Luxury in the current homes can be identified as not having an abundance of embellishment; however, they are becoming more prominent by means of the boldness of their materials and enhancement through refined finishes, as well as the intentional contrast between very different surfaces. As we’ve seen over recent years, this type of contemporary interior design-designed space places most importance on highly dramatic surfaces that transform everyday environments into one-of-a-kind spaces and places that encourage interaction and conversation.
Today, two primary materials that are being utilised to produce the most impact on interiors are high gloss laminate and metallic laminate, which will bring depth, reflection, and luxury to spaces while still having a high sense of practicality and usability in the modern home.
High-Gloss Laminates Create a Bright, Airy Interior Design
The high gloss finish is one of the key components that create the luxe look and feel that is indicative of a modern and contemporary-style interior design. By providing a mirrored surface to the area where the high gloss laminate is being used, it creates a reflection of both natural and artificial light. As a result, it provides a sense of brightness to the area, which makes the area feel larger and more open. High gloss laminate can be utilised on cabinetry, wall coverings, or storage items to make a sleek modern appearance in either the living room, kitchen, or bedroom.
High gloss laminate is an excellent way to maintain the elegance of an area while providing the durability and longevity of materials that are able to withstand everyday traffic and active use. When high gloss laminate is used in a convenient manner, it becomes a design element that impacts both spatial perception and a dramatic visual display.
How the Use of Metallic Laminates Adds Glamour and Impact to the Modern Interior
The introduction of metallic laminates brings an additional dimension of bolder glamour to the modern interior. Metallic laminates are often manufactured using colours that include brushed brass, champagne gold, copper and sometimes even subtle steel colours, adding richness without overwhelming the space. Metallic laminates are usually used as accent pieces in specific areas of the home—i.e., a feature wall in the living room will often have a metallic laminate, while bar units will have a metallic laminate accent on the top or back of the unit.
Metallic laminate finishes that contribute to a luxury-focused interior design are often used in conjunction with softer materials such as wood and with matte finishes to help provide the visual contrast of shiny to dull or matte finishes. By creating visual contrast in the space, it allows the space to have less of an overwhelming reflective quality while still providing the appearance of being luxurious.
Where to Use High-Gloss and Metallic Laminates
As an accent, high gloss laminate and metallic laminate finishes are most beneficial when used in limited fashion in the room. For the most part, it is recommended that high gloss laminate finishes are used on larger, cleaner surfaces such as cabinetry fronts, wall cladding, or an entire television wall. Metallic laminates will typically be used vertically as accent features (i.e., inside a closet, niche or decorative panel).
By using metallic accents in conjunction with high gloss laminate surfaces, it enables the designer to produce layered, curated, sophisticated interiors rather than highly flashy interiors.
Tips for Designing Luxe Modern Interiors
- When designing an interior to create a luxe feel, limit the use of high gloss laminate and metallic finishes to specific focal points in the room.
- Balance the shiny finish of the high gloss laminate with the matte finished or textured surfaces in the room.
- Use warm lighting to diffuse some of the reflective properties.
- Be sure to limit the interior colour palette to one cohesive palette so that there is no visual chaos.
- Many of the major laminate manufacturers produce premium collections of high gloss laminate and metallic laminates—all have refined high gloss and metallic laminate product groups that will perfectly complement luxury interior design concepts.
In Summary
Luxury modern interiors are designed to include contrast, reflectivity, and bold, impactful materials. By combining high gloss laminate finishes with metallic laminates, homeowners can create dramatic contemporary spaces that appear elegant but still provide functional use and offer a striking visual for everybody to enjoy and create luxury through interior design instead of by utilising excess.
