Material Choices Behind Today's Interior Design Trends

From Statement to Cohesion

Maiburg observes that interiors are becoming more distinctive in the projects and material choices of architects and interior designers. According to Pierre de Wit, account manager for Decorative Sheet Materials | Architects & Specifiers, warm colors, rich material combinations, and surfaces with character are gaining ground. He also notes that influences from the 1970s are visible, with deep shades of red and brown, various shades of green, ochre yellow, and tactile materials.

At the same time, Maiburg is seeing growing interest in countertops and distinctive natural stone looks featuring visible veins, color nuances, and depth. The challenge for designers is to combine such eye-catching elements into a cohesive whole, within the practical and financial constraints of a project. At Architect@Work Rotterdam, Maiburg—the exclusive distributor of Kaindl in the Netherlands—presented three innovations that address this need: Aviva, OF/OM Anti-Fingerprint, and Slimline Worktops.

Color as a Mood-Setter

Maiburg sees the demand for warmer and more vibrant colors reflected in the current Kaindl collection. It includes colors such as Acai, Ceramic Red, Curcuma Yellow, Mandarin Orange, Caribbean Blue, and Saba Green. Softer shades like Truffle Beige and Cashmere, on the other hand, can be used as unifying colors.

According to De Wit, color is not only used as an accent but is increasingly becoming an integral part of the overall design of a space. Bold colors and materials, at the same time, call for a calm foundation. Refined wood finishes with a uniform character provide the perfect counterbalance.

With Aviva, Kaindl responds to this trend. The collection features a natural oak look with subtle grain patterns and limited contrasts. With the AE synchronized texture, the tactile texture matches the decorative pattern. As a result, Aviva can be combined with bold colors, textures, and stone reproductions without drawing too much attention to itself.

In addition to aesthetics, the available project budget plays a role in the choice of materials. De Wit: “We’ve noticed that architects and interior designers are increasingly looking for materials that offer the same design quality as premium brands, but that also remain within a realistic project budget. That’s precisely where Kaindl stands out.”

From ultra-matte to natural stone look

According to Maiburg, it’s not just color, but also the way a surface feels to the touch that is receiving more attention. The OF/OM Anti-Fingerprint collection combines an ultra-matte finish with minimal light reflection. At the same time, it minimizes visible fingerprints and signs of wear. This opens up more possibilities for using dark colors, matte finishes, and large front surfaces.

Maiburg also sees a shift in the world of countertops. In addition to the finish, the thickness and edge treatment are playing an increasingly significant role in determining the final look. Kaindl’s Slimline Worktops are 12 millimeters thick and feature a solid-colored core, creating a uniform appearance along the edges. The collection includes various stone-, marble-, and travertine-inspired finishes.

Kaindl thus offers an alternative for projects where the look of natural stone is desired, but a different material is chosen. The sleek profile also complements interiors where refined lines are desired.

For De Wit, the development process revolves around combining aesthetics, the feel of the material, and feasibility. He sees this reflected not only in the three innovations Maiburg presented at Architect@Work, but also in other Kaindl finishes. “A bold material choice doesn’t have to be exclusive or out of reach. With decors like Castilla Oak Toledo, we demonstrate that a high-quality aesthetic, tactile appeal, and current trends go hand in hand with an affordable price point.”