Aug 3 2010
Great design doesn't come out of a box, but Formica Corporation's 35 new high pressure laminates (HPL) demonstrate that great designs can fit into one by introducing the new Colorbox concept.
"The latest HPL colors were developed with the Colorbox concept in mind," said Gerri Chmiel, Senior Design Manager for Formica Corporation. "We've packaged coordinating solids, optical solids and patterns with harmonizing woodgrains into nine different Colorboxes that layer color, texture and dimension to create visual interest."
Global collaboration, qualitative research with nearly 60 designers and a quantitative survey of hundreds of industry professionals identified the following trends that drove the HPL design development:
Wood – Ranked as the top trend, the Architect and Design community considers wood laminate as a realistic and functional design choice
Menswear – Classic and highly usable, subtle optical solids and classic patterns are workhorses with the ability to be mixed and matched in many ways
Weave – A modern introduction of woven patterns, whether manmade or organic, is in high demand
Graphic – Focused mostly on architectural and organic elements, these inspirational patterns grab attention, communicate from a distance and are simply fun
Color + Texture – Texture is key to achieving the dimension and realism that the A&D community desires, adding drama and depth to an otherwise flat color.
Solid Color Extension
Seven "Newtrals" – new neutrals – in complex shades of chameleon browns, beiges, greens and grays, reflect the emerging "less is more" attitude. Efforts to be more conservative and make color selections for the sake of longevity are becoming more prevalent. These seven "Newtrals" are available in Matte, Sculpted™ or MicroDot™ finishes. Each of the solid colors is the foundation of the Colorbox Concept – where solid colors coordinate with optical solids, patterns and complement woodgrains.
• 5342 Earth
• 5443 Possum
• 5344 Seed
• 5349 Fossil
• 2297 Terril
• 1097 Citadel
• 1903 Cafe
Two optimistic colors in brighter and cleaner hues round out the solid color extension:
• 2013 Fiesta
• 7966 New Burgundy
Patterns Extension
The Optical Solids and Graphic Patterns add 16 new colors in four new series: Warp and Weft, Geo, Strand and Dogbone.
Optical Solids are subtle, timeless and versatile. While appearing to be a solid color from afar, a closer look reveals subtle menswear and weave details.
In weaving, warp and weft fibers take on different qualities when threaded through the loom and are the inspiration for the two new weaves:
• Warp Pattern – Stronger and more graphic in nature
• Weft Pattern – Softer and more subtle
In true Colorbox fashion, the following new Warp and Weft patterns are "textured" complements to the Solid Color introductions:
• 5875 Neutral Weft
• 5879 Cafe Weft
• 5876 Fossil Weft
• 5880 Earthen Warp
• 5877 Seed Weft
• 5881 Chocolate Warp
• 5878 Possum Warp
• 5882 Citadel Warp
Graphic Patterns are fun, inspirational and compelling, focusing mostly on architectural and organic elements and influences. Whether breaking down patterns to the cellular level or viewing them from 30,000 feet, they convey depth and complexity while remaining usable, evoking a tactile quality and inviting touch.
Strand Pattern – Originally introduced in 2008, Strand creates a graphic yet organic pattern through the play of criss-crossed straight lines
• 6306 Wenge Strand
• 6307 Burnt Strand
Dogbone Pattern – A playful, geometric featuring dog bone-like shapes seen in modern sculptural and architectural wall installations
• 5281 Dogbone White
• 5283 Dogbone Storm
Geo Pattern – Inspired by the structure created by crossing and meandering lines on a map, the orderly yet chaotic Geo models the network of roads, interstates and rivers from a bird's eye view
• 5270 Geo White
• 5272 Geo Folkstone
• 5273 Geo Citadel
• 5274 Geo Fossil
Woodgrains Extension
Wood ranks as the top trend for architects and designers in North America. More than ever before, laminates are compelling wood alternatives as advances in printing, style and texture closely mimic the qualities of real wood. At the same time, laminates meet the design community's need for engineered wood looks and colors that may not always be available in nature.
Ten new woodgrains support the Colorbox concept and fall into three categories: New Classics, Usable Exotics and Modern Engineered and are offered in three finishes:
Naturelle™ (NT) – This subtle straight grain ticking creates a realistic natural wood look in a low sheen finish reminiscent of a dry wax; it gives wood a natural, clean and modern look
Artisan™ (43) – This finish achieves the hand-rubbed oil look used by craftsmen to produce fine wood surfaces in which high gloss finishes enhance rich color and detail
Matte (58) – This hardworking finish – perfect for education, healthcare and retail – keeps surfaces attractive under harsh working conditions
New Classics
• 5486-NT Classic Walnut
• 5487-NT Oiled Walnut
• 5885-58 Craft Oak
• 5887-NT Millennium Oak
• 5886-43 Sorrel Cherry
Usable Exotics
• 5481-43 Oiled Olivewood
• 5488-NT Smoky Brown Pear
• 5489-NT Espresso Pear
Modern Engineered
• 5883-58 Pecan Woodline
• 5884-58 Chestnut Woodline
Formica Corporation continues to lead the industry with innovative designs and green building solutions. Formica® brand high pressure decorative laminates have received FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Chain of Custody certification and are GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified.
Source: http://www.formica.com/