<p>Laminates have long been ignored in our homes. But they are coming back in a big way to lend them a new look, writes Bindu Gopal Rao.<br /><br /></p>.<p>As an element used in home decor, laminates are relatively uncommon but are surely and steadily gaining popularity and making a mark on the interiors sphere. Over the last few years, the laminates industry has been witnessing progress with new product ranges that offer advancement in designs and technical aspects.<br /><br />Do the new<br /><br />The market is flooded with textured laminates like never before. There are textures that imitate veneer, fabric, stone and glass. This has made laminate a more attractive option as compared to veneer. “Anti-bacterial coating on laminates is also catching on fast in home decor. Previously this was used only in hospitals or clean rooms but with the increase in awareness about physical well-being, many home owners are willing to pay a little more to ensure more hygienic surfaces,” says Umesh Rao, Founder & CEO, Vector Projects (I) Pvt. Ltd.<br /><br />Today high pressure and compact laminates are getting popular. Decorative laminates form an integral part of the interior surfacing solution. Laminates can be used in a variety of ways and spaces, be it kitchen, bath or work room. These can be used on a shop table or as a furniture surface. Available in a multitude of colours and textures, it is easy to work with and can be cut out into many ways to suit designs.<br /><br /> “There are organic and natural laminates which give a more natural look. Hardwood flooring is the sought-after flooring for many workers. There are new laminates in hardwood styles and the visuals which make it very realistic. Black laminating flooring looks cleaner for a longer time. One can go for upscale flooring, painted laminated flooring and cool wide plank wood floors,” says Honey Jolly, the Design Head of Home Ettu. <br /><br />Launch pad<br /><br />Greenlam Laminates has launched anti-bacterial laminates in Asia. “We have given special attention to kids’ spaces, with new concepts and designs, catering to their imagination. Restroom Cubicle has been launched with the understanding that kids today want a user-friendly as well as a creative environment around them. Also, we have launched a Digi Junior series of laminates inspired by the famous Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels designs,” says Alex Joseph, Vice President, Marketing, Greenlam Laminates.<br /><br />Sonear’s recent launches also include laminates for children’s rooms which are bright and colourful in shades of yellow and blue. <br /><br />If you want to create a fusion look, with multiple patterns and designs, check the Fusion Range, which blends classical designs along with modern finishes to create a stunning and diverse range. The collection offers a multitude of designs and patterns, and each one is unique. <br /><br />Century Laminates introduced their premium range of laminates, Opulenza, which has 36 exquisite designs that have been developed by blending European paper and moulding plates to give that premium feel that the new generation demands.<br /><br />Usage factor<br /><br />Laminate uses and areas have expanded both in the traditional spaces and to new spaces like wall cladding both for interiors and exteriors, wall highlighters, kitchen countertops, bathrooms and wall highlighters. “Laminates, right now, have a wood grain appearance. Cutting them in a grid and applying it vertically and horizontally or cutting it in a jigsaw format with grooves or marble finish and with resin on it are some interesting ways of using it,” says Sumessh Menon, Design Director, Sumessh Menon Associates. <br /><br />Large wall panels finished in laminate can give a more long lasting and hygienic surface as opposed to paints, and are easier to maintain. You can also look at using fire or heat-resistant decorative laminates as a wall panel behind the gas stove area or even highlight an entire wall in the kitchen. <br /><br />“As most of the decorative laminates are waterproof, by using them against the kitchen sinks, one can make the area look glamorous, dry and prevent the area from becoming a breeding ground for cockroaches. Typically, one tends to use tiles on kitchen walls, but over a period of time, tiles get chipped and also need a lot of scrubbing. Hence we recommend the use of decorative laminates in bold colours or stripes as they are attractive and easy to maintain,” says Archana Dutta, General Manager, Marketing, Sonear Industries. <br /><br />Additionally, if the kitchen opens into a small dining area, you can also consider using dark coloured laminates to create a stylish and contemporary look. Use of laminates as bath counters and adding mirrors to one’s bathrooms also make for another affordable option to remodel one’s bathroom. <br /><br />Trend check<br /><br />Unicolour laminates are gaining popularity with end users. As these are monolithic in construction, it helps to avoid the dark laminate edge in furniture. This ensures a cleaner finish with enhanced aesthetics. “Customised laminates are in trend these days and people are opting for them. Also, in terms of colours, laminates are available in different shades, suiting a consumer’s taste, rather than the boring shades of grey and black,” says Joseph. Another trend in the laminates is a mix and match of old and new design cues. <br /><br />“The focus is more on openness in layout and aesthetics, which means that for cupboards, neutral and white colours are used, which can be paired with other contrasting colours. An interesting way to use laminates in homes can be by utilising them on kitchen countertops and bathrooms in an innovative manner. For example, if you have a dark flooring, light countertops will be good to go with them,” says Pankaj Kumar Jain, Director, K World.<br /><br />Electrifying shades and patterns are becoming popular. Another trend in laminates is to use a contrasting design in the interiors. “If the wall panelling is being done with a lighter shade of wood grain, then the furniture is done with a dark shade of wood grain laminates. There are magnetic laminates which are very useful in kitchens these days. Such magnetic laminates are a great place to stick shopping or to-do lists,” says Anoop Hoon, President – Marketing & OD, Century Plyboards (I) Ltd. So, go ahead and add laminates to your home to give it a fresh look.</p>
<p>Laminates have long been ignored in our homes. But they are coming back in a big way to lend them a new look, writes Bindu Gopal Rao.<br /><br /></p>.<p>As an element used in home decor, laminates are relatively uncommon but are surely and steadily gaining popularity and making a mark on the interiors sphere. Over the last few years, the laminates industry has been witnessing progress with new product ranges that offer advancement in designs and technical aspects.<br /><br />Do the new<br /><br />The market is flooded with textured laminates like never before. There are textures that imitate veneer, fabric, stone and glass. This has made laminate a more attractive option as compared to veneer. “Anti-bacterial coating on laminates is also catching on fast in home decor. Previously this was used only in hospitals or clean rooms but with the increase in awareness about physical well-being, many home owners are willing to pay a little more to ensure more hygienic surfaces,” says Umesh Rao, Founder & CEO, Vector Projects (I) Pvt. Ltd.<br /><br />Today high pressure and compact laminates are getting popular. Decorative laminates form an integral part of the interior surfacing solution. Laminates can be used in a variety of ways and spaces, be it kitchen, bath or work room. These can be used on a shop table or as a furniture surface. Available in a multitude of colours and textures, it is easy to work with and can be cut out into many ways to suit designs.<br /><br /> “There are organic and natural laminates which give a more natural look. Hardwood flooring is the sought-after flooring for many workers. There are new laminates in hardwood styles and the visuals which make it very realistic. Black laminating flooring looks cleaner for a longer time. One can go for upscale flooring, painted laminated flooring and cool wide plank wood floors,” says Honey Jolly, the Design Head of Home Ettu. <br /><br />Launch pad<br /><br />Greenlam Laminates has launched anti-bacterial laminates in Asia. “We have given special attention to kids’ spaces, with new concepts and designs, catering to their imagination. Restroom Cubicle has been launched with the understanding that kids today want a user-friendly as well as a creative environment around them. Also, we have launched a Digi Junior series of laminates inspired by the famous Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels designs,” says Alex Joseph, Vice President, Marketing, Greenlam Laminates.<br /><br />Sonear’s recent launches also include laminates for children’s rooms which are bright and colourful in shades of yellow and blue. <br /><br />If you want to create a fusion look, with multiple patterns and designs, check the Fusion Range, which blends classical designs along with modern finishes to create a stunning and diverse range. The collection offers a multitude of designs and patterns, and each one is unique. <br /><br />Century Laminates introduced their premium range of laminates, Opulenza, which has 36 exquisite designs that have been developed by blending European paper and moulding plates to give that premium feel that the new generation demands.<br /><br />Usage factor<br /><br />Laminate uses and areas have expanded both in the traditional spaces and to new spaces like wall cladding both for interiors and exteriors, wall highlighters, kitchen countertops, bathrooms and wall highlighters. “Laminates, right now, have a wood grain appearance. Cutting them in a grid and applying it vertically and horizontally or cutting it in a jigsaw format with grooves or marble finish and with resin on it are some interesting ways of using it,” says Sumessh Menon, Design Director, Sumessh Menon Associates. <br /><br />Large wall panels finished in laminate can give a more long lasting and hygienic surface as opposed to paints, and are easier to maintain. You can also look at using fire or heat-resistant decorative laminates as a wall panel behind the gas stove area or even highlight an entire wall in the kitchen. <br /><br />“As most of the decorative laminates are waterproof, by using them against the kitchen sinks, one can make the area look glamorous, dry and prevent the area from becoming a breeding ground for cockroaches. Typically, one tends to use tiles on kitchen walls, but over a period of time, tiles get chipped and also need a lot of scrubbing. Hence we recommend the use of decorative laminates in bold colours or stripes as they are attractive and easy to maintain,” says Archana Dutta, General Manager, Marketing, Sonear Industries. <br /><br />Additionally, if the kitchen opens into a small dining area, you can also consider using dark coloured laminates to create a stylish and contemporary look. Use of laminates as bath counters and adding mirrors to one’s bathrooms also make for another affordable option to remodel one’s bathroom. <br /><br />Trend check<br /><br />Unicolour laminates are gaining popularity with end users. As these are monolithic in construction, it helps to avoid the dark laminate edge in furniture. This ensures a cleaner finish with enhanced aesthetics. “Customised laminates are in trend these days and people are opting for them. Also, in terms of colours, laminates are available in different shades, suiting a consumer’s taste, rather than the boring shades of grey and black,” says Joseph. Another trend in the laminates is a mix and match of old and new design cues. <br /><br />“The focus is more on openness in layout and aesthetics, which means that for cupboards, neutral and white colours are used, which can be paired with other contrasting colours. An interesting way to use laminates in homes can be by utilising them on kitchen countertops and bathrooms in an innovative manner. For example, if you have a dark flooring, light countertops will be good to go with them,” says Pankaj Kumar Jain, Director, K World.<br /><br />Electrifying shades and patterns are becoming popular. Another trend in laminates is to use a contrasting design in the interiors. “If the wall panelling is being done with a lighter shade of wood grain, then the furniture is done with a dark shade of wood grain laminates. There are magnetic laminates which are very useful in kitchens these days. Such magnetic laminates are a great place to stick shopping or to-do lists,” says Anoop Hoon, President – Marketing & OD, Century Plyboards (I) Ltd. So, go ahead and add laminates to your home to give it a fresh look.</p>
