These are engineered surface materials used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of various objects, such as floors, walls, countertops, and furniture. They are made by layering multiple materials like resin or paper under high heat and pressure to create decorative materials.
Decorative laminate offers a cost-effective and stylish option for homeowners and interior designers, which is why it has become a popular addition in the decorative sector. Decorative laminate covers a wide range of patterns, textures, designs, and colors, which help create a fashionable and tasteful style while remaining budget friendly. This article discusses creating a luxurious look while on a budget.
Benefits of Decorative Laminate
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Durability: These are quite resistant to cracks, fading, scratches, and wear for years, which shows their durability and ensures you don’t have to constantly replace or refurbish them.
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Budget-friendly: They offer quite an affordable option for designers as they are cheaper than natural resources, which makes them quite budget-friendly.
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Variety: It provides users with a variety of options, as it is available in various patterns, finishes, and textures.
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Low Maintenance: You don’t need so much to maintain them. They are easy to clean by using a damp rag to wipe away stains.
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Eco-friendly: Nowadays, everyone is all about sustainability, and laminates are eco-friendly as they are made from recycled materials, which reduces the waste generated.
How to Create a luxurious look from decorative laminate
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Choose a high-end design: Opt for designs that mimic the look of expensive natural materials, such as marble with glossy veining patterns, or wood finishes like oak or pine. Stone-like or metallic laminates are also available options that can give the room a luxurious feel.
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Combine designs: Mixing and using it with other materials would give an understated, luxurious vibe. For example, pairing laminate with metal (gold handles) would complete a stylish and luxurious feel.
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Refurbish Furniture: Furniture plays a big role in the look of a house. You can use laminate to refurbish old furniture like counters, tabletops, or shelves to give them a new look without having to replace them. You can also opt to create custom laminate decorative pieces that serve as statement features.
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Redesign the walls: These materials can be used to accentuate walls and draw attention to a focal point. You can also use patterns or laminates that mimic natural materials, such as stone effects or abstract designs.
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Use for bathroom and kitchen: Laminate is best used in the bathroom, as this is an area where it shows its full potential due to its durability and water resistance. Choose marble-mimic laminates for the cabinets and shelves in the kitchen to create a high-end look.
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A good option for flooring: You can achieve a wood or stone look without exceeding your budget or spending heavily on natural materials. Use them in high-traffic areas to minimize repairs and maintenance costs, making them a cost-effective choice over time.
Tips to achieve an effortlessly luxurious look
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Be minimal and avoid clutter, which will let the laminate give off that stylish look.
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Lighting is important because it helps highlight and bring out the patterns and texture.
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Match colors, choose a harmonizing color palette, and blend matte and glossy laminate finish.
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Getting professionals to do the laminations ensures a less messy and flawless finish.
Tips on how to care for these budget-friendly Materials
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Daily cleaning: Use a damp and soft rag with a mild detergent to clean off dust stains, and dry immediately with a dry, soft rag to prevent streaks or water spots.
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To remove tough stains, use a homemade paste mixture of baking soda and water to clean it gently, as scrubbing can damage the surface.
- Avoid putting sharp objects directly on the laminate surface, protect it from moisture, and use mats or coasters to prevent heat damage.
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Polish the surfaces occasionally using a safe polish to maintain gloss.
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Inspect seams and edges to check for damage or peeling and fix them promptly
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Keep it from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Final Thoughts
Decorative laminates provide a cost-effective and luxurious look without breaking the bank. Choosing the right designs and patterns gives a high-end look that transforms your space instantly. Pay attention to the proportions to avoid large designs in small spaces, which could create a cheap look. The luxury look you’re aiming for is within arm’s reach with the use of budget-friendly and eco-friendly materials.
