When it comes to metal and interior design, you might think of images of a corrugated iron frame of a dining table, a side console with handmade brass legs, or a vintage-style aluminum cabinet. Metal is also common in functions and decorations, such as lamps, vases and sculptures, and tableware.

If you really want a large piece of real metal on the wall or ceiling of the living room or dining room, you must be prepared to spend tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands to complete it. In addition to the potential astronomical cost, there is also a cumbersome process to consider. This includes sourcing the metal sheet, cutting it into the correct shape and size, and the time required for installation. All in all, this is a huge challenge even for the best contractors with the corresponding experience and expertise.

Nevertheless, metal is still very popular, especially when it comes to decorative surfaces.

"Metal finishes are considered high-quality finishes. UPSTRS Creative Director Dennis Cheok said: "If you have been to any luxurious space, you usually use metal designed to attract attention. As a well-trained architect, Cheok founded the collaborative space studio in Singapore in 2011, and since then, it has won multiple design awards.

For all metal lovers, the good news is that there is now a more cost-effective surface solution-metal laminate. Unlike marble or wood-based laminates, they mimic real objects by imparting similar characteristics to the uppermost surface of the laminate, while real metal laminates have the topmost layer made of real metal.

Metal laminates can also be made into countless textures such as polished, brushed and even patterns and multiple colors to create endless possibilities because they complement the furniture and other materials on the furniture. A good example is the layering of soft textures, such as suede upholstery or linen curtains, which will soften metal laminates that often have a chill effect.

Another advantage of using metal laminates on real metal sheets is the consistency of color tone. Many designs use one color with regular shading throughout the surface, so when it is applied to a vertical surface, the result is a finish with consistent tone and reflectivity.

Cool colors such as silver and steel bring stylish and modern beauty, while warm colors such as gold, rose gold and bronze can be elegant, subtly charming, and even show off completely when the occasion requires it.

“Metal laminates have luster and luster and are suitable for making various color palettes. According to the tone, texture, luster and touch of laminates, they add character to the space,” said Selwyn Low, the director of Farm, a company specializing in Interdisciplinary studio for architectural work, interior design and brand promotion. "Actual metal plates are more susceptible to oxidation, and they are also less ductile, so they are not suitable for certain applications."

Although there are several laminate brands offering a range of metal and metal products, there is only one brand in Singapore dedicated to real metal laminates.

Dekodur Distil (dekodurdistil.com) is a premium brand of German engineered high pressure metal laminate (HPML) specially planned by Dekodur. Dekodur is a world leader in the field of lamination technology with a history of more than 150 years. In fact, as early as 1959, Dekdour was the first to introduce HPML.

The main product of Dekodur Distil is FLUX-an eye-catching combination of real metal laminate products, with five series, showing a variety of eye-catching designs and colors. The series includes structure, reflection, brushing, polishing and magnetism-each has its own personality, allowing creativity to flow continuously.

The structure, as the name suggests, is characterized by the true three-dimensional surface of the metal laminate, which matches the touch, making you want to touch them with your fingers. There are five patterns in this series-the most of all series-three of which were just launched in August this year. Lava is inspired by the vitality and potency of lava, while Aqua is influenced by the constantly moving surface of the river. The crater will definitely attract the eye because its unique and distinctive surface looks like the surface of the moon.

For those who like metal laminates with more subtle and refined finishes, wire drawing and milling are two series that meet the requirements. Both exude sophistication and elegance, and the surface blends with light, exuding a soothing light. When cleverly used on vertical surfaces such as walls and pillars, they impart elegance to the space.

However, if a space needs something that can instantly attract the eye, the Reflective series will not only do so, but also allow people to focus on its charming, mirror-like surface. These metal laminates use super-reflective finishes to create a shining contrast effect to make the interior vibrant. Wherever it is painted, wherever everyone's eyes are. In addition, it also has the magic power to make the room look bigger, copying the effect of a large mirror.

“I like the core metallic tones that form the basis of the four FLUX collections and the way the brand continues to build textures and finishes. This is a focused and well-planned collection that has always been developed in a highly complex way,” Cheok added. "In particular, I like the simplicity of brushed and mill laminate, and the hand-crafted textures of lava, water color and craters."

With the advancement of lamination technology, real metal laminates provide more variety, more flexibility, easier application and cost-effectiveness when decorating the metal surface of your space. The most important thing is that you can do this without affecting this shiny material which is known for its sparkling beauty and delicate charm.

Complete Dekodur Distil's FLUX Portfolio is a different series from the other four. The Magnetic series does not show off dizzying aesthetics, but uses the magic of metal to show unique functionality.

All metal laminates in this innovative series are embedded with a special metal core that can attract magnets, so you can attach anything to its surface with magnets. Choose any writable magnetic laminate, and you can write, draw or do graffiti using whiteboard and blackboard markers. In addition, the matte white design can also be projected, so it is very suitable for presentations.

There is even a laminate that can be painted or coated with decorative materials, such as wallpaper and other laminates with a thickness of no more than 3 mm. Named Raw Magnetic, you can now use any color or design on the wall, and it can attract additional uses of magnets. The possibilities are endless.

Working from home is so common nowadays, the Magnetic series is an asset to create any space in the home, which is conducive to study and work.

(Main and featured image: Rose Mill laminate by Summerhaus D'Zign) 

This story first appeared in Prestige Singapore magazine in September 2021.

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