Tag: splashback

Laminex has biggest refresh in quarter of a century

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date April 17, 2019
No Comments on 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.

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

Tags bench top, kitchen, laminex, metallics, polar white, splashback, super white, woodgrain

Bathrooms Designers Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Stylist Steve Cordony releases marble mosaic tile collection

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date December 18, 2017
No Comments on Stylist Steve Cordony releases marble mosaic tile collection

For those who fear pattern, bold tiles can seem like too much of a commitment. After all, we’re talking about permanent patterns on your floors or walls, if not forever, for a good few years! But if you do manage to experiment beyond wooden floors or plain ceramic tiles you could be pleasantly surprised. Just ask Steve Cordony, leading Australian interior stylist and the designer behind Labyrinth, a new range of monochromatic marble, mosaic tiles. We think they’re absolutely stunning!

Steve – Labyrinth Gravity in Carrara + Nero Marquinia

“I recommend using tiles on either the floor or wall rather than both if you’re a little hesitant to play with bold patterns,” says Steve. “The colour palette of this collection is grey, black and white so they are so easy to pare back with plain ceramic tiles, marble and even wallpaper and painted walls for powder rooms or laundries.”

Created in collaboration with Di Lorenzo, Labyrinth encompasses five designs, with three available in two colour variations. Inspired by travel and fashion, Steve’s trips abroad have been the basis for the graphic details and lineal patterns. “I am constantly observing shapes and patterns around me,” explains Steve. “Whether I am working on one of my many projects or travelling. Everything from a window grate in India to an iron lantern in South Africa has shaped the collection.”

Alongside bold patterns, texture takes centre stage through three contrasting marbles: Carrara from the Tuscan coast quarried in the high mountains; Thassos, from a Greek island by the same name in the Northern Aegean Sea; and Nero Marquina.

Labyrinth Channel in Carrara + Nero Marquinia

Perfect for floors and walls in bathrooms, laundry areas, powder rooms and kitchen splashbacks, Steve already plans to use three in his own renovation: “I am steering towards Gravity in black and white for the kitchen splashback, Channel for the master bath and Oblique in grey/white for the mud room. It’s like choosing between my (non-existent) children!”

Labyrinth by Steve Cordony is available from all Di Lorenzo showrooms in NSW and national stockists around Australia.

For more | Designers we love

Tags bathroom, design, di lorenzo, di lorenzo tiles, kitchen, renovating, splashback, steve cordony, tiles

Kitchens RENO ADDICT

The new trends in tiled kitchen splashbacks

Post author By Naomi Foxall
Post date July 7, 2017
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When is a splashback not a splashback? When it’s a focal and feature point for the room!

The humble kitchen has come a long way in the past decade. Once an enclosed back room where meals were cooked and dishes washed, today’s kitchen is the heart of the home and centre stage for home entertainment.

This evolution of the kitchen, spurred on by Australia’s love affair with TV cooking shows and celebrity chefs, has seen home-owners not only honing their cooking skills to produce visually stimulating gourmet meals but also ensuring their kitchen looks the part.

According to Rachel Gilding, the strategic designer for Beaumont Tiles, of all the elements in the kitchen, the splashback is generally the focal point of the kitchen and a feature that can easily be renovated to set the scene. “A popular trend for 2017 is tile splashbacks that bring style, personality, character, structure and texture to the space,” says Ms Gilding. “Tiles come in a variety of materials, colours, sizes and shapes that add excitement and diversity when it comes to choosing the right one for your lifestyle.”

The tiled splashback, while functional, also allows you to play around with trends that you might otherwise struggle to integrate into the kitchen. “A tiled splashback allows you to splash colour around or use patterned feature tiles to bring a new dimension to the kitchen through different laying techniques such as offset or herringbone,” says Ms Gilding. “Tile size also comes into play when selecting your kitchen splashback with both small and large tiles on trend.” Larger format tiles mean less grout lines and a more modern look.

For a polished and long lasting finish, Beaumont recommend epoxy grout.“Consider using epoxy grout when installing your kitchen splashback,” says Ms Gilding. “Epoxy grout, made from epoxy resins and a filler powder, as opposed to cement, is extremely durable and almost completely stain proof.”

Here are Rachel’s top 5 choices for tile splashbacks from the Beaumont range.

Excite. Exceptionally beautiful, this tile is available in serenity blue and blush pink, the Pantone colours of 2016. “This tile exudes gorgeous colour and trending matt finish that any renovator can inject into their kitchen as an elegant yet practical splashback,” says Ms Gilding.
Keyboard. Visually elegant like piano keys, this tile is available in black and white. “Create a plain or structured look with this unique tile choice as your kitchen splashback. From Italy, Keyboard is available with a matt or gloss finish with either a flat surface or rhythmic structure,” says Ms Gilding.
Majorca. Magnificently ornate, available in three unique patterns: petal, glazed and striped glazed porcelain. “This classic black and white patterned tile allows the renovator to showcase their individual style and beauty creating a feature style kitchen splashback,” says Ms Gilding.
Subway. Inspired by the subways of New York, this tile is available in white, grey, malt, mink, eggshell, dove and cocoa gloss. “With its variety of colours, gloss finish and versatile laying opportunities, this tile choice adds a sense of sleek sophistication to any kitchen. Designed to be mixed and matched to create an individual look or laid on its own with striking contrasting grout, such as white subway tiles with black grout” says Ms Gilding.
Tribeca. This look-a-like brick tile is available in the following colours: grey, mud, multicolour, red, sand or white. “Creating an industrial and rustic look and feel, this tile range pays homage to one of the liveliest, most exclusive neighbourhoods in New York,” says Ms Gilding.

About Beaumont Tiles: Beaumont Tiles is Australia’s biggest retailer of tiles and bathroom ware. For more information visit www.tile.com.au

Tags kitchen, kitchen trends, splashback

Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Kaboodle kitchens launch gorgeous range of DIY splashbacks

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date March 22, 2017
3 Comments on Kaboodle kitchens launch gorgeous range of DIY splashbacks

In fabulous news for DIY home renovators, the on-trend yet affordable kitchen brand kaboodle has just added a fabulous range of cut to measure splash backs to its range. Comprised of some of the brand’s most popular bench top colours, the splash backs are made from a material that is scratch and moisture resistant, lightweight and super easy to install with silicone all that is required.

“Our cut to measure splashbacks are a revolutionary addition to our range. Unlike glass, they are DIY friendly and unlike acrylic, they can also be used behind gas and electric cooktops combining the best of both worlds,” says Aymeric De Rosbo, kaboodle product category manager. When used behind cooktops you just need to combine the splashback with calcium silicate board – cement sheeting that has been designed specifically to provide a heat resistant barrier to protect any combustible surface such as wall studs in case of fire.

The range features nine colours – five contemporary solids and four of the most popular colours from the brand’s bench top range (crackle crush gloss, soyanut, mayonella and Calcutta gloss). “When matched with some of the most popular colours from our bench top program, there are opportunities to create a seamless bench top  and splash back look which can easily be cut and installed with only simple woodworking tools such as a circular saw, jigsaw as well as double-sided tape and silicone,” says Aymeric.

For expansive spaces, where a seamless finish is ideal, the splash backs are available in large sheet sizes too (up to 3600mm wide) which reduces the number of visible joins. As with the rest of the kaboodle range you can find the splashbacks at Bunnings.

Shop the range online

Tags diy, interiors, kaboodle, kitchen, kitchens, reno, renovating, splashback

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Exciting new bespoke tile destination in Sydney

Post author By Naomi Foxall
Post date January 17, 2017
No Comments on Exciting new bespoke tile destination in Sydney

Interior designers, architects and builders have a new bespoke tile destination thanks to the opening of the first Surface Studio showroom in Sydney. Featuring tiles and stone designs sourced from across the globe, Surface Studio features the latest tile trends with a wide range of premium ceramic, glass, hand glazed, porcelain, terracotta and modern 3D textured tiles and materials to suit any design brief for both commercial and residential projects.

Tags bathroom, bespoke, design, renovation, splashback, surface studio, tiles

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

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date October 22, 2015
No Comments on 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.

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.

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.

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!

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

For more information.

Tags benchtops, decor, design, kitchen, laminex, panel, renovation, splashback, surface, surfaces

Design Kitchens RENO ADDICT

How to make a white kitchen pop with Darren Palmer

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date April 29, 2015
No Comments on How to make a white kitchen pop with Darren Palmer

Benchtops made from semi-precious stones? So wrong it might just be right!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date January 22, 2015
3 Comments on Benchtops made from semi-precious stones? So wrong it might just be right!

Now, this is one benchtop surface that’s going to divide opinion: the new Concetto from Caesarstone. First I loved it, then I hated it, then hang on, I really quite like the look of that! Hmmm…

Concetto is a collection of extraordinary surfaces handmade from individually cut and bound semi-precious stones and it certainly makes a statement.

[contextly_sidebar id=”B7pcF8crNTAM9hFTmPR9WR2e3jGVGETV”]“It is amazing to consider that the semi-precious stones used to make Concetto are sourced from all corners of the Earth and up to 150 million years in the making. It is somewhat akin to owning a special piece of art,” said Andrew Dixon, general manager marketing for Caesarstone Australia.

“We are seeing Concetto used in very unique interiors, often as highlight elements in very contemporary, sometimes minimal ways. The development of new LED lighting technologies, often remotely controlled, is seeing the fusion of different back lighting effects being used with the six surfaces in the collection which can be backlit”

All Caesarstone showrooms can demonstrate Concetto backlighting examples by appointment.

Ideal for a wide variety of applications such as kitchen benchtops, splashbacks, bathroom surfaces, furniture pieces and feature walls, Concetto carries the same superior properties as all Caesarstone surfaces.

I’d love to know what you think?

Tags agate, back lighting, backlit, bathroom, benchtop, caesarstone, concetto, granite, kitchen, led lighting, marble, semi-precious stones, splashback, surface, surfaces

Appliances House Tours Kitchens The Block

Video: Darren Palmer talks kitchens with real homeowner Meagan

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date October 14, 2014
1 Comment on Video: Darren Palmer talks kitchens with real homeowner Meagan

Caesarstone launches Sleek Concrete design

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date June 23, 2014

It’s been a good month for exciting new products from Caesarstone. Last week, we shared the new Calacatta marble-inspired quartz surface, and today we bring you Sleek Concrete.

With a warm grey base, it encapsulates the look and feel of fine concrete, but has the durability and ease of maintenance that Caesarstone surfaces are renowned for. There’s also a more on trend concrete matt textured finish, which creates an industrial, aged look and feel. It never requires sealing and will acquire a natural patina over time.

Perfect for both residential and commercial use, Sleek Concrete can be used for kitchen benchtops, splashbacks, wall panels, vanities, café tables and benches and bars. Sleek Concrete is available now and comes with 10-year limited warranty. Find your nearest showroom here.

Tags bathroom, benchtop, caesarstone, caesarstone sleek concrete, concrete, design, featured, industrial, interiors, kitchen, quartz, sleek concrete, splashback, surface, worktop

Interviews The Block

Freedom Kitchens: bringing the latest trends from Milan to Australia within weeks

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date April 14, 2014

Last week saw THE event of the interiors calendar Salone Internazionale del Mobile (the international furniture fair) in Milan, and I was lucky enough to go for the first time. Within this mega fair sits Eurocucina, a kitchens-only showcase bigger than most Aussie trade fairs and full of beautiful things (read about the top trends I spotted here).

DSC_0093-processed — A display at Eurocucina in Milan

Freedom Kitchens sent a team of 10 of their designers to Milan to be inspired by Europe’s latest trends, innovations and materials in kitchens. Because they have their own Australian factory, this inspiration can become reality in customers’ kitchen within months — weeks even. This flexibility and freedom to move fast is what keeps their kitchens cutting edge and fashionable, as you may have seen on The Block Sky High.

Kim & Matt — Matt and Kim’s Freedom Kitchen from The Block Sky High

At the fair, Freedom Kitchens’ national sales director Susan Hasler said the kitchens at Milan were darker and moodier than last year with a lot of highlights in timber veneers and more matt than gloss finishes. “Some of the Dekton surfaces were very interesting and there was a lot of the concrete look and feel. It’s all a lot about texture. Touch and feel is really important.”

Cabinetry was perhaps more vertical than horizontal with taller pull-out drawers containing several internal drawers. Another trend she noticed was for integrated handles rather than a completely handle-less look.

Freedom Kitchens will be able to translate these innovations and trends to the local Australian market very quickly, while remembering that not everything will be popular or appropriate to our lifestyle. “We will be able to update some of our designs within a couple of months due to us manufacturing in Australia. We can do smaller runs, move quickly and see if things work and are popular,” Susan says. “It’s really important for us to come here to things like Eurocucina. Australia is sometimes thought of as being behind the times. You’re going to have a kitchen for a very long time so it’s important we’re ahead of the game. You don’t want to invest in something which is already a couple of years out of date. We have 10 kitchen designers here which is a big investment but it’s worth it for what we can bring back and the level of credibility it gives us. It’s about us bringing that fashion look at a value price.”

It’s not as simple as copying a load of ideas and expecting Australians to accept them as the latest and greatest, by any means. “It’s about adapting ideas to the Australian market and our way of life,” Susan says. “In terms of the differences between Europe and Australia, we entertain outside a lot, with kitchens often leading out onto decks or yards, or other entertaining areas. This lends itself well to the single wall and island design of kitchen.”

Kitchens were moodier, with more timber veneers and matt surfaces at Eurocucina

While people are often tempted to play it safe on a room which costs a lot of money and they hope to keep for years, Susan says a good kitchen designer can help them to be braver without wasting money or making an unwise investment. Her advice for a ‘safe’ yet fashionable kitchen is to stick to neutral cabinets and be bold with things you can change every couple of years (if desired) like wall colours (wallpaper even!), pendant lights and even splashbacks. You can make a real difference with how you accessorise (the great thing about Freedom Kitchens being that you can pick up Freedom homewares in store too). “We love being able to show customers how to accessorise and style their kitchens with our examples in our showrooms,” Susan says.

In terms of the strong presence of timber veneer at Milan, Susan doesn’t think many Australians will opt for that look in a big way. They may, for example though, choose to do their base cabinets in timber veneer and top cabinets in white, or just their end panels for example. These are all flexible options Freedom Kitchens can offer. “We also have to bear in mind that something that looks great here in Europe may not translate well in Australian light. It’s very different.”

Timber veneers seen at Eurocucina in Milan

The previous snobbery about veneer is disappearing these days, due to the huge advances in quality. “The new ones are so good you can’t even tell they’re not solid timber. They’re also more durable and hygienic which makes them a smart choice for kitchens.”

Look out for more expert tips on kitchen storage and how to get the most out of working with a kitchen designer on the blog next week.

My trip to Milan was hosted by Freedom Kitchens with support from Caesarstone Australia.

Kitchens

The latest kitchen makeover trends

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date August 28, 2013
3 Comments on The latest kitchen makeover trends

Australians are still all about the neutrals when it comes to their kitchens, but they’re mixing it up with more eclectic finishes, matt doors, deeper benchtops and deorative murals.

In 2012, kitchen makeover specialists Granite Transformations completed more than 8,000 kitchens in greys, beiges and whites and in response to demand, they’ve released 5 new colours exclusive to the Australian market and in time for the warmer months ahead. Ikea, on the other hand, whose catalogue launch I attended last month, has introduced a red kitchen, especially with its Australian Asian customers in mind.

Tags asian, benchtop, diy, featured, granite, granite transformations, ikea, ikea catalogue, island, kitchen, kitchen makeover, makeover, marble, red, splashback