Panel Surface Finish - GRANUM EXTRA from RHEINZINK

The article explores how wall panelling can significantly enhance a home's aesthetic and mood beyond traditional painted walls, focusing on products from Surround by Laminex. Rachel Oakley, Laminex brand manager, emphasizes that wall panels introduce textural dimension, character, and personalization to interior spaces. One approach to incorporating wall panelling is to create a 'zen haven' within the home. Panelling with curved profiles offers a beautiful tactility, promoting a sense of tranquility. The choice of paint color can further amplify this effect, potentially transforming a space into a day spa-like environment. Oakley suggests that soft edges are crucial for achieving a zen escape, recommending Scallop and Demi Round profiles for their ability to introduce calm and relaxation through their curves and undulations. For larger areas, the Scallop 135 profile is ideal for creating a subtle, soft texture. When finished in warm neutrals or pastel colors, these panels can evoke a delicate, calming atmosphere. Conversely, deeper, richer tones can be used to cultivate a sophisticated space for relaxation and rejuvenation. To complete the desired ambiance, it is advised to layer the curved textures of the panels with other furnishings and finishes that echo the soft, rounded edges of the profiles. Another effective strategy is to utilize wall panelling in often-overlooked areas such as nooks, recesses, mudrooms, powder rooms, and laundries. These spaces are ideal for adding unexpected visual interest and texture. Oakley highlights that wall panelling not only enhances the aesthetic but also offers increased durability, which is beneficial for these high-traffic and functional areas. Linear panels like Classic VJ, Heritage, and Batten 75 and 100 are popular choices for such applications. For those seeking a bolder statement, narrower profiles such as Batten 25 or French Stripe 30 can be employed to elevate spaces like study nooks. In powder rooms, half-wall panel applications, combined with tiles, wallpaper, or paint, can introduce a vibrant pop of color and texture, adding distinct character. Finally, wall panelling can be strategically used to level up feature walls, providing a personalized touch and greater impact than paint alone. Feature walls are designed to incorporate a bold or interesting design element without overwhelming the entire space, drawing attention to a key focal point. Oakley notes that wall panelling excels in this application by adding texture to selected paint colors, thereby creating an eye-catching design. It is important to ensure that both the chosen panel and paint color harmonize with the room's overall design. Creative applications include using paint effects, such as a two-tone wall combined with playful Scallop 45 panels, to create a cheerful nursery. For living areas, neutral paint colors paired with VJ 200 textured wall panels can achieve a contemporary country feel. In bedrooms, a half-wall application behind the bed, topped with a built-in shelf, can function as both a feature wall and an integrated bedhead, maximizing both style and utility. #WallPanelling #HomeDesign #InteriorDecoration #TexturalDimension #ZenDecor #FeatureWalls #LaminexSurround #HomeImprovement #ResidentialDesign

Quartz-Zinc cladding by VMZINC is a pre-weathered zinc material, specifically designed to achieve an aesthetic akin to naturally aged zinc. This distinctive finish is a result of a surface treatment process that modifies the external layers of the zinc, imparting a subtle, velvety gray hue. The material is versatile, available in various systems such as flat lock, standing seam, interlocking, and custom façade systems, allowing for a broad spectrum of architectural applications and design flexibility. One of its key advantages is its exceptional durability and longevity, making it a robust choice for exterior building envelopes. VMZINC's Quartz-Zinc is not only appreciated for its visual appeal but also for its practical benefits. The pre-weathered surface eliminates the variable and often prolonged natural patination process, ensuring a consistent and predictable aesthetic from installation. This consistency is crucial for maintaining design intent and achieving a uniform appearance across large architectural projects. The material's inherent corrosion resistance further contributes to its long lifespan, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and replacement. Zinc's ability to self-heal minor scratches through the formation of a protective patina is another advantage, ensuring the material retains its integrity and appearance over time. Environmentally, Quartz-Zinc aligns with sustainable building practices. Zinc is a natural element, and its production process for architectural applications is generally less energy-intensive compared to some other metals. Furthermore, zinc is 100% recyclable, contributing to a circular economy in construction. The durability of Quartz-Zinc also means a reduced environmental impact over the building's lifecycle due to fewer material replacements. Its thermal properties can also contribute to energy efficiency in buildings by aiding in temperature regulation. Architecturally, Quartz-Zinc offers significant design freedom. Its malleability allows for complex geometries and intricate detailing, enabling architects to realize innovative and bespoke designs. The elegant gray tone complements a wide range of other building materials, from timber and concrete to glass, making it suitable for diverse architectural styles, from modern minimalist to more traditional structures. The interplay of light on its matte surface can create dynamic visual effects, enhancing the building's facade throughout the day and in varying weather conditions. Beyond aesthetics and sustainability, the material contributes to building performance. Its weather-resistant properties provide excellent protection against the elements, including wind, rain, and UV radiation. The robustness of zinc ensures structural integrity and contributes to the overall resilience of the building. The lightweight nature of zinc cladding systems can also simplify structural requirements and reduce overall construction costs, while its ease of installation further streamlines the building process. In summary, VMZINC's Quartz-Zinc cladding is a sophisticated and practical material choice for contemporary architecture. It offers a consistent, pre-weathered gray aesthetic, high durability, and strong environmental credentials. Its versatility in application systems and design flexibility, coupled with its performance benefits, make it a compelling option for architects and designers seeking to create distinctive, long-lasting, and sustainable building envelopes. #QuartzZinc #VMZINC #Cladding #ArchitecturalMaterials #SustainableBuilding #FacadeDesign #MetalCladding #BuildingEnvelope

The selection of backsplashes and countertops represents a pivotal aspect of kitchen design, blending aesthetic appeal with functional necessity. While backsplashes offer extensive creative freedom to establish a kitchen's mood or reflect a client's persona, countertops, despite their practical role, contribute significantly to the overall beauty of the space. When these two elements are harmonized, they elevate the kitchen's design to an exceptional level. This article compiles insights from various designers who share their projects, demonstrating how backsplashes and countertops collaboratively create visually pleasing and highly functional kitchens. Genevieve Trousdale, principal designer at Circa Genevieve, emphasizes integrating nature into kitchen designs. She often uses natural stone, such as Elegant Brown Leather quartzite countertops, and stained oak cabinetry. The quartzite, with its brown, taupe, and deep-sea green hues, provides a grounding yet seductive horizontal surface. Custom oak cabinetry, featuring mullions designed to resemble a mountain range, complements the natural theme. Frosted glass in the upper cabinets mimics the sky, enhancing the outdoor ambiance. The backsplash, hand-painted with an olive tree on glossy white ceramic tiles, further extends the nature theme, symbolizing the client's desire for a unique kitchen that brings the outdoors in. An adjacent wall showcases a single olive branch with a bird, along with a metal pot rack for copper pots, adding both storage and display. The versatility of the white tile also allows for varied design treatments, as seen in another project where metal accents are used with the same tile. Lauren DeBello of Lauren DeBello Interiors notes the rising popularity of zellige tile for backsplashes due to its handmade, unique texture and timeless appeal. While white and ivory are common requests, DeBello successfully incorporated blush-colored zellige tile for a client seeking a 'wow' kitchen with a touch of pink. The tile is extended from countertop to ceiling on the focal wall, with floating shelves accentuating the height. White cabinetry and Vadara's Carrara quartz countertops, featuring subtle gray veining, ensure the backsplash remains the central design element. DeBello highlights quartz's durability and ease of maintenance as key reasons for its popularity among her clients. She also advocates for extending countertop material to the backsplash for a sophisticated, easy-to-clean look, and finds pleasure in assisting clients with these crucial selections. Rebekah Zaveloff, design director and co-founder of KitchenLab Interiors, employs a holistic approach to material selection, considering the overall vibe of the kitchen. She evaluates light and dark tones, colors, and the 'language' of each material, ensuring a balanced design where statement pieces are complemented by quieter elements. Zaveloff observes current trends such as zellige and hand-painted terracotta tiles, as well as marble with brass inlays and multi-stone mosaics. Antiqued mirror is also used in butler's pantries for light reflection. Full-height quartzite or marble backsplashes remain popular for modern projects. She prioritizes honest conversations with clients about material characteristics and maintenance to guide them toward informed decisions, especially concerning materials like marble. In older homes, Zaveloff often creates layered looks by mixing materials like natural stone, ceramic tile, and beadboard. An example includes a renovated 1890s home with Carrara marble countertops, a butcher block island, and a painted brick wall with subway tile, aiming for vintage authenticity. Mel McDaniel, founder of Mel McDaniel Design, encourages clients to prioritize personal happiness over trends in finish selections. In one project, she designed an eclectic French kitchen with vibrant colors and patterns, including black painted cabinets, a black and white checkered floor, and a rich blue True refrigerator. A New Ravenna Kelp Forest Alexandrite mosaic tile backsplash in blues and greens served as a unique focal point. McDaniel emphasizes that backsplashes can be a canvas for special design elements. For bold backsplashes, she recommends quieter countertop materials like quartz or natural stone, ensuring durability and easy maintenance. In this instance, Cambria Portrush quartz, with its soft white foundation and navy veins, was chosen to complement the striking backsplash. McDaniel sometimes starts with the backsplash to fully explore its design potential, recognizing its significant role in defining the kitchen's vibe. Erin Judge, studio director and senior designer at Kelle Contine Interior Design, focused on authenticity and raw materials for a new-construction home. In the kitchen, visible steel beams, wood accents, and concrete floors set the tone. A blackened steel ventilation hood, flanked by hidden cabinets, is contrasted by a small stack mosaic tile backsplash from Ann Sack’s Savoy Collection. The metallic glaze and Graphite colorway of the tile provide shimmer and texture, while its smaller scale balances the hood's heft. Caesarstone’s Organic White quartz countertops, with a waterfall edge on an 11-foot island, offer a soft white, consistent surface without excessive veining, meeting the client's preference for understated finishes. Judge notes the popularity of durable, low-maintenance quartz and quartzite. She often extends countertop material to the backsplash for a clean, contemporary look, especially with bold veining or texture. Porcelain slabs are also gaining traction for their varied textural patterns beyond natural stone, offering design flexibility and durability. #Backsplashes #Countertops #KitchenDesign #InteriorDesign #NaturalStone #Quartzite #ZelligeTile #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends