HIMACS Structura solid surface material can take on virtually any pattern

The article explores the growing trend of anti-fingerprint surfaces in the furniture and decorative materials industry. These surfaces, also known as super matte, ultra matte, or soft touch, are gaining significant attention for their aesthetic appeal and functional benefits across various applications, from TFL, 3DL, HPL, to newer variants like polypropylene and PET. Historically, decorative laminates aimed for durability and ease of care, leading to the prevalence of stipple, pebble, or pearl finishes. While these textures reduced visible scratches, they often compromised the clarity of designs and created an artificial appearance. The current innovation in anti-fingerprint technology represents a significant evolution, offering a smooth, luxurious feel similar to a high-quality laptop touchpad, combined with practical advantages. One of the primary benefits highlighted is the reduced need for cleaning, particularly in high-traffic environments like multi-family residential buildings. Designers and material experts note that these finishes maintain a cleaner, fresher look for cabinets and other surfaces, which is highly valued for both aesthetic upkeep and maintenance efficiency between tenants or in model units. Beyond functionality, these surfaces enhance the visual depth and richness of woodgrain and solid-color laminates. The interaction with light is particularly notable, bringing new dimensions to dark colors, especially black, which traditionally accentuates fingerprints and smudges. This blend of design and function is attributed to advancements in surface texture technology. The term "haptics" is introduced to distinguish the tactile feel of a surface from its visible texture, emphasizing the importance of touch in perceiving material quality. The article notes that the part of the brain dedicated to interpreting touch and pressure is significantly large, underscoring the deep impact of tactile experiences. The mechanics behind anti-fingerprint technology, specifically DTS’s "clean touch" solution under its ELESGO surfaces brand, are explained. ELESGO, which stands for electron-beam cured surface, utilizes a mechanical solution involving nano peaks and valleys. This microscopic structure minimizes the surface area that can be touched, causing oils and dirt to settle into the valleys and effectively disappear from view. Cleaning these surfaces, when necessary, is simplified to using a microfiber cloth with household cleaner or a Magic Eraser-type sponge. These electron-beam cured transparent or pigmented acrylic resins are available as lacquer-free films for existing laminate presses or with hotmelt backing for conventional veneer and molding presses or roll hot laminating machines. The technology not only provides anti-fingerprint properties but also offers high scratch resistance and can be engineered for chemical, bacterial, and heat resistance, making them suitable for diverse applications, including exterior building facades and outdoor flooring. The versatility extends to producing a wide range of textures from high gloss to various woodgrains, stones, and metals. The article concludes by observing that while anti-fingerprint surfaces remain a dominant trend, high-gloss finishes are also re-emerging, often used as visual accents to complement the softer matte textures. Sustainable manufacturing practices are also a key focus, with electron-beam curing requiring minimal power and producing food-safe, fully crosslinked materials without solvents or formaldehyde. These methods offer durability, ease of care, and minimal waste, making them an attractive option for contemporary design and manufacturing. #AntiFingerprintSurfaces #SurfaceTechnology #Haptics #MaterialInnovation #InteriorDesign #FurnitureManufacturing #ElectronBeamCuring #SustainableMaterials #MatteFinish

The article 'Ask the Experts: Hard Surfaces 101' discusses the complexities involved in selecting hard surfaces like stone and tile for homes, highlighting that beyond aesthetic preferences such as color or substance, several factors need careful consideration to avoid buyer's remorse and expensive re-dos. The piece notes the evolution of the stone and tile industries, moving beyond traditional granite countertops and travertine tiles to offer a wide array of products, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages for specific applications. Cosentino, a global manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom surfaces, offers products like Scalea (natural stone), Sensa (treated granite), Silestone (quartz), and Dekton (a blend of glass, porcelain, and quartz), each possessing different properties. Jodie Amore, general manager of Cosentino New Orleans, emphasizes the importance of providing comprehensive information to customers to prevent dissatisfaction. She advises clients to view full slabs before fabrication to understand the stone's appearance fully, including its veining and color. Beyond aesthetics, other properties become crucial when choosing solid surfaces for applications such as shower walls, tub surrounds, and fireplaces. John Cognevich, president of Stone Interiors, a Natural Stone Institute-accredited fabricator, stresses the necessity of understanding the long-term behavior of each material. For example, marble is characterized as a soft stone that ages and changes over time, a feature some customers appreciate, while others seeking a consistent look might find it unsuitable. This characteristic makes quartz a popular alternative for kitchen countertops due to its engineered, non-porous, and durable nature, often mimicking marble's appearance. The article clarifies the distinction between quartz and quartzite, two materials often confused. Quartz is an engineered stone made from natural quartz and other components, offering consistent color and pattern. Quartzite, conversely, is a natural stone known for its translucent, marble-like appearance. BJ Farrell, vice president of sales and marketing at Campbell Cabinets, notes that quartzite's natural look, particularly in colors like Taj Mahal and Cristallo, is highly appealing, and its translucent qualities allow for creative design options like backlighting. Chris Kornman, co-owner of Entablature Design-Build, also praises quartzite for its natural beauty and durability as a marble alternative in kitchens, despite its higher cost compared to engineered quartz. He highlights the significant advancements in engineered quartz, which now offers over 100 colors and increasingly realistic marble-like designs without the associated maintenance. Madeline Bernard, an interior designer at DMG, favors quartz for its combination of granite's durability, marble's beauty, and solid surface's color consistency, along with its non-porous, low-maintenance properties and design versatility. She mentions using quartz for a waterfall countertop island to create a focal point and expand kitchen functionality. For tile selection, particularly for floors and walls, large-format tiles, including larger subway tiles, continue to trend. Lindsay Swenson, chief executive merchant at Floor & Decor, observes a growing trend in using stone and tile for architectural focal walls, replacing wallpaper. To avoid regret with tile purchases, Swenson recommends three key steps: choose what you genuinely love, opt for timeless designs over fleeting trends, and always ensure a premium sealer is used during installation of stone tile, even suggesting purchasing it independently if necessary. These expert insights collectively guide consumers toward making informed decisions for their home's hard surfaces. #HardSurfaces #HomeImprovement #StoneSurfaces #TileDesign #QuartzCountertops #Quartzite #Marble #InteriorDesign #MaterialSelection

Kitchen surfaces are evolving beyond their traditional roles, becoming central to expressing personal style and enhancing functionality. Designers are increasingly using surface materials in innovative ways, extending backsplashes from countertops to ceilings, creating waterfall edges on islands, and even wrapping vent hoods in these materials. This trend reflects the changing nature of kitchens, which are now multifunctional hubs for entertaining, working, crafting, and family gatherings, necessitating more expansive and versatile surface areas. Philip Eeles, president and CEO for Laminam North America, notes that larger kitchen islands with significant overhangs are becoming prioritized to accommodate additional seating and activities. Visually, there is a growing preference for warm tones and durable materials that offer longevity and timeless appeal. Gerri Chmiel, senior design manager at Formica Corporation, highlights a rise in modern minimalism characterized by warm whites, subtle patterns, and low-maintenance products. Ignacio Paniagua, executive director of Kitchen & Bath North America at Cosentino, emphasizes the strong demand for durable, long-lasting, and easy-to-clean materials that can withstand daily wear and tear in these highly utilized spaces. Manufacturers surveyed by Kitchen & Bath Design News identify natural elements, texture, color, unique patterns, and a cohesive aesthetic as key trends. Warm color palettes are gaining significant traction, moving away from cooler whites and grays. Breanna Burton, West Coast sales manager for Xtone, notes a shift towards warmer and earth tones. Gwen Petter, director of Product Design at Wilsonart, points out that warm whites act as versatile canvases, while Chmiel adds that neutrals are transitioning from gray to modern beige hues with warmer veining. Andreas Manero, group marketing director for Neolith, observes a shift from white to bone, crème, and warm beige colors, though acknowledging regional variations in color preferences. Mark Woodman, Corian Design aesthetics consultant for DuPont, reinforces the continued popularity of warm colors like off-white and sand, and warm-influenced grays, as they effectively integrate within designed spaces. Designers and homeowners are also making bolder choices with dramatic colors and textures. Eeles highlights a move from classic white kitchens to designs incorporating dramatic colors and patterned stones, along with textured materials for a tactile experience. Woodman observes a trend towards darker countertop colors like deep gray, brown, black, or charcoal to create a more dramatic aesthetic and complement wood-stained cabinets. Lauren Cherkas, president and chief sales officer at Artistic Tile, expresses enthusiasm for clients embracing vibrant colors such as greens, purples, browns, and pinks. Burton points out that jewel tones, particularly emerald green, are becoming popular in countertops, alongside natural stones with prominent, expressive veining. Woodman adds that omni-directional veins offer an energetic and natural alternative to traditional looks. Functionality and durability remain critical considerations for countertops. Engineered quartz continues to be a top choice due to its luxurious appearance, durability, resistance to scratches, stains, and heat, and ease of maintenance, as noted by Petter. Beyond quartz, a variety of other materials are in demand for both countertops and backsplashes. Woodman observes a resurgence in solid surface materials, driven by new aesthetics, classic durability, reparability for sustainability, and hygienic benefits due to the absence of grout lines. Chmiel mentions that cost-effective options like solid surface and laminate are gaining popularity as homeowners seek to balance budget with aesthetics. Eeles highlights porcelain slabs as a rapidly growing category due to their durability, aesthetic versatility, ease of maintenance, indoor/outdoor applicability, and sustainability. Paniagua notes the rise of textured surfaces, especially fluted designs, which add depth and dimension. Manero emphasizes the growing importance of tactile textures in kitchen and bath spaces, with sintered stone emerging as a reference material for its design and functionality. Safety is also a growing concern, with a shift towards low-silica surfaces, exemplified by Cosentino’s Le Chic Bohème by SilestoneXM collection, which contains less than 10 percent crystalline silica. Nature-inspired aesthetics, incorporating natural materials and earth-toned palettes, are highly desired. Chmiel points to biophilic influences, with homeowners bringing nature indoors through textural finishes and organic color palettes, including classic stone patterns reimagined with moody black, brown, and dark gray tones. Woodman describes the emergence of soft, unassuming environmental looks with small particles and veins, evoking a sense of calm. He also notes that classic blue and green hues, softened and toned, are advancing as transitional colors. Advances in material treatment, such as Antolini’s AzerocarePlus, are making natural stones like onyx, marbles, and soft quartzites more suitable for kitchen use by protecting them from stains and corrosion, according to Alberto Antolini, CEO of Antolini. Natural quartz and crystal are also being increasingly used for their durability, stain and scratch resistance, and translucent qualities that allow for backlighting effects. The kitchen's role as a multifunctional hub necessitates maximizing surface space. Cherkas stresses the importance of ample surfaces for cooking, entertaining, and daily activities. Chmiel observes increased interest in butler’s pantries for additional prep space and clutter concealment, especially in homes with ample square footage. However, in smaller new builds, designers are optimizing limited counter space with multifunctional peninsula and island countertops. Burton notes that kitchen surface area is often a commodity in metropolitan areas, requiring creative layouts. Woodman mentions a trend towards slightly smaller, more human-scaled islands that integrate better into the overall space without sacrificing functionality. Beyond countertops, surface materials are being creatively extended to other areas. Full-height backsplashes and wrapped ventilation hoods are becoming popular. Paniagua states that extending surface materials from countertops to upper cabinets or ceilings creates a seamless and dramatic look. Petter highlights the trend of using countertop materials as full-slab backsplashes for a sleek and luxurious touch. Daniel Sanchez, CEO of Neolith America, notes a shift from small tiles to large-format sintered stone for backsplashes, reducing joints and creating a cleaner aesthetic. Burton mentions the luxe waterfall edge installation, where marble veining flows continuously from the backsplash through the countertop. While matching surfaces are popular, there's also a move towards personalization and texture on backsplashes and range hoods. Antolini explains that using the same natural stone with a different texture for backsplashes enhances visual and tactile experience while maintaining natural beauty. He emphasizes the versatility of natural stone elements in various kitchen applications beyond countertops. Eeles points out that full-size slabs are increasingly used for backsplashes and range hoods, either matching the countertop for continuity or using different colors for contrast. Cherkas encourages bold patterns and colors in backsplashes, viewing them as a flexible canvas for creativity. Chmiel concludes that homeowners are prioritizing personal style over resale value, leading to unique and personalized backsplash designs incorporating unexpected materials or DIY elements. #KitchenDesign #SurfaceMaterials #CountertopTrends #BacksplashDesign #WarmTones #NaturalElements #MaterialDurability #KitchenFunctionality #InteriorDesign #SustainableMaterials

Corian® Solid Surface is reshaping hospitality interior design globally, offering a versatile and durable material for architects to create distinctive hotel environments. Manufactured by Corian® Design, the material's thermoformable properties enable the creation of sculptural reception desks, luminous feature walls, and fluid spa interiors. As hotels increasingly focus on delivering immersive guest experiences, Corian® Solid Surface provides a solution that combines aesthetic appeal with practical functionality and sustainable considerations. The material's ability to be cut, curved, and thermoformed into virtually any shape allows designers to realize ambitious visions. This includes sculpting walls into dynamic waves, crafting flowing bar counters, and seamlessly wrapping columns. The integration of backlighting with perforated Corian® panels can create dramatic shadow patterns that evolve throughout the day, transforming spaces like ordinary hotel corridors into gallery-like passages or reception areas that exude both grandeur and warmth. This adaptability allows architects to craft narratives through spatial design, establishing a unique ambiance. Hospitality spaces greatly benefit from a well-defined atmosphere, which Corian® Solid Surface helps to cultivate from the moment guests arrive. Its smooth, continuous finish offers surfaces that are tactile yet refined, suitable for various applications, from tranquil spa showers in soft white tones to bold, stone-inspired bar counters. The material interacts effectively with light, allowing edges to emit a gentle glow for serene settings or panels to be internally illuminated to infuse energy and drama into nightlife venues. This interplay of light and material significantly contributes to the mood and overall guest experience. For hotels aiming for distinct branding, Corian® Solid Surface provides extensive customization options. Logos can be engraved, intricate patterns cut, and bespoke furniture pieces fabricated to align with the hotel's unique concept. This flexibility allows for designs ranging from a reception desk shaped like a sweeping ribbon in a boutique hotel to undulating wall panels that mimic ocean waves in a coastal resort. The material seamlessly integrates local design sensibilities while maintaining a consistent, refined aesthetic across all guest touchpoints. Beyond its aesthetic and sculptural qualities, Corian® Solid Surface delivers significant technical performance. Its non-porous and virtually seamless nature prevents moisture and bacteria infiltration, making it ideal for hygiene-critical areas such as spas, bathrooms, and foodservice zones. The material is highly resistant to stains and scratches, capable of withstanding heavy use in high-traffic areas like lobbies and restaurants. Furthermore, its ability to be repaired on-site if damaged contributes to its extended lifespan. Corian® Solid Surface also aligns with contemporary sustainable building standards, holding certifications such as GREENGUARD Gold and Living Building Challenge Red List Free. This combination of aesthetic flexibility, durability, and sustainability makes it a compelling choice for modern hospitality design. #CorianSolidSurface #HospitalityDesign #HotelInteriors #SculpturalDesign #Thermoforming #Backlighting #SustainableMaterials #InteriorArchitecture #MaterialInnovation