring throughout the space. Pouring real terrazzo on site wasn’t possible, as this intricate Italian craft requires specialized artisans we couldn’t find locally. So we had to pivot. Of all the terrazzo-style tiles on the market, only one met our standards: a porcelain-based tile where the actual terrazzo chips are fully integrated into the tile body — not merely a surface print. The natural minerals used make it a sustainable and incredibly durable choice. We selected one color scheme for the entire ground floor and a darker, complementary shade for the bathroom upstairs. The result perfectly captures the terrazzo look we dreamed of, while aligning with our commitment to quality and sustainability.

Minimalism and Thoughtful Choices in Bathrooms

Another design principle is minimizing the materials we bring into a project to better control product ingredients and waste. This is especially important in bathrooms, where traditional designs often use multiple tiles.

Each bathroom features only a single floor tile, a single shower tile, and an integrated sink countertop — all Red List free to avoid harmful chemicals in these intimate spaces.

Creative Reuse and Vintage Finds

Low waste and reuse were crucial considerations. For example, our powder room needed a micro-sink and a bolder color. When an ideal periwinkle-blue sink appeared on the French equivalent of Craigslist, we jumped on it!

To honor the home’s history, we incorporated vintage French porcelain door handles with a delicate patina instead of buying new. These small artisanal details help maintain the character of this historic building.

Challenging Moments with Original Doors

Some decisions proved difficult. We discovered several original doors stored in the cellar that we hoped to reuse. Unfortunately, after weeks of consultation with our carpenter, none met the size and condition requirements for the three needed locations.

Retrofitting these doors would have cost double the price of buying new ones — a tough but necessary compromise that’s part of any renovation journey.

A Strategic and Conscious Palette

Every material decision was deliberate and carefully considered. This design lab embodies our commitment to health, sustainability, and celebrating local craftsmanship. It’s a true practice of what we preach, applied thoughtfully in every aspect of renovation.

As we continue to shape the Loire Design Lab, every material and finish brings us closer to a space that reflects our values of sustainability, health, and French craftsmanship. We’re excited to share this journey with you and to keep exploring innovative ways to honor the past while creating a future-forward design. In the next edition, we’ll dive deeper into the renovation process itself—sharing the challenges and joys of bringing this historic property to life, and the unexpected discoveries that come with renovating in France. Stay tuned as we continue to experiment, learn, and craft a truly unique space.