Speciality laminates offer interior designers a wide range of possibilities to create spectacular and functional surfaces for different interior projects. Unlike conventional laminates, speciality laminates are advanced surface materials that combine aesthetic appearance and technical characteristics such as durability, cleanability and versatility. They allow designers to create unique solutions for furniture, wall surfaces and worktops without compromising between practicality and design. Thanks to their durability and versatility, special laminates are ideal for both public spaces and private homes.

What are special laminates and why are interior designers interested in them?

Specialty laminates are surface materials made from high-pressure laminates that have been developed to meet the most demanding design needs. They differ from standard laminates by offering a wider range of design options, better technical properties and greater versatility.

Interior designers are particularly interested in special laminates for their freedom of visual expression therefore. Modern special laminates can perfectly mimic natural materials such as wood, stone or metal, while offering better durability and easier maintenance. In addition, special laminates are available in a huge range of colours, textures and surface structures, giving designers more tools for creative solutions.

The popularity of special laminates is also boosted by their environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness. They offer a high value surface finish at a lower cost compared to many natural materials and last for years of use without significant wear and tear.

What special features do modern laminates offer?

Modern specialty laminates offer an impressive range of technical properties that make them superior to many traditional surface materials. These include fire resistance, antibacterial surfaces, moisture resistance and excellent scratch resistance.

Antibacterial surface treatments are particularly appreciated in public spaces, restaurants and healthcare environments. These special laminates prevent microbial growth and facilitate hygiene management in premises. Moisture-resistant laminates are ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and other areas where moisture is constantly present.

Special fire-resistant laminates are an important safety factor in public spaces. They meet the most stringent safety regulations and can significantly slow down the spread of fire. Scratch-resistant surfaces, on the other hand, will stay looking new for longer, making them an excellent choice for high-wear environments such as restaurants, hotels and shops.

In addition, many modern special laminates have UV protection to prevent colour fading in sunlight, as well as chemical resistance, which is important in laboratories and industrial environments.

How can special laminates be used in different interior design projects?

The versatility of specialty laminates makes them an excellent choice for a wide range of interior design projects. They can be used in furniture, wall panels, worktops and fixed furniture to add personality and practicality to a space.

In furniture, special laminates offer endless possibilities. Cabinet doors, drawer fronts and shelves can be covered with high-quality special laminates that can withstand everyday use. Wall panels and acoustic panels are another popular application where the visual qualities of special laminates come into their own. They can act as eye-catching eye-catchers or as subtle background elements.

Worktops and table tops are a classic application, where the durability and hygiene of special laminates are highlighted. KERROCK composite tops, for example, offer a durable and versatile solution for worktops where a seamless look is important. Kerrock can also be used to create integrated surfaces, where the sink and worktop form a single unit.

In public spaces, special laminates are also often used for information boards, signage and partitions. In these applications, special laminates can be used to incorporate printed images, text or graphics into a durable surface.

What are the current trends in special laminate design?

Today's special laminate trends emphasise naturalness, sophisticated matt finishes and textures, and bold colours. Designers are looking for materials that not only look good but also feel good to the touch.

Imitations of natural materials are still popular, but now they are particularly popular with special ultra-thin surface laminates, which truly mimic natural stone and wood, both visually and tactilely. Fingerprint-resistant surfaces are particularly sought after in public spaces and kitchens.

Earthy, nature-inspired tones are favoured, but bold, strong colours have also made a comeback. Deep greens, blues and terracotta are particularly in vogue. Laminates that mimic micro-cement and concrete are holding their own in industrial and modern interiors.

On the surface textures side, three-dimensionality and tactile textures have taken over. Technological advances have made it possible to create laminates with an increasingly realistic feel that mimic wood grain and stone surfaces, but require a keen eye to distinguish them from the real thing.

How to choose the right special laminate for your project?

Choosing the right special laminate starts with a careful assessment of the project's purpose and requirements. Consider the users of the space, the amount of wear and tear, cleaning requirements and visual objectives before selecting the material.

In public places, such as restaurants and hotels, you should choose special high wear laminates, which can withstand continuous use. In these environments, fire-resistant and antibacterial properties may also be important. In bathrooms and kitchens, moisture resistance is key, while in areas exposed to sunlight, UV-protected laminates prevent fading.

Visually, the special laminate should support the overall look of the space. In small spaces, lighter, reflective surfaces can create a sense of space, while in larger spaces you can play more boldly with dark and strong colours. Also note that matt laminates are better at hiding fingerprints and daily dirt.

Always test material samples in the right lighting and with other interior elements before making a final decision. Colours and textures can look very different in showroom lighting compared to the actual lighting of the object.

Where can you find quality special laminates for your design projects?

Finding high-quality special laminates is an essential part of a successful interior design project. As a designer, you should look for suppliers who can offer not only a comprehensive range, but also expert service and technical support on materials.

At Lorella, we offer a comprehensive range of special laminates for all types of projects. Our range includes ABET LAMINATI -High pressure laminates, known for their exceptional quality and unlimited design possibilities. These Italian laminates represent excellence in the industry and offer designers the freedom to realise their vision without compromise.

In addition to special laminates, we also offer KERROCK composite panels, which allow you to create seamless surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms, for example. Kerrock material is a malleable, durable and hygienic solution for demanding applications.

We've put together our range with decades of experience to offer your customers only the best. We help you find the right material for every project and offer technical support on material properties and use. We welcome you to explore our range and find inspiration for your next interior design project!