natuligt

Natuligt is a term used in design discourse to describe a stylistic and methodological approach that prioritizes natural materials, straightforward construction, and functional aesthetics. It is a neologism formed by combining natural and utilitarian, and it has gained usage in design writing and marketing since the early 2020s. Natuligt is not tied to a single formal doctrine; rather, it functions as an umbrella descriptor for projects that emphasize material honesty, contextual adaptation, and sustainability.

Core characteristics include the use of renewable or reclaimed materials (such as timber, stone, cork, and wool), visible joinery, neutral or earthy color palettes, minimal ornamentation, and designs that are easy to repair and disassemble. The emphasis is on durability, lifecycle thinking, and reducing environmental impact.

Applications span furniture, interior design, architecture, and consumer goods where the intent is to blend utility with a natural aesthetic. Natuligt designs often align with broader movements such as slow design, biophilic design, and sustainable manufacturing.

Reception is mixed: proponents value clarity and ecological emphasis, while critics argue that the term can be vague or commodified. The usefulness of natuligt depends on concrete choices about materials, sourcing, and end-of-life handling, not merely stylistic appearance.

See also: natural design, minimalism, biophilic design, sustainable design.