Why is it essential to bring nature into our spaces?

At Zucchi, we believe that architecture and design go beyond aesthetics—they are pathways to creating meaningful connections.

We strive to offer our clients natural stones that embody the essence of nature, shaping environments where people can reconnect with the natural world and foster authentic, sensory-driven connections.

This perspective is grounded in scientific evidence: exposure to natural environments offers indispensable benefits for mental, physical, and emotional health. For us, architects and designers are the key players in this transformation, crafting spaces that directly enhance people’s well-being.

How Colors Foster a Connection with Nature — Our **Ijen Blue** quartzite, with its soft and delicate blue tones, evokes serenity and freshness, showcasing how natural stones can transform spaces into immersive sensory retreats.

According to Berman et al. (2012), in a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, intense urban living may impair psychological functioning and increase the risk of mental health issues. Conversely, incorporating natural elements—whether through authentic materials or sensory experiences that evoke nature—can help counteract these effects, improving memory, mood, and overall quality of life.

Copia de Copia de CHANTILLY 1200 x 600 px 1200 x 600 px 800 x 500 px 800 x 500 px 1200 x 1200 px 1200 x 800 px 1 — Biophilic design turns spaces into restorative environments, reducing stress and promoting balance and well-being.

This understanding is further supported by neuroimaging research from the University of Vienna, which shows that interaction with natural environments goes beyond visual appreciation—it produces real physiological effects. Exposure to green landscapes reduces pain perception and dampens brain signals associated with nociception, effectively working as a natural, non-invasive analgesic. Additionally, contact with nature is linked to lower blood pressure, reduced stress, relief from symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improved learning and memory—all factors that enhance the human experience within thoughtfully designed spaces.

On a broader scale, the review conducted by Bratman et al. (2019), published in Science Advances, synthesized numerous benefits derived from frequent nature experiences: increased positive affect, greater happiness and life satisfaction, a stronger sense of purpose and social cohesion, as well as important cognitive gains such as improved attention, memory, and creativity—crucial aspects for anyone designing spaces focused on well-being.

Keep reading to discover how to strengthen this connection in your projects.

What is color, after all?

According to Pantone, color is the visual perception resulting from the interaction of light with objects. When light hits a surface, part of it is absorbed while the rest is reflected—these reflections are what we perceive as color.

In 1666, Isaac Newton demonstrated that white light, when passed through a prism, separates into seven colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

11 1 — Color is light in motion—a dance among science, emotion, and unforgettable sensory experiences.

In essence, color is light—and as such, it directly impacts our senses and emotions.

In design, we use two systems: additive (RGB), which mixes light on screens; and subtractive (CMYK), which uses pigments for printing.

Just as colors in nature evoke emotions, in design they create atmosphere, stir feelings, and reinforce identity. It’s a powerful connection between aesthetics, science, and sensory experience.

How does color connect us to nature?

Just as contact with nature restores us physically and emotionally, color also plays this vital role: it evokes sensations, creates connections, and directly influences our well-being.

Research shows that natural environments help reduce stress, improve cognition, and even alleviate pain—effects that, in many ways, color palettes seek to replicate.

Copia de Copia de CHANTILLY 1200 x 600 px 1200 x 600 px 800 x 500 px 800 x 500 px 1200 x 1200 px 1200 x 800 px 2 — Colors drawn from nature evoke balance and well-being, forging deep emotional bonds with the spaces we inhabit.

Color goes far beyond aesthetics—it is a sensory experience, an emotional memory, and a reflection of our instinctive need for balance, softness, and vitality—elements as inherent to natural landscapes as they are to intentional design choices.

Colors that foster connection with nature—and set trends

The color landscape for 2025 signals a shift towards what’s being called “tactile comfort.” Palettes are moving away from cool grays to embrace earth-inspired hues: clay, moss, cocoa… and deep tones that invite introspection and escapism.

Experts say this pivot reflects a collective longing for more welcoming and authentic environments—a response to the quest for balance amid digital overload.

Green continues to be a favorite—both in homes and on fashion runways. It’s evolving from the now-ubiquitous sage to richer shades: moss green (#657B55) and deep olive (#55613B) create cozy, sanctuary-like atmospheres, while pistachio (#99B789) offers a bright, fresh touch while remaining organic. Designers note these greens are even more compelling when paired with natural textures—jute, raw linen, light wood—and they gain sophistication alongside terracotta, soft pink, or aged brass.

Deep greens create contemplative, restorative retreats, aligning spaces with nature’s harmonious rhythms.

Color psychology informs these choices: greens are associated with balance, renewal, and well-being, helping to reduce visual fatigue and encouraging deep, calming breaths.

Among earthy tones, brown is stepping out of the shadows and taking center stage. Case in point: Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year—Mocha Mousse (PANTONE 17-1230), a creamy brown reminiscent of hot chocolate and supple leather. Terracotta, caramel, and chocolate hues enrich interiors with a handcrafted vibe: cement tiles, encaustic floors, and high-fired ceramics visually warm spaces without overwhelming them. Psychologically, these tones convey security and grounding, pairing beautifully with light stones and warm metals—a balanced blend of comfort and sophistication.

Browns and terracottas envelop spaces with warmth and rustic charm, deepening our connection to the earth and artisanal traditions.

Blue is also gaining depth. WGSN named “Future Dusk” (Coloro 129-35-18) as the color of 2025—a mesmerizing shade between midnight blue and purple, suggesting mystery, technology, and escapism. Alongside it, we see petroleum blue, washed denim, and “Encore Blue” (chosen by Valspar)—hues intense enough to replace black, yet serene enough for bedrooms or urban spas.

Deep blues envelop the senses with serenity and introspection, while creating elegant, welcoming atmospheres.

These blues shine in matte finishes and warm lighting (2700 K). For those wary of visual heaviness, accents of caramel, brass, or buttery beige provide balance.

And what about neutrals? They’re back in full force, but warmer: cream, sand, taupe-mushroom… perfect as a backdrop for textured layers. Decorators are championing “color drenching”—painting everything the same color—to create soothing, cocoon-like spaces. For those wanting to take it further, “double drenching” introduces a second shade from the same family, adding depth through light and shadow.

Sand and beige evoke comfort and authenticity, naturally balancing tradition and sophistication.

These modern beiges retain softness without the “cold” feel that made gray seem overused. They pair beautifully with olive green, denim blue, or mocha brown—always emphasizing natural materials and low-VOC paints.

In short, 2025 invites a sensory palette—greens that breathe, earth tones that warm, blues that comfort, beiges that embrace. The secret? Layer textures and let color fully envelop the space.

How to bring this into your spaces?

Think of the space as a micro-ecosystem. Start with deep greens—on walls or a preserved moss panel—that create a welcoming, sanctuary-like feel. Then introduce wood: wide planks or slatted panels, with warm grain patterns that harmonize with the terracotta and caramel tones of the 2025 palette.

In living rooms, **Arturo Blu** introduces a rich palette of greens and earthy browns, creating sophisticated compositions that enhance the feeling of warmth and connection to nature.

On this foundation, layer natural fabrics—linen, raw cotton, textured wool—to reinforce the organic feel.

Sophistication comes through the natural stones we offer: pistachio or olive quartzites echo moss greens; veined white marbles deepen beige and sand hues; almond dolomitic marbles with chocolate veining; and blue or copper-toned crystals that reflect light and highlight the sapphire blues trending this year.

Each of these natural stones, with their unique geological patterns, amplifies the presence of color, ensures durability, and adds character.

In bathrooms, **Aligator** quartzite—with its green tones and earthy nuances—transforms the space into an intimate, welcoming retreat where aesthetics and comfort coexist.

This composition celebrates biophilic design, integrating natural elements into the environment to promote well-being, comfort, and a profound connection with nature.

When living plants, warm woods, breathable fabrics, and our natural stones—quartzites, marbles, dolomites, and crystals—come together, the space comes alive: it breathes, nurtures, and celebrates the natural world—all without ever leaving home.

Conclusion

At Zucchi, we understand that fostering this connection goes far beyond an aesthetic trend—it’s a commitment to quality of life. By incorporating natural, authentic, and timeless materials, architects and designers create spaces that don’t just shelter—they heal, welcome, and inspire.

**Taj Mahal** quartzite, with its soft, luminous beige, is a timeless classic that transcends trends, exemplifying how the authenticity of natural materials lends enduring sophistication to any space.

Designing is more than building—it’s about creating lasting bridges between people, nature, and well-being.

Looking for more inspiration?
Follow Zucchi on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, and discover how our natural stones and color trends transform spaces into unique experiences of well-being and sophistication.