NEW MATERIALS IN INTERIOR DESIGN: OPTIONS FOR MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS ABOUND

Contemporary technology and research has expanded the repertoire of interior design options. Today, the choices abound, offering many possibilities relative to available products, materials and techniques.

This requires the designer to be informed, keeping abreast of new developments, i.e., following progress; reading technical specifications of new products, trade publications or visiting exhibitions.

For example, relative to flooring materials, there is more than wood, carpeting, ceramic tile, marble, granite, linoleum or VCT (Vinyl composition tile). Nowadays, available is cork, laminate, and industrial flooring, amongst other choices. Also, terrazzo is making a comeback, becoming fashionable. 

Being ecology conscious and also concerned with honesty of materials, we would probably avoid laminate flooring; although used as an economical alternative to parquet. Industrial flooring with the colour integral in the mix, went from plants or factories, to designer showrooms and homes. However, understanding the limitations of a particular material is essential. Specifically, cork flooring mentioned above, while great for the kitchen as it relaxes our feet, is undesirable in the living room where it’s subject to spike heels, its Achilles tendon. 

Historically, kitchen countertops began as stone or marble, to be replaced by Formica (a trademark laminated composite material) and today Corian, a solid surface material, is preferred in upscale applications (Remembering that wood as porous is non-hygienic, thus should be avoided; although older homes had such countertops). 

Furniture is another domain where new manufacturing development give rise to noticeable entries; certain pieces become classics sooner than before. Last but not least, are the latest smart-home developments, enabling one to control his or her space from the cell phone. 

New materials or products may be more economical and more appropriate in certain applications, which implies that a novice will be at a disadvantage. Continuing education is the key to being a professional designer, while meeting the challenges of the future. Ecology and research promise to offer a lot more exciting options in the years to come.

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