If you thought laminate surfaces were reserved for retro homes, think again.
Laminex’s laminate products have been a part of Australian homes since the 1950s, but their products have come a long way from the image of the nostalgic benchtops you might recall from decades ago.
And with the July 1 ban on engineered stone looming over Australian homeowners, builders and designers, Laminex product design manager Neil Sookee says the industry is already beginning to embrace the tried-and-tested material once again.
One of the brand’s newest innovations, Laminex TrueScale, is a market first that allows for patterns of natural stone to be reproduced onto laminate with no repeats in the print, creating a more realistic look. It’s an affordable, non-toxic alternative to engineered stone that Neil says is perfect for those after a sleek stone-look bench.
‘With Laminex InvisiEdge ABS, you can also create an almost invisible join line that many people associate with Laminate square edge benchtops.’
The TrueScale range is available in four timeless designs, featuring a bold Calacatta Majore, the sophisticated Premio Carrara, Luxe Elba in grey and cream tones, and Marmo Grigio a mid-grey stone with varied textures.
In a new campaign, Laminex has designed and photographed three contemporary kitchens that celebrate the versatility of their laminates, using a matt, finger-resistant surface to create fun colour-blocking joinery and a matching benchtop layered with natural timbers.
Another proves how you can play with texture and tone in new ways, featuring detailing that wraps around the waterfall benchtop and splashback for a monochromatic look. The last shows the striking impact of Laminex TrueScale on a island bench as a cost-effective centrepiece of your kitchen.
The added benefit of laminate is that it’s famously durable, resisting everything from scratches to stains, and it’s easy to clean.
So while it has a long legacy, Laminex is now a modern benchtop solution that can withstand the needs of modern living — without sacrificing on design.
