In today’s times, laminates are not just limited to simple wooden designs or solid colours, but are shifting to a conceptual and artistic side of design. Laminate brands are adding new designs to their lineup to ensure the aesthetic beauty of the interiors of a space.
Fit Finish
A laminate is made from pressing thin layers of paper and plastic resins. The upper layer is then printed in the beautiful finish that you see all around you. It is used as the most common finishing material over MDF, plywood and particle board. Akanksha, senior architect, BuildWorx Architecture and Design Company, says, “Laminates are one of the best finishing options for home décor. There are a lot of factors that make this material usable for almost all purposes such as wall finishes, furniture, flooring and ceiling. Textured laminates are the best option for home décor as they give a very natural feel to your entire home. More durable and resistant to scratch, moisture and heat as compared to many other materials, laminates are very cost effective too.”
Do the New
Digital laminates are making a return with new concepts, beautiful motifs and contemporary lines and curves. They portray sophistication and are a complete game changer for the appearance of the space. The best recommended laminates would be waterproof and stone laminates. “Stone resembling laminates are the most trending laminates, which are now available in tones that make them as realistic as possible. A coarse surface texture with soothing colour schemes and marble species helps in cutting down the cost and getting the look of actual stone as well. They bring in luxury into the space without compromising on the look and feel. Rugged wooden tones with synchronised textures are a must to give veneer-like finishes and add charm to every single nook and cranny of your spaces,” says Mayur Kingrani, owner, Chic Casa India. Laminates can be used in dual tones while creating wall units and TV units. Panels of wardrobe shutters could be divided by incorporating two to three textures. Textures such as stone prints could also be used to create interesting panelling options. In kitchens, colour blocking could be done by using complementary colours on wall units and base units,” says Komal Rustagi, interior architect & founder, Mulberry Design Studio.
Design Mantra
Laminates are an integral part of home décor and, with the new product launches by various brands, they are also becoming a preferred choice. The finishes of most wood veneers are achievable, and a series of polish finishes like high gloss or matte finish are also available. “Laminates can create a sense of different materials. The metal finishes can be used in wall panelling or even as an accent on a door or a wardrobe; the textures and wood grains can be used in furniture and doors where there is a lot of touch involved. They can be combined and used in various combinations to give a touch of modernism to the surfaces as well,” says Smriti Raheja Sawhney, founder, DesignEx.
The most noticeable application for laminates is tabletops, which are covered by a thin layer of sheet material. “Cut from a sheet of laminate, the material is hard-wearing, making it ideal for usage in hospitality venues like restaurants. Available in a huge variety of finishes, patterns and colours, these are generally inexpensive yet functional.Laminate is the preferred surface for most homeowners while considering their bathroom remodel. Composed from plastics bonded under pressure, laminate countertops have an unmatched ability to resist moisture, have an exceptional appeal, are sturdy and require virtually no maintenance,” says Jigna Kantawala, architect, Elysium Abodes.
Shrreyash Sarmalkar, founder & principal architect, ESSQUARE, adds, “Laminate colours, patterns, designs and finishes can be appropriately selected based on the décor theme in order to make the space more appealing. Always know that light colours nullify the compactness of a space while dark colours will make a room feel more compact.”
Contemporary Cues
Post the COVID-19 situation, laminate companies have launched antibacterial laminates, which are being treated to have a long-term resistance to harmful microbes. Antibacterial properties are essential and indispensable for decorative laminates because these laminates are often applied on kitchen tops, countertops, cabinets and tabletops that are bound to come in constant contact with food materials and younger children.
Akshay Joshi and Amlan Kar, interior designers, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, aver, “Industrial laminates are great when it comes to durability and heavy use as they offer wear and tear resistance and are also fire retardant, as well as chemical and antibacterial resistant, which makes them a perfect choice for projects like hospitals; considering today’s COVID-19 situation, they give you a decent solution to stop the spread of the virus.”
Owing to their fluidity, laminates can be seamlessly blended into the myriad colours, shades and textures of the house. “It is highly preferred in areas where heavier material cannot be deployed and doesn’t compromise on the artistic beauty of the house,” says Ankit Aditya Pradhan, founder & CEO, Realty Assistant.
Versatile Vibes
Laminates require almost no maintenance and are very easy to keep clean. If applied correctly to the base surface, good quality laminates can last a lifetime without needing any upkeep. Urvashi Sathaye, founder and chief interior designer, M.A.D.E by Urvashi Sathaye, adds, “Being an already finished product, and requiring no further finishing, besides cutting and pasting, the turnaround time with a laminate is quicker than the real wood veneers. Veneers typically need multiple coats of polishing to reach the final stages of being complete.”
04 Jan 2021 Loaded Laminates An element of décor that is largely underrated, laminates can add their own charm to several spaces In today’s times, laminates are not just limited to simple wooden designs or solid colours, but are shifting to a conceptual and artistic side of design. Laminate brands are adding new designs to their lineup to ensure the aesthetic beauty of the interiors of a space. Fit Finish A laminate is made from pressing thin layers of paper and plastic resins. The upper layer is then printed in the beautiful finish that you see all around you. It is used as the most common finishing material over MDF, plywood and particle board. Akanksha, senior architect, BuildWorx Architecture and Design Company, says, “Laminates are one of the best finishing options for home décor. There are a lot of factors that make this material usable for almost all purposes such as wall finishes, furniture, flooring and ceiling. Textured laminates are the best option for home décor as they give a very natural feel to your entire home. More durable and resistant to scratch, moisture and heat as compared to many other materials, laminates are very cost effective too.” Do the New Digital laminates are making a return with new concepts, beautiful motifs and contemporary lines and curves. They portray sophistication and are a complete game changer for the appearance of the space. The best recommended laminates would be waterproof and stone laminates. “Stone resembling laminates are the most trending laminates, which are now available in tones that make them as realistic as possible. A coarse surface texture with soothing colour schemes and marble species helps in cutting down the cost and getting the look of actual stone as well. They bring in luxury into the space without compromising on the look and feel. Rugged wooden tones with synchronised textures are a must to give veneer-like finishes and add charm to every single nook and cranny of your spaces,” says Mayur Kingrani, owner, Chic Casa India. Laminates can be used in dual tones while creating wall units and TV units. Panels of wardrobe shutters could be divided by incorporating two to three textures. Textures such as stone prints could also be used to create interesting panelling options. In kitchens, colour blocking could be done by using complementary colours on wall units and base units,” says Komal Rustagi, interior architect & founder, Mulberry Design Studio. Design Mantra Laminates are an integral part of home décor and, with the new product launches by various brands, they are also becoming a preferred choice. The finishes of most wood veneers are achievable, and a series of polish finishes like high gloss or matte finish are also available. “Laminates can create a sense of different materials. The metal finishes can be used in wall panelling or even as an accent on a door or a wardrobe; the textures and wood grains can be used in furniture and doors where there is a lot of touch involved. They can be combined and used in various combinations to give a touch of modernism to the surfaces as well,” says Smriti Raheja Sawhney, founder, DesignEx. The most noticeable application for laminates is tabletops, which are covered by a thin layer of sheet material. “Cut from a sheet of laminate, the material is hard-wearing, making it ideal for usage in hospitality venues like restaurants. Available in a huge variety of finishes, patterns and colours, these are generally inexpensive yet functional.Laminate is the preferred surface for most homeowners while considering their bathroom remodel. Composed from plastics bonded under pressure, laminate countertops have an unmatched ability to resist moisture, have an exceptional appeal, are sturdy and require virtually no maintenance,” says Jigna Kantawala, architect, Elysium Abodes. Shrreyash Sarmalkar, founder & principal architect, ESSQUARE, adds, “Laminate colours, patterns, designs and finishes can be appropriately selected based on the décor theme in order to make the space more appealing. Always know that light colours nullify the compactness of a space while dark colours will make a room feel more compact.” Contemporary Cues Post the COVID-19 situation, laminate companies have launched antibacterial laminates, which are being treated to have a long-term resistance to harmful microbes. Antibacterial properties are essential and indispensable for decorative laminates because these laminates are often applied on kitchen tops, countertops, cabinets and tabletops that are bound to come in constant contact with food materials and younger children. Akshay Joshi and Amlan Kar, interior designers, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, aver, “Industrial laminates are great when it comes to durability and heavy use as they offer wear and tear resistance and are also fire retardant, as well as chemical and antibacterial resistant, which makes them a perfect choice for projects like hospitals; considering today’s COVID-19 situation, they give you a decent solution to stop the spread of the virus.” Owing to their fluidity, laminates can be seamlessly blended into the myriad colours, shades and textures of the house. “It is highly preferred in areas where heavier material cannot be deployed and doesn’t compromise on the artistic beauty of the house,” says Ankit Aditya Pradhan, founder & CEO, Realty Assistant. Versatile Vibes Laminates require almost no maintenance and are very easy to keep clean. If applied correctly to the base surface, good quality laminates can last a lifetime without needing any upkeep. Urvashi Sathaye, founder and chief interior designer, M.A.D.E by Urvashi Sathaye, adds, “Being an already finished product, and requiring no further finishing, besides cutting and pasting, the turnaround time with a laminate is quicker than the real wood veneers. Veneers typically need multiple coats of polishing to reach the final stages of being complete.” Post formed laminates are useful if you are looking for flexible and thinner versions of laminates to cover up a column; compact laminates are self-supporting and do not need to be glued onto any surface.
Mahesh Choudhary, CEO, uPVC Division, Aparna Enterprises, adds, “Work from home provisions have become part of new constructions and renovations. Owing to the availability of coloured laminates, customisation in door and window colours is helping people craft their own space.” Basically, laminates are versatile products that are making their presence felt across the industry.