Combining surface materials is an art that requires an eye for aesthetics and an understanding of the properties of materials. A successful combination of materials creates a balanced whole, where different surfaces complement each other and create interesting contrasts. In this article, we'll look at how you can combine different surface materials such as laminates, veneers and composite panels to create a functional whole. We give practical tips on combining textures, colours and styles and show you how to avoid the most common challenges when combining materials.

Why is the combination of surface materials important in design?

The combination of surface materials is important in design because it creates depth, interest and personality. The use of different materials deliberate contrast can make an otherwise dull space interesting and lively.

By combining different surface materials, you can influence the atmosphere of a space in a variety of ways. For example, soft wood veneers can bring warmth to a space where colder materials such as glass or metal have been used. Laminates, on the other hand, offer a myriad of colour and texture options to create clear accents or harmonious continuity.

The combination of materials also affects the functionality of the space. By choosing the right materials, you can highlight different functions and create visual boundaries between different areas. In the kitchen, for example, you can use durable high-pressure laminate on worktops and combine it with veneer surfaces on cabinet doors to create an overall look that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.

What are the basic principles that guide a successful combination of materials?

Successful combinations of materials are guided by four basic principles: contrast control, colour harmony, textural balance and stylistic coherence. These principles are a functional range of materials the bottom.

Contrast management is all about combining complementary materials in the right proportions. Materials that are too similar will make the overall look dull, while contrasts that are too strong can make the space feel restless. A good rule of thumb is 60-30-10: 60% for primary materials, 30% for secondary materials and 10% for accent materials.

Colour harmony is created when you choose materials with complementary colours. You can build a palette around one dominant tone or choose materials with common colour components.

The balance of textures is essential to make the space feel coherent. Combine rough and smooth, matte and glossy with care. For example, rough wood can balance glossy laminate.

Stylistic consistency ensures that material choices support the overall design. Consider whether your space is modern, classic, industrial or something else, and choose materials accordingly.

How do you correctly combine different textures and surfaces?

The successful combination of different textures and surfaces is based on the conscious creation of contrasts. The key is balanced dialogue between different surfaces, where one texture highlights the characteristics of another.

The contrast between smooth and rough surfaces is a classic way to create interesting combinations. For example, a smooth high-pressure laminate on a kitchen worktop can be contrasted with a natural, rough wood veneer on cabinet doors. Such a combination brings both practicality and visual warmth to the space.

Balancing glossy and matt materials is another key principle. Too much gloss can make a space feel cold and reflective, while a matte finish alone can look flat. For example, consider combining a gloss laminate with a matt composite panel to create a balanced look.

As a practical example, a whole project where the light veneer used on the wall panels creates a warm background, the darker laminate used on the kitchen worktops adds contrast and durability, and the colour composite panels used as accents add personality and interest.

How do colours affect the functionality of material combinations?

Colours are the basis of material combinations and largely determine how successful the overall result will be. Colour harmony is the key to creating a coherent and pleasing whole from a variety of surface materials.

Colour theories provide a practical basis for the choice of materials. For example, you can use a monochromatic colour scale, where you use different shades and intensities of the same colour in different materials. Another workable approach is the use of opposite colours, where the colours of materials are placed on opposite sides of the colour wheel, creating a dynamic tension.

In laminates and other industrial finishes, colours are often flat and clear, making them good bases for colour design. Natural materials such as wood, on the other hand, vary in colour and contain multiple shades, making them versatile elements in colour schemes.

When creating your colour palette, start by choosing 2-3 main colours for your materials. One of these can be a neutral base colour (e.g. white, grey, beige), another a dominant colour that defines the character of the space, and a third an accent colour that brings life to the whole. Make sure that the colours you choose are consistently repeated in the different materials to create a sense of unity.

What are the most typical challenges in combining materials and how are they overcome?

The combination of materials often faces various challenges, the most common of which are over-confusion, incompatibility of technical properties and differences in durability. These anticipation and planning help to create a workable whole.

Using too many different materials can easily lead to a confusing result. The solution is simple: limit the main material groups you use to 3-5. Make a clear plan for the purpose for which each material will be used and make sure that each choice supports the whole.

Technical constraints, such as differences in material thickness or fixing methods, can cause problems during the implementation phase. Talk to professionals at the design stage to make sure that the materials you choose will work together technically. For example, combining laminate and wood veneer in the same surface requires some consideration due to differences in thickness of the materials.

Differences in the durability of materials are particularly important to consider in spaces exposed to abrasion, moisture or temperature changes. Ensure that each material is suitable for its intended use. For example, in damp areas, surface materials should be water-resistant, such as certain composite panels or special laminates.

In particular, kitchens and bathrooms are challenging spaces, combining many different functions and conditions. In these spaces, it pays to invest in careful selection of materials and expert installation.

What to remember when combining surface materials?

When combining surface materials, the most important thing to remember is the importance of the whole. A consistent line in the choice of materials leads to a harmonious result, where all elements support each other and the intended use of the space.

Limit the number of main materials you use to keep the whole under control. In most projects, 3-5 different finishes are enough to create interest without the end result feeling cluttered. Feel free to use contrasts, but make sure they have something in common, such as a colour scheme or formal language.

Always consider the intended use of the space when choosing materials. In kitchens and wet areas, durable and easy to clean surfaces such as high quality laminates are required. In living areas, you can focus more on aesthetics and atmosphere, for example with veneer surfaces.

Take into account the impact of lighting on material choices. The same material can look very different in different lighting. Test material combinations in the lighting conditions they will eventually be in.

At Lorella, we can help you find the right surface materials for your project. We have a range of high quality laminates, composite panels, veneers and other surface materials that match both technically and aesthetically. Our experts will help you choose the right materials to ensure that the end result is both attractive and functional.