Get inspired by the Lava Stone trend – one of the key materials of Milan Design Week 2025
Among the many innovative materials and creative installations unveiled at Milan Design Week 2025, one material stood out for its raw beauty and powerful presence: lava stone. Once primarily used in architectural and outdoor applications, this volcanic material is now making a bold entrance into the world of contemporary interiors and furniture design. And it’s redefining how we think about texture, tactility, and elemental storytelling in our spaces. Let’s dive more into the lava stone trend.
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A Material Born of Fire and Earth
Lava stone originates from solidified molten magma, formed during volcanic eruptions. As a material, it offers a compelling contrast to the sleek minimalism that has dominated interior trends in recent years. With its porous surface, rugged irregularities, and organic imperfections, in fact, lava stone brings a visceral, grounding quality into spaces.
What makes it especially unique is its ability to evoke a deep connection to nature, a theme that continues to resonate strongly in today’s design world, with its strong tactile qualities.
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From Glazed Glamour to Raw Minimalism: the two sides of the lava stone trend
At this year’s Milan shows, designers explored two different aesthetics that explore lava stone trend, showcasing its incredible versatility:
1. Glazed Lava Stone
The glazed version of lava stone was making a statement—coated in rich, reflective finishes and vibrant colors and even metallics. These treatments transform the rough stone into something almost jewel-like, turning it into a luxury material suitable for:
- Feature walls and cladding
- Custom kitchen and bathroom countertops
- Designer lighting and accessories
- High-end tableware and decorative pieces
A finish that bridges the natural and the refined, offering the best of both worlds: texture and polish, rawness and glam.
2. Raw Lava Stone
On the flip side, raw lava stone retained its natural matte finish, with an emphasis on minimal processing to preserve its inherent rugged beauty. This version appeals to those leaning into organic modernism, wabi-sabi, and elemental design aesthetics. Applications included:
- Textured wall tiles
- Architectural details
- Sculptural furniture and seating
- Garden and spa-inspired indoor features
The unglazed finish celebrates imperfection, patina, and the passing of time. This makes it a perfect match for today’s growing preference for authenticity over perfection.
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More than a trend: why Lava Stone is a smart, sustainable choice
Beyond its aesthetic impact, lava stone is gaining popularity for its sustainability credentials. In fact, when quarried and processed responsibly—especially in regions with active or dormant volcanic geology like Italy, Iceland, and parts of Asia—lava stone boasts a relatively low environmental footprint.
Its natural durability and resistance to heat, water, and weathering mean it can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings, often lasting for decades with minimal maintenance. This makes it a great material for slow design—the antithesis of fast furniture and disposable trends.
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Lava stone trend in 2026 Interiors
Lava stone’s rise fits into a larger shift we observed at Milan Design Week 2025: a return to materials that tell stories. Designers and brands are increasingly prioritizing materials with a sense of place, heritage, and tactility—from volcanic rock and rammed earth to bio-resins and plant-based composites.
In this context, lava stone stands out as a material that is both ancient and avant-garde—deeply rooted in geology, yet freshly reimagined through design. For this reason, as we head into 2026, expect to see even more innovative uses of this material in residential, hospitality, and commercial interiors alike.
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Want More CMF trends Like This?
Lava stone is just one of many groundbreaking materials featured in our new TRENDBARK Trendbook: Interior Design Trends 2026 from Milano. This in-depth guide offers over 150+ pages of curated insights, color palettes, material innovations, and key takeaways from the world’s most important design event.
👉 DOWNLOAD THE FULL TRENDBOOK HERE
