Beyond Colour: Designing for Lasting Value
Colour and material choices influence more than the appearance of a space. They affect how we experience it, and whether we continue to appreciate it over time. Colour and material expert Alina Schartner shares her perspective on responsible design, material knowledge and emotional longevity.
Working with colour, material and finish (CMF), Alina explores how emerging trends and sensory qualities influence products and interiors. Invited by Elmo Leather to speak at IDD during Orgatec, she challenges the idea that CMF is primarily about aesthetics.
“Rather than simply choosing what looks appealing today, we need to consider how materials are sourced, how they perform in their intended application and how well they age through everyday use.”
She also takes a more considered approach to trends. Rather than following every new direction, she looks at the broader cultural and social shifts behind colour trends. The aim is to build on existing ideas, allowing designs to evolve rather than constantly replacing them.
“I believe we have focused too much on visual aesthetics and not enough on multisensory experiences. Texture and material combinations can create depth, comfort and emotional connections.”
Beyond the visual
The same colour can appear completely different on glossy lacquer, felted wool or different types of leather. Texture and finish change how light interacts with a surface, while touch adds another dimension to the experience.
“I believe we have focused too much on visual aesthetics and not enough on multisensory experiences. Texture and material combinations can create depth, comfort and emotional connections.”
Alina is particularly interested in tactile contrasts and environments that invite curiosity and interaction. For her, the overall feeling of a space matters more than any individual colour or material.
Understanding the material
When it comes to responsible material choices, curiosity and critical thinking are essential. Natural or recycled materials are not automatically better choices, and environmental claims need to be supported by reliable evidence.
Her perspective on leather is particularly nuanced. Having been vegetarian since childhood, she nevertheless recognises its potential for durability and longevity, as well as the opportunity to make use of hides generated as a by-product of meat production.
However, she emphasises that this alone does not make leather a responsible choice. Animal welfare, traceability, sourcing, processing and performance must all be considered in relation to the intended application.
“Material knowledge is fundamental to good design. Understanding where a material comes from, how it is processed and how it performs helps us make informed decisions rather than relying on marketing claims.”
“Material knowledge is fundamental to good design. Understanding where a material comes from, how it is processed and how it performs helps us make informed decisions rather than relying on marketing claims.”
Designing for emotional longevity
Beyond physical durability, Alina highlights another dimension of responsible design: the relationship people develop with the objects and spaces around them.
“Physical durability is very important, but emotional longevity matters just as much. A product can be exceptionally robust, yet still be discarded because people no longer like it or feel connected to it.”
This makes beauty, material character and sensory experience more than aesthetic considerations. They can contribute to products and interiors that people want to keep, use and appreciate for longer.
Alina also points out that meaningful design cannot follow a single formula. Some people enjoy stimulating, colourful environments, while others prefer quieter surroundings. Designing with this diversity in mind can make spaces more inclusive and adaptable.
“Responsibility doesn’t mean we have to restrict ourselves to bland aesthetics or a narrow selection of material qualities. Quite the opposite: informed choices can open up new creative possibilities.”
“Responsibility doesn’t mean we have to restrict ourselves to bland aesthetics or a narrow selection of material qualities. Quite the opposite: informed choices can open up new creative possibilities.”
