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Furniture Interiors Addict Styling

New Laminex decor colours to connect you with nature

A new release of 14 Laminex decor colours includes new additions to their Solid Colours, Woodgrains and AbsoluteMatte collections. They each feature a touch of black and reduced colour strength to boost their usability with their existing Colour Collection, to make curating the perfect colour palette easier for us at home.

Laminex Calm White, Calacatta Majore Truescale

The new decors include four highly saturated additions to their Living Pigments range, which draws inspiration from the rich colours of the earth. Welcoming two warm yellow shades including the softened, organic yellow Golden Wattle and the yellow-orange reminiscent of a sunrise, named Coastal Sunrise.

,Laminex Golden Wattle, Porcelain Blush, Surround Demi-Round and Peruvian Clay

Harnessing the expressive nature of the sea, Portsea is a cool mid-tone ocean blue with slightly reduced colour strength to improve usability. Otway is Laminex’s green partner to their famed French Navy décor, offering a deeply blackened shade that sits exactly halfway between blue and green. Evocative of lush green forest in dappled sunlight, Otway aims to allow you to harness the calm and tranquillity of the natural world within your interior.

Laminex Portsea, Moroccan Clay, Marmo Grigio Truescale

New decors in their Woodgrain range look to capture the authentic colours, textures and fibre details of natural timbers. The new additions include Chestnut Woodland, a warm chestnut brown with a Beech structure comprising of long, linear grain detailing. Weathered Pine is a hybrid design sitting between a rotary ply and papyrus, which offers very fine structural details that suggest a slightly distressed or rusticated surface, perfectly suited to a cosy country abode.

Laminex AbsoluteMatte, Paperback, Calm Oak, White Linen, Premio Carrara Truescale

Laminex’s AbsoluteMatte range has six new additions; Aries (a neutral greyed white), Spinifex (a soft organic green-blue), Paper Bark (a mid grey with a green undertone), Otway (a deeply blackened green-blue), Moroccan Clay (a strongly blackened red with yellow undertones) and Kalamata (a pure, heavily blackened bold red). The range helpfully delivers fingerprint, moisture, heat, stain, scratch and impact resistance, ensuring that any colour chosen will maintain its sleek, stylish finish.

Laminex Kalamata Absolutematte, Aries, Calm Oak

Sacha Leagh-Murray, general manager sales and marketing at Laminex, says: “Nature is a constant source of inspiration to us at Laminex. Our new collection captures the wildly diverse palette of Australia’s natural landscape, taking cues from the rich ochre colours of the earth to the glistening blue shades of the ocean. Striking the perfect balance of vibrancy and tranquillity, the new decors reconnect us with the freedom and beauty of nature.”

For more information

View the range yourself here
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Interiors Addict RENO ADDICT Reno Products

New water resistant wall panels from Laminex

Surround by Laminex decorative wall panels have taken the design world by storm since their launch mid last year. They’ve now added five new profiles to their collection, and have certified the entire range as moisture resistant, opening up a whole range of possibilities for applications in wet areas such as laundries and bathrooms.

Surround by Laminex decorative wall panels are pre-primed profiled sheets constructed from raw MDF with a tongue and groove system for easy install. Made in Australia from sustainably sourced timbers, the panels are impact-resistant and ideal for
hardworking areas such as hallways, kitchens and bathrooms.

New additions to the range include a brand new French Stripe profile which is inspired by the Breton shirt, a classic staple in Frenchwomen’s fashion. It features narrow stripes that add depth and dimension to a modern interior.

Classic VJ 200mm

There are also new additions to the much-loved Batten, Scallop and Classic VJ ranges, including Scallop 135 which offers generous defined curves, and the widest of the range, Batten 300, which features 300mm battens that give a polished and contemporary look to any large space.

Sacha Leagh-Murray, general manager sales & marketing, says the expansion of the range is indicative of Laminex’s ongoing commitment to innovation.

“Surround by Laminex has been met with an overwhelming response from consumers and designers alike, and we are proud to launch five incredible new profiles that offer endless design potential for any interior project.”

She adds: “The product is a culmination of years of leading-edge product development for the Laminex brand, and we are excited to continue our focus on innovation to bring
Australian consumers and designers quality, sustainable and design-led product.”

More info about Surround and Laminex

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Bathrooms Bedrooms Design Designers Interiors Addict Kitchens Laundry Living Room

Laminex woodgrains look super sophisticated in latest collab

The biophilic design trend shows no signs of abating if the latest Laminex collaboration is anything to go by. Created together with CJH Studio, the series of gorgeous, bespoke living spaces showcase the versatility of the Laminex Woodgrain laminate collection while celebrating the beauty of timber.

Kitchen
Kitchen

“It’s about considering it in a new way, pushing and understanding the material. You need to think outside the square with what’s possible with the products,” says CJH Studio’s Cassie James-Herrick who produced four minimalist interior spaces for the project including a kitchen, bedroom, living room and bathroom with concealed laundry.

Bathroom
Bathroom and concealed laundry

Known for her use of minimalist, muted tones and natural materials, Cassie and her studio proved the perfect fit for the collaboration. The spaces certainly showcase the creative potential of joinery and feature bull nose benches with tight radii, curved shelves and bulkheads in generous convex and concave forms. And at times, Cassie mixed several grains, finishes and textures to create an unexpected yet subtle patchwork effect. 

Bedroom
Bedroom

The kitchen is a standout space that features Laminex Aged Ash (chalk finish) with accents in Laminex Milkwood on the splashback and drawer interiors. Laminex Danish Walnut (chalk finish) features on the plinth and internal pantry shelving while Laminex Mirror Smoked Metallic is an unexpected finish in the internal bar. 

Kitchen
The kitchen pantry features a metallic Laminex finish inside

The living room’s multifunctional joinery design was crafted from Laminex Danish Walnut (chalk finish) and it really makes the most of the space. The hard-working design encompasses a concealed desk area (including pull out seat on the left) as well as display bookshelves and a metallic concealed bar unit (Laminex Mirror Smoke).

Living room
Living room
The living room joinery features a concealed bar
The concealed bar in the living room

The bathroom features a clever integrated laundry and pairs Laminex Milkwood with a light natural travertine bench top and floor tiles.

Bathroom
Bathroom

Styling: Bek Sheppard | Photography: James Greer

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Design Designers Home Office Interiors Addict Living Room

A designer living room inspired by Fantales lollies

Woodgrain textures and bold colour combine in this stunning living room collaboration inspired by the classic Allen’s lollies. Laminex teamed up with YSG Studio on this project, which follows on from their Fantales-inspired kitchen last year.

The living space offers a reinterpretation of the traditional living room, creating a multifunctional space that is the ultimate inspiration for the modern home.

“Larger homes might have separate rooms that can be dedicated purely for office work,” says Yasmine Ghoniem, principal of YSG Studio. “But where space is at a premium, the challenge is how can we use each space in multiple ways? Everything you put in has to be really well considered.”

Laminex woodgrain joinery in Danish Walnut and Milkwood is teamed with a contrasting wave of soft Porcelain Blush. “You walk from this quite cocoon-like experience of the kitchen into a living space which is a lot brighter and just feels lighter,” explains Yasmine. Synonymous with YSG’s signature bold style, the living space also features bursts of daring Laminex Pillarbox red, found within the drawers, cupboards, handles, and even the coffee table.

One aspect of YSG’s design vital to the multifunctional performance of the space is the study nook. A highly practical area with ample desk space, drawer storage and shelving, the nook embodies ultimate flexibility. Featuring an operable screen system made from Laminex Danish Walnut laminate, the nook can be easily accessed through the sliding screen, which can be closed at the end of the day to conceal any office mess, and even more importantly, visually separate the work day from recreational time.

The study nook also features open shelving in Pillarbox, allowing the study nook to double as a display area for books and personal objects. Even when the screen is closed, its partial transparency creates a sense of visual interest and depth. This functional versatility allows for optimal personalisation.

Perhaps the most explicitly decorative element in the interior of the Fantales Living Space is the front surface of the tower cabinetry. Two units sit side by side, their doors featuring a captivating inlaid laminate design. Along the bottom edge, Milkwood is paired with Danish Walnut in alternating stripes of light and dark, almost like a piano keyboard. Above, sheets of Danish Walnut have been laid at angles to each other, creating a subtle geometrical pattern from the woodgrain texture.

From the woodgrain cabinetry to French-washed walls, texture is abundant. With each structural element harnessing the design flexibility of Laminex laminate, a harmonious relationship between curved and linear shapes is introduced in every corner. The screen and shelving elements are fabricated with a bullnose profile, highlighting a shapely consistency throughout the space.

“The Fantales Living Space marks a distinct change in the way we use our homes,” says Sacha Leagh-Murray, general manager sales & marketing at Laminex. “Expertly designed to be just fit for work as it is for rest and leisure, the living space is perfectly curated to suit modern living.

“Marrying Yasmine’s unique design perspective with the design flexibility of Laminex laminate, the Fantales Living Space encapsulates the notion of finding joy in the small things, emphasising vibrant details and textured finishes.”

For more on the Laminex x YSG collaboration

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Design Designers Interviews Kitchens

Fantales the unlikely inspiration for YSG Studio’s latest kitchen

“I wanted to capture the essence of ‘afternoon delight,’ that warm, cosy time of day when the sun filters into the home and there’s nowhere else that you’d rather be because the world seems to stop in that golden moment,” says celebrated interior designer Yasmine Saleh Ghoniem, of YSG Studio, of the inspiration behind this fabulously playful kitchen.

It’s such a warm, heavenly space!

Known for her unexpected and clever use of colour, the designer proved the perfect fit for Laminex who engaged her to create a kitchen using the brand’s new Colour Collection. The space features rich hues including terracotta (Moroccan Clay), deep purple (Kalamata), subtly washed pink (Porcelain Blush), full-bodied orange (Burnt Ochre) and aged timber (Danish Walnut). A neutral base anchors the design.

YSG Studio

“Yasmine is known for her adventurous approach to bold colour and texture, and so with her unique design approach and our incredible range of laminates, we knew it would make for a perfect match. The gorgeous tones of our new Colour Collection, paired with Yasmine’s ability to see the extraordinary in every space, has brought to life an incredibly playful and striking space,” says Sacha Leagh-Murray, general manager of sales and marketing at Laminex.

YSG Studio x Laminex
Mismatched timber laminates offer a moment of unexpected delight at the island bench

In conceptualising the colour palette for the kitchen, Yasmine looked to unusual inspiration – Fantales confectionery. “I tried to imagine what it’d feel like being dipped into a pot of sweet, warm caramel,” says Yasmine. 

The L-shaped kitchen bench joinery sits on a platform of brown mosaic tiles and features Moroccan Clay and Burnt Ochre laminates on the front. The cupboards feature a playful and surprising pop of blue inside, and mismatched Laminex woodgrain laminates feature in the island bench, in a finger-like design.

The cupboards feature an unexpected pop of blue inside
The cupboards feature a fabulous pop of blue inside

“Working with Laminex reduced the need to explore other materials such as solid timber and natural stone, so it was a huge time (and budget) saver. It felt like I had all my resources at my fingertips.”

YSG Studio x Laminex
The kitchen connects with a living space that will be unveiled next year

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Design DIY RENO ADDICT

Wall panelling: Laminex has an exciting new offering!

The latest wall panel solution to hit what is an ever-expanding scene, Surround by Laminex is a new range of profiles designed to help add texture and personality to your home. And with eight fabulous designs to choose from, we’re rather excited about the endless decorating opportunities that the range represents. And as a bonus, the collection of pre-primed MDF wall linings are easy to use, making them perfect for a weekend DIY project.

The Batten 25 wall panel design painted with Dulux Clay

From a gorgeous, scalloped design to a classic VJ or heritage profile, the ready made decorative surface panels are made for the indoors (ie. they’re not suitable for wet areas) and are a fabulous way to add depth and interest to a hallway, bedroom, mudroom, or main living area. Comprised of sustainably sourced timber and medium-density fibreboard, the panels are available in a standard sheet that can be painted the colour of your choosing, once installed. 

“When conceptualising Surround by Laminex, quality and ease of application were two key factors. The panels are durable and hardwearing, whilst still being easy to install. Surround by Laminex really is a product like no other,” says Sacha Leagh-Murray, general manager of sales and marketing.

'Scallop 45' and 'Scallop 22.5' look fabulous paired together. They are painted in Deluxe White Duck Quarter
Scallop 45 and Scallop 22.5 look fabulous paired together. They are painted in Dulux White Duck Quarter

Sustainably manufactured in Australia, the range is created with medium-density fibreboard (MDF), and the timbers of the collection are sustainably sourced too.

The Batten 100 design is a modern, masculine take on classic timber panelling that features defined boards separated by deep, straight-edged grooves. Similar, but much smaller in scale, Batten 25 is a statement narrow board that features defined edges and deeper routing.  

'Batten 100' painted in Dulux Maximus
Batten 100 painted in Dulux Maximus

The Classic VJ 100 is as it sounds – classic tongue and groove panelling offers a timeless look in just about any space and this design features linear boards separated by vertical joins (VJ). Heritage 150 is ideal for period homes and, with its wider boards defined by curved joints, it’s an update on the more traditional timber panels 

Scallop 45 has a uniquely rounded, undulating curved profile that creates a luxe statement, while Scallop 22.5 is similar but narrower in width. The Demi Round 40 is another softly curved profile that is well suited to both full and half-wall applications and its little sister, the Demi Round 20, features narrow curved rods.

Surround by Laminex
The Scallop 22.5 design painted in Dulux Winter Sea

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Bedrooms Design Kitchens Reno Products Shopping

Laminex add a whopping 17 new options in latest collection

Laminex have added 17 options to their expansive range in the new Living Pigments and Calm Character collections. They explore warm, earthy tones and rich greens that bring energy and optimism, and the subtle organic textures of stone and timber.

Wardrobe doors in charred red, Kalamata

They offer a world of possibility for those wanting to incorporate pops of organic earthy colours into their spaces, whether they be residential, commercial, or for work.

Morrocan Clay, reminiscent of the dusty North African terracotta

“With this new collection, we wanted to create a modern yet classic take on neutrals, offering a muted version of colours that had previously not been thought of as natural tones,” says Sacha Leagh-Murray, general manager at Laminex.

Pastel forest green with Hushed Pine

These include a warm, dusty red (Moroccan Clay), a dramatic blackened red (Kalamata) and a pastel forest green (Hushed Pine).

Conversely, the Calm Character range showcases two new woodgrains and eight new patterns that celebrate the textural beauty of marble, terrazzo and timber. These decors sit harmoniously with other existing materials and finishes.

Figured Limestone and Surf

The woodgrains include a cool walnut (Danish Walnut) and a worn charcoal (Shou Sugi) which emulates the glossy, cracked surface of  Japanese charred timber.

The sleek Shou Sugi

Check out the range or order a free sample

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Appliances Design

Australian kitchen trends: Summer 2019 edition

When it comes to kitchens, summer seems to be the season of the surface. There’s a new marble-look finish from Caesarstone, five new colours from Laminex, new glass splash backs and a collaboration that makes pairing your kitchen bench top and paint colours even easier.

Stegbar splash backs: Stegbar has collaborated with interior designer and trend forecaster Marylou Cafaro to launch the Stegbar Create Splash backs Series, including mirror, metallic and colour collections. “The aim was to create understated refined spaces that speak to quality and longevity. A decade ago splash backs stood out, but now they need to blend in with the whole home design and be an integral part of the joinery and space,” says Marylou.

Stegbar 'Metallics' splash back range
Stegbar ‘Metallic’ splash back range

And while the glass splash back has fallen out of favour of late there’s no denying its appeal; a single pane of made-to measure glass per surface, the Create Splashback Series offers a seamless look, free from grout lines. Also, a special coating repels oil and water, removing the need for harsh chemicals and reducing cleaning time too.

Stegbar 'Mirror' splash back range
Stegbar ‘Mirror’ splash back range

Caesarstone Empira White: The new Caesarstone quartz finish ‘Empire White’ is the brand’s latest interpretation of authentic white marble and combines a white base with shadows and fine black veins. But unlike marble, it is scratch, heat, chip and stain resistant.

Caesarstone 'Empira White'
Caesarstone ‘Empira White’

The finish was used in the recent series of The Block where Deb and Andy combined it with shaker-style matte white cabinetry, brass fixtures and natural timber; a combination that resulted in the couple winning the competition’s kitchen category.

Caesarstone Empira White
Deb and Andy’s winning kitchen on The Block 2019, featuring Caesarstone ‘Empira White’

Smeg: One for the Dolce & Gabbana fans, Smeg has just expanded its ‘Sicily my love’ range (created in collaboration with the iconic Italian fashion designers) to include a stand mixer, slow juicer, and four slice toaster. Each piece is emblazoned with Sicilian symbols including golden yellow lemons, fiery red cherries and the intense cerulean blue of the Sicilian sky.

smeg X Dolce & Gabbana toaster
Smeg X Dolce & Gabbana toaster, $999

Smeg X Dolce & Gabbana stand mixer
Smeg X Dolce & Gabbana stand mixer, $1899

Laminex: Laminex has added five new colours to its ever-growing collection with two new woodgrains, two minerals and a reclaimed shade in the mix. The new colours include ‘Black Birchply’ (a very dark timber), ‘White Painted Wood,’ ‘Avenza Bianco’ (a classic Italian-style marble),’ ‘Urban Pezzato’ (concrete look) and ‘Reclaimed Denim Fibre’ which looks as it sounds.

Laminex 'Avenza Bianco'
Laminex’s new ‘Avenza Bianco’ is inspired by classic Italian-style marble

Of the line-up, ‘Reclaimed Denim Fibre’ is an interesting one given it’s made with offcuts from clothing production and captures the classic indigo look of denim jeans. Reused denim makes up 60 per cent of the finished product and the texture is jean-like too.

“Laminex is committed to sustainable and innovative design practices. In moving towards a waste-less future, we welcome the challenge to transform something that would otherwise have gone to waste into a value-added material with its own design aesthetic,” says Sacha Leagh-Murray, general manager of marketing at Laminex.

'Reclaimed Denim Fibre'
‘Reclaimed Denim Fibre’

Samsung: Samsung has expanded its fridge line-up with a new side-by-side range available in a choice of silver stainless steel or matte black. Interestingly, in response to consumer insights, the brand now offers over 20 black refrigerators across its range.

Samsung fridge

The fridges feature flat door designs, recessed handles and Samsung’s SpaceMax technology which uses high-efficiency insulation to keep the internal walls thin, thereby creating more storage space inside the fridge without increasing external dimensions.

There’s also the option of a non-plumbed water and ice dispenser model which is perfect for Aussie renters. You simply fill the 4.5 litre water jug inside and you’re good to go! Prices start from $2,099.

Caesarstone & Wattyl: Given that visualising colour and surface pairings can be a tough gig for the novice, Caesarstone quartz surfaces and Wattyl paints is the latest Australian interiors duo to collaborate in a bid to reduce the associated guesswork.

Wattyl 'Mermaid's Smile' paired with Caesarstone 'Airy Concrete'
Wattyl ‘Mermaid’s Smile’ paired with Caesarstone ‘Airy Concrete’

Homeowners can access a diverse selection of Caesarstone and Wattyl pairings alongside metallic tapware finishes from Sussex and door cabinetry from Polytec. The palettes range from crisp white and soft grey to neutrals, dark charcoals and black. Wattyl has also provided a couple of saturated hues, for the more adventurous.

Wattyl 'Turbine Grey' paired with Caesarstone 'Black Pearl'
Wattyl ‘Turbine Grey’ paired with Caesarstone ‘Black Pearl’

“Consumers can lack confidence in their ability to pull a successful colour palette together.  They want something that expresses their personality and has the sophistication of a designer-led project – but they are unsure of how to get there.  This collaboration has enabled Wattyl, Australia’s longest standing paint brand, to give some really creative – and practical – examples of customised colour pairings.  Ones that are foolproof and yet inspirational,” says Sarah Stephenson, colour expert and Wattyl senior brand communications manager.

Australian kitchen trends: Spring 2019 edition

Categories
Design RENO ADDICT

Dulux & Laminex launch complementary paired colourways

In what is one of the cleverer collaborations of 2019, Aussie design industry powerhouses Laminex and Dulux have joined forces to make your next renovation a seamless one. The design partnership has launched a palette of 42 paired colourways, making it easier than ever to match your paint with your cabinetry.

Laminex 'French Navy' pairs beautifully with Dulux 'Pacific Line'
Laminex ‘French Navy’ pairs with Dulux ‘Pacific Line’

“Laminex and Dulux are both industry-leading brands in colour and décor. In fact, Laminex laminates and Dulux paints are specified together more often than not. Brilliant in its simplicity, it just made sense for us to bring them together as seamlessly as possible,” says Laminex general manager of marketing, Sacha Leagh-Murray.

Laminex 'Just Rose' pairs with Dulux 'Lilac Hint'
Laminex ‘Just Rose’ pairs with Dulux ‘Lilac Hint’

To start with, Laminex did a thorough assessment of its range and came up with a list of its most popular colours. There are 42 shades in total, and each of them have been paired with a Dulux paint colour, taking the guesswork out for you. “All of the validation work has been done, so you can specify your preferred colours and be sure they’ll work beautifully together,” says Sacha.

Laminex 'Green Slate' pairs with Dulux 'Spirulina'
Laminex ‘Green Slate’ pairs with Dulux ‘Spiralina’

Unsurprisingly, due to their popularity, there’s a plethora of white in the mix, as well as a host of other neutrals. “Australians love white and Laminex is known for its extensive range of whites, as is Dulux, so it was a key colour to get right,” says Sacha. For instance, one of Australia’s most popular shades of white paint, Dulux ‘Hog Bristle,’ has been paired with one of Laminex’s newest decors, ‘French Cream.’

Laminex 'Lava Grey' paired with Dulux 'Klute'
Laminex ‘Lava Grey’ pairs with Dulux ‘Klute’

Other notable couplings include the soft taupe shade Laminex ‘Seed’ which has been paired with Dulux ‘Still.’ There’s also a soft green, Laminex ‘Spinifex,’ which matches back with Dulux ‘Coalition,’ and a deep grey, Laminex ‘Stormcloud,’ which has been paired with Dulux ‘Western Myall.’

For colour lovers, there’s plenty of accent and bright colours to choose from too, including a bright orange, rose pink, cobalt blue and fiery red.

Photography: Lillie Thompson | Art direction: Bek Sheppard

Check out the complete Dulux/Laminex range | How to choose between grey paint shades

Categories
Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Laminex has biggest refresh in quarter of a century

Laminex has hit refresh on its colour collection with the most comprehensive update in more than 25 years. The new Laminex Colour Collection has been carefully curated for the Australian lifestyle with an expansive range of true-to-life woodgrains, minerals and metallics, as well as timeless whites and neutrals and the latest trends.

There are more greens than ever in the new Laminex collection

As an iconic Australian brand, Laminex has been a pioneer in decorative, surfaces for over 80 years, providing a product range for interior surfaces including benchtops, splashbacks, doors, walls and panels.

The new collection refines the range to 187 decors, including 41 new ones. The refinement and simplicity of the Laminex range now makes it even easier to navigate and select décors for residential and commercial projects.

The collection has been inspired by the natural landscape. From muted, organic greens to rich, earthy neutrals and sophisticated textural metallics and woodgrains that capture the colour, structure and feel of natural timbers. Inspiration has also been drawn from global forecasting and complementary industries, such as flooring, tapware, appliances and tiles. Each of the décors have been selected and crafted based on their relevance to the Australian way of life and interior design.

“Our commitment to design, innovation, quality and sustainability endures. That’s why we have produced a beautifully curated collection of decorative surfaces that can enhance any space. The new collection is perfect for a wide range of styles and applications and have been designed to stand up to the rigour of everyday life,” says Sacha Leagh-Murray, general manager marketing.

Not only does the collection provide a contemporary and diverse range of choice in surface design, laminate is a durable, hard-wearing material that is resistant to stains and scratches and easy to clean. The Woodgrain, Mineral and Metallic palettes offer the look of other desirable materials at an affordable price point.

Whites & Neutrals
While the ideal shade of white has the power to transform a space, finding the right white can prove challenging. The Laminex Whites palette has 12 tones ranging from cool shades, such as Polar White and Super White for a light, bright, contemporary look as well as creamy, vanilla tones, such as Parchment and tranquil Calm White that work beautifully in classic, traditional interiors.

The Neutrals palette reflects the direction of Australian design with 36 light and dark shades in warm and cool tones. The organic, mid tones can be used singularly as the hero (such as Seed, Possum and Spinifex) or layered with stronger colours and natural textures. There is an increase in green-based tones, appreciated for their calming quality trends. As well as an expansion of darker tones, with the introduction of Green Slate, Terril and French Navy.

The New French Navy

Woodgrains
The Laminex Woodgrains palette features 54 décors inspired by a range of natural timbers. The updated palette ranges in colour from pale ash to popular oaks and rich red-based timbers, offering more diversity with inspiration drawn from an array of sources, including salvaged planks, wooden beams and earthy walnuts. There is also more tactility with two textured finishes: Nuance is dual-gloss with a subtle linear and organic aesthetic, while Chalk is low-gloss with the look and feel of a natural veneer.

In addition to being cost-effective, woodgrain laminates offer greater durability than timber veneers, being more resistant to scratches and stains, providing three times more UV resistance.

Minerals
The Laminex Minerals collection features 36 décors that offer the timeless and coveted look of natural stone, marble and concrete. Designed for benchtop and splashbacks, the patterns vary from soft and delicate to heavy and intricate. Four of the décors can be matched with Essastone for seamless integration within a space.

Metallics
The new range of Metallics has 14 décors inspired by natural elements drawing influence from adjacent design industries, such as tapware and cabinetry handles enabling the surfaces to effortlessly integrate into a commercial or residential space. Bronze, copper, brass and platinum work beautifully in classic and urban spaces, while the softer tones of stainless steel, aluminum, and mirrored finishes are ideal for a modern environment.

Accents 
From soft pastels to bright and bold hues, the Accents palette has 35 décors designed to personalise a space. These bolder decors were the neutrals of the 1950s to 1970s, but today have new life, adding a pop of colour in predominantly commercial spaces. The revitalised palette features four new pastel décors – Aquamarine, Just Rose, Just Blue and Just Lilac – as well as Enamel, a bright, strong, mid-tone green with a warm undertone.

For more information

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RENO ADDICT

Reno Inspo: Period home in Camberwell with a modern twist

Looking for reno inspo? We’ve got it in spades with this recent renovation in Camberwell, Victoria. An original 1920’s period home, it had remained untouched with all period features intact before its recent makeover which strove to seamlessly combine to heritage and innovation to create a timeless aesthetic.

Period home in Camberwell with a modern twistImage source: Domain

Built almost a century ago, retaining the character of the building was key for owner Peter Robinson, who was keen to ensure all remodelling work remained sympathetic to the period features and that original materials were recycled into the new design wherever possible.

As such, the result is a juxtaposition of two eras, creating a deliberate distinction between period rooms, which have been restored to their former glory, and a new extension, which represents one of the major changes to the configuration of the house.

While the creation of this modern, open plan family area to the rear of the building is a step change from the original aesthetic, the contemporary design elements are underpinned by historical architecture. Doors and bricks from the demolished outhouse and kitchen reconstruction have been repurposed for the extension walls and, left exposed in certain areas, they form a focal point of the new living space.

Period home in Camberwell with a modern twistImage source: Domain

The discovery of a Laminex benchtop and tabletop installed in the original 1923 kitchen also created an opportunity to reference the design choices made by the preceding architect and owner. This inspired Peter to upgrade the space using a blend of new and innovative Laminex products.

Period home in Camberwell with a modern twistKitchen -Before with original Laminex surfaces (Image source: Domain)Period home in Camberwell with a modern twistKitchen – After

The space also blends concrete polished floors and exposed brickwork, with Laminex Impressions textured surfaces in Sublime Teak Riven finish to create the look of real timber cabinetry across the front island base, overhead panels and oven surround. “Green design was a focus on this project,” explains Peter, “and the Impressions range really enabled us to bring the outside in, thanks to its realistic look and feel. The quality of the material also meant that the surface wouldn’t fade or pose any colour change issues in the future, which can be common with some natural timbers.”

The kitchen joinery is complemented by essastone by Laminex in Silica benchtops, along with a contrasting splashback in Metaline Splashbacks and Panels in Nimbus. “Using Metaline offered the same glass-like appearance we were hoping for, while being easier to install and more affordable too,” continues Peter.

The colour palette is extended throughout the living space and into other rooms of the home to create a feeling of cohesion, with the bathroom cabinetry featuring the same Laminex Impressions textured surfaces in Sublime Teak Riven finish and topped with Laminex Freestyle Surfaces in New Kosiusko for the vanity top.

Inspiration a plenty for the new (or experienced) renovator!

Categories
Kitchens RENO ADDICT Shopping Styling

Four renowned creatives help Aussies discover their style

As we awake each day, design touches us in many ways – from the clothes we choose to wear and the car we drive to work, to the café we grab our morning coffee from. Everyone has an aesthetic, an inherent style of their own that reflects their personality, but where does it come from and how do we truly define it?

To help Australians discover their own style, Laminex has partnered with four renowned Australian creatives  – Chkya Keebaugh, Anna Polyviou, Steve Cordony and Virginia Martin  – to release the “Find your Style” quiz.

Chyka Keebaugh is a successful businesswoman, online editor of a lifestyle magazine and the inspiration behind the Laminex “Classic” kitchen.

chyka-keebaugh
Chyka Keebaugh

Classic Kitchen
Classic Kitchen

Dubbed the punk princess of pastry, Anna Polyviou is an award-winning pastry chef and represents the “Inner Urban” look.

anna-polyviou
Anna Polyviou

inner-urban-kitchen-inspiredby-anna
“Inner Urban” kitchen

Steve Cordony is a leading Sydney-based interior and event stylist, and the style director at-large for Belle. Steve is passionate about the “Mineral” look with its sophisticated yet strong statements.

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Steve Cordony

"Mineral" kitchen
“Mineral” kitchen

Virginia Martin launched her fashion label búl in 2010 and represents the minimalist and functional look of “Scandi” – now one of the world’s most popular styles.

virginia-martin
Virginia Martin

"Scandi" kitchen
“Scandi” kitchen

The other eight inspirational styles Laminex have developed include Glamour, Natural, Modern & Co, Noir, Industrial, Coastal, Vintage and Zen.

For further information about Laminex click here or take the quiz.

Categories
Design Kitchens RENO ADDICT Shopping

Laminex’s forward-thinking, hygiene-performing 2016 range

Laminex’s recently unveiled 2016 Colour Palette, brings new design-leading decors and surface innovation to their range.

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Featuring 20 decors, that not only reflect global design trends, but more importantly, fulfil the growing needs of Australian customers, the range includes warm woodgrains, veined stone and greys that inject style, creativity and desirability.

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The new range also has the added benefits of Protec+ for enhanced hygiene performance. A proven antimicrobial technology that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungus on surfaces, Protec+ ensures protection against microbes.

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Also taking the new decors to the next level is the recent advances meaning fabricators can now achieve a much tighter-edge angle, replicating the look of a stone slab at a fraction of the price. Australians have always liked the idea of a benchtop option that provides the look of stone with the affordability of laminate and now they can finally have it!

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With more than 80 years of innovation under their belt, Laminex prides themselves on pushing and exploring the boundaries of design.

For more information.

Categories
Competitions Designers

Laminex’s Project of the Year prize pool doubles to $20,000

After the success of last year, Laminex Australia’s 2015 Project of the Year has doubled its prize money, offering $10,000 business grants to the best project in both the commercial and residential category.

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Last year’s winner: Marais Fitout by f2 Architecture

Entries are open to all Australian fabrication, design and specification businesses who’ve completed a project using Formica, Laminex or EssaStone products in any residential or commercial setting. Projects completed from December 2014 are eligible for the awards program.

Project of the Year closes 27 October and is hosted on Laminex Australia’s Facebook page. Each month, the public will vote to determine a residential and commercial Project of the Month, both of which will be awarded a $500 eftpos card. The Project of the Year title will be determined by a panel of industry judges led by Laminex Australia Group design director, Neil Sookee.

Last year's runner-up: by Scott Weston
Last year’s runner-up: by Scott Weston

The Project of the Year will be announced in November, with the recipients receiving a $10,000 business grant.

Enter now.

Categories
Design RENO ADDICT Shopping

Laminex launch new timber tone and gloss finishes

Showcasing warm timber tones paired with a gloss finish, Laminex has introduced four new and on-trend decors to its Silk Finish range.

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Responding to the growing interest in more subtle gloss finishes for the kitchen, bathroom and living areas, the four decors: Domain, Burnished Wood, Jericho and Sublime Teak, offer the natural appearance of woodgrains in a smooth melamine finish.

For a rich dark woodgrain option, Domain
 offers a blended balance between popular dark shades of browns, greys and blacks, while Burnished Wood delivers a deep charcoal colouring for an ebony effect with grey undertones. 
Lighter colour options are achieved with Jericho or Sublime Teak. Jericho displays soft brown-grey tones, while Sublime Teak incorporates muted honey tones.

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Easy to clean, the new additions bring the total Laminex Silk Finish offering to 27 decors. Each decor comes with matching gloss ABS edging for an effortless finish for doors, drawers, cabinetry and other vertical surfaces.

To find out more about the latest Laminex decors in the Silk Finish range, visit the website.

Categories
Expert Tips Kitchens

2015 interior trends forecast from Laminex Australia

By Neil Sookee

The 2015 Trends Forecast from Laminex Australia embraces global design trends and adds a hint of local flavour to inspire Australian homeowners and renovators. Three key themes – Essence, Impulse and Real – will influence interiors in 2015 and beyond. The three themes strip back to the bare essentials, encourage mixing colours, patterns and forms and embrace imperfections in natural materials.

Trend 1: Essence 

Essence
Benchtop in Laminex Fresh Snow Spark finish and base cupboard doors in Laminex Impressions textured surfaces Bleached Wenge Riven finish

Essence is about reduction and simplicity, stripping back to the bare essentials. With Essence, we look to the past for inspiration, but view retro colours and styling in a fresh, new way. After seasons of red and yellow-based greys, Essence introduces a movement towards neutral and cooler greys. To generate a natural palette of neutrals and grey, materials are pure with colours derived from the materials themselves. Deepest black and linen whites become the base for natural tones of wheat, stone and elemental greys. These tones become important alongside white.

Soft, feminine and poetic forms are key in this trend. In the absence of colour, texture and geometric forms are used as focal points in interiors.

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Essence palette

Trend 2: Impulse 

Impulse
Benchtop Laminex Fusion Design Source Cantata

The opposite of Essence, Impulse is eclectic and maximal. Impulse celebrates the importance of spontaneity, encouraging us to be adventurous and creative. More is more when it comes to Impulse. Impulse evokes a sense of happiness. It’s a provocative mix, embracing items that don’t match. A wild fusion of styles, colour and patterns, geometric shapes and tantalising, energetic colours are central to the trend. There is a strong tendency for bold colour against a backdrop of white, light woodgrains, cool neutrals or fine greys. Also implied is the bleaching effect of strong sunlight that gives rise to faded colour, bringing a new take on nostalgia.

Impulse allows for the unexpected and unconventional and there is only one rule: there are no rules!

Impulse palette
Impulse palette

Trend 3: Real 

Real
Splashback can be achieved using Laminex Innovations Plex Copper

Real looks to nature and the natural environment. The trend deals with authenticity and finding balance in a complex world, exploring a new mindfulness of natural elements. Natural materials like wood or stone are central to this trend. The colour palette is soft and harmonious, with vegetal colours showing an earthy and organic tendency. Greyed mid tones are important, as are copper, bronze and golds. Wood is the cherished material and wood tones turn light and natural – and less rustic. Imperfection is authentic and desirable.

Real reflects the lifestyle movement of Australians re-embracing ‘simple things’ such as farming, handmade products, home baking, gardening and craftsmanship. With the Real trend, high quality products with unsurpassed craftmanship and luxury are blended with vintage and handmade decorative items.

Real palette
Real palette

– Neil Sookee is the design director of Laminex Australia Group, a leading marketer, distributor and manufacturer of decorative surfaces throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Categories
Travel

The design lover’s guide to New York

Sponsored by Laminex

As a homewares shopping starting point, no trip to NYC is complete without visiting the legendary American stores Anthropologie and Jonathan Adler! I would usually add West Elm and Pottery Barn to this list but, luckily for us, they’re now open in Australia (just Sydney for now but West Elm opens in Melbourne too, later this month).

Design lovers cannot go past the Jonathan Adler stores to pick up a quirky piece or a signature colourful, patterned cushion or throw. Friends of Interiors Addict Kate and Lu, from The Ooh Blog, were lucky enough to go on a trip earlier this year. “I developed a devastating idol crush on this uber fun designer a few years ago and it felt a little bit stupid really that I had never physically stepped foot inside one of his stores,” says Lu, an interior designer in Sydney. “I had a moment on the front steps then delved into a happy-chic paradise full of colour and pattern and retro, regency gorgeousness. It was a little overwhelming to see the pieces I’ve been frothing over online for years in the flesh but I was so thrilled to find that Jonathan, who began his career as a potter, is one seriously talented individual and his product is of an incredible standard and well worth the slightly heftier price tag. His tongue-in-cheek approach to decorating is evident in many pieces like the hilarious Delirium Coasters while others like the Desmond Screen are effortlessly chic.”

Image: http://theconcernsofmindykaling.com
Image: http://theconcernsofmindykaling.com

Categories
Travel

The design lover’s guide to London

Sponsored by Laminex

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British interior designer Abigail Ahern, who is popular with Australians

I asked leading British interior designer Abigail Ahern to tell me what’s hot in my home city of London for design lovers right now. I’m planning a stop-off at the end of our honeymoon in November, and I can’t wait to check out a few of these new shopping and dining finds!