The Difference between Veneers, Laminates & Solid Wood
May 15, 2016
Interior design, like most creative fields, draws inspiration from nature, culture, history, and mythology. These influences may not seem directly connected to home construction at first, yet they shape how a space is experienced. Colours, textures, and finishes reflect cultural preferences and emotional associations. Red, for example, holds auspicious value in many Eastern cultures, while Western interiors often favour softer shades such as sky blue or buff. A home built in Punjab and one built in Pittsburgh may follow the same layout, but the choice of finishing materials will differ greatly.
Understanding design trends helps broaden perspective and opens up new possibilities. Many homeowners carry a vision of their ideal home for years, only to discover fresh ideas after seeing the work of contemporary architects, designers, and artists. Below are current laminate-focused interior trends influencing modern spaces.
Overview
Recent trends show strong contrasts. Dark shades are becoming deeper, while lighter tones are moving closer to beige and pale grey. Dark brown and chocolate laminates are gaining prominence, while ultra-light browns dominate minimalist interiors. Warm reddish tones are losing favour and are often avoided.
Brown Is Getting Deeper
Dark hardwood-style laminate flooring has remained popular for several years. Common choices include ebony, mocha, chocolate, and deep brown tones. While darker surfaces often hide stains, dust and scratches remain more visible and require regular care. During installation, opening the wood pores with a water pop can add a refined contemporary finish.
Blonde Is Turning Ultra-Light
Light wood tones continue to attract design-forward homeowners. Pale browns and soft greys are making a return this season. When paired with complementary wall colours and furniture, these shades introduce a relaxed and modern feel to interiors.
Trend-Driven Choices for Bold Preferences
Beyond brown and blonde finishes, some laminate textures appeal to homeowners seeking distinctive interiors.
Cement Laminates
These laminates replicate the appearance of fresh concrete. They suit wall panelling and modern interiors, require minimal upkeep, and maintain a clean visual appeal.
Marble Laminates
Once limited to tiles, marble-inspired finishes are now available in laminate form. They offer an elegant look at a lower cost and are easy to maintain. These laminates work well in kitchens and bathrooms for wall and shelf panelling.
Abstract Designs
Bold and unconventional, abstract laminates feature patterns ranging from retro to punk-inspired styles. They break visual monotony and suit expressive interiors. These designs are affordable, easy to clean, and appeal to adventurous tastes.
Strong design begins with the right inspiration. Laminates allow experimentation through layered textures, colours, and finishes, making them one of the most flexible and user-friendly finishing materials available for interior spaces.
