Despite often being seen as a backdrop to the seemingly more exciting aspects of interior design, walls, carpentry and countertops play a key role in setting the aesthetic tone of our homes. After all, these are often the most lasting parts of a room; while furniture and fittings can be replaced with relative ease, redoing surfaces typically involves a large amount of work.

When done right, surfaces can elevate a home, setting it apart from others and giving insight into a homeowner’s personality while remaining subtle enough to let other elements in the space shine. On the other hand, poorly made or matched surfaces can make a home look unfinished or even gaudy and tacky.

Laminates provide an easy and effective solution for surface finishes. Available in a nearly endless variety of textures, colours and patterns, these multilayered sheets can emulate everything from wood grain to polished marble and even cement, so it’s no challenge finding something for every home, regardless of aesthetic.

Local layers

While many Singaporean homeowners are accustomed to seeking interior design solutions overseas, they need not look far when it comes to laminates. Established in 2001, Lamitak has been in the business of designing and producing interior surface solutions for over two decades now, with a focus on matching aesthetics with performance. It’s also established around the region, with a presence in Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Thailand.

Jansen Tan, the company’s director for product and brand, says his team prioritises versatility in its laminates, adding that when designing new collections, Lamitak focuses on “enhancing interior spaces by adding value through thoughtful design”. The idea is to create surface coverings that not only shine on their own but can also harmonise well when paired with other things in a real-world setting.

The style of laminates used in a space can have a huge influence on the final ambience. In terms of colours, light-toned laminates can make a small room feel larger and airier, which is particularly useful in more compact homes here. Darker laminates, on the other hand, can add depth and sophistication to create a cosy, intimate space.

Then there’s the question of mixing and matching. Putting together different laminates can create a more eclectic look, though one must be mindful to avoid creating a mishmash of patterns that may not stay visually appealing over time.

Lamitak’s products include some 400 designs that are intended to accommodate every design theme. As an example, in minimalist homes, Tan recommends the Protak series, which has a “curated range of neutral palettes inspired by Lamitak’s most popular solid colours”. Named after a spin on the word “protect”, Protak comes in a matte finish with a matching edge band to create a seamless, uniform vibe.

High standards

Of course, quality has to remain a key consideration for laminates to be a viable interior solution. A good laminate must be robust enough to withstand day-to-day wear, especially on surfaces one regularly comes into contact with, such as cabinet and wardrobe doors. Otherwise, one runs the risk of having to deal with fading, peeling or cracking, which could then require difficult and costly repairs to fix.

For Lamitak, says Tan, an important part of product development is “providing peace of mind for users in their homes”; this means keeping an eye not only on the appearance of its laminates, but also their safety and durability. He points out that the Protak series, for instance, provides “enhanced protection” with six key properties: anti-bacterial, anti-fingerprint, anti-fungal, anti-glare, scratch resistance and stain resistance.

Homeowners must also note safety credentials when selecting laminates. The production of laminates can involve a whole host of resins, binding agents and other materials. While these are often used to give the final laminate rigidity, fire-resistance and other important properties, over time, they can leach chemicals that are harmful to human health.

To ensure the safety of its products, Lamitak has secured the GreenGuard Gold, Green Label and Singapore Green Building Product certifications for its laminates. For homeowners, looking out for such certifications is important to show that a company’s products conform to recommendations for emissions of volatile organic compounds and toxic substances.

While there is really no limit to the kinds of looks that can be achieved with laminates, taking into consideration all these factors is important to ensure that one’s home can mesh great appearances with long-lasting quality, to create an abode that can really stand the test of time.

To see and find out more about Lamitak’s products, visit its showroom at 114 Lavender Street, CT Hub 2 #01-61, Singapore 338729

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