35 New Laminates Find Their Perfect Match With the New Colorbox Concept

CINCINNATI, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Great design doesn't come out of a box, but Formica Corporation's 35 new high pressure laminates (HPL) demonstrate that great designs can fit into one by introducing the new Colorbox concept.  

"The latest HPL colors were developed with the Colorbox concept in mind," said Gerri Chmiel, Senior Design Manager for Formica Corporation. "We've packaged coordinating solids, optical solids and patterns with harmonizing woodgrains into nine different Colorboxes that layer color, texture and dimension to create visual interest."

Global collaboration, qualitative research with nearly 60 designers and a quantitative survey of hundreds of industry professionals identified the following trends that drove the HPL design development:

Solid Color Extension

Seven "Newtrals" – new neutrals – in complex shades of chameleon browns, beiges, greens and grays, reflect the emerging "less is more" attitude. Efforts to be more conservative and make color selections for the sake of longevity are becoming more prevalent. These seven "Newtrals" are available in Matte, Sculpted^™ or MicroDot^™ finishes. Each of the solid colors is the foundation of the Colorbox Concept – where solid colors coordinate with optical solids, patterns and complement woodgrains.

• 5342 Earth
• 5443 Possum
• 5344 Seed
• 5349 Fossil
• 2297 Terril
• 1097 Citadel
• 1903 Cafe

Two optimistic colors in brighter and cleaner hues round out the solid color extension:

• 2013 Fiesta
• 7966 New Burgundy

Patterns Extension

The Optical Solids and Graphic Patterns add 16 new colors in four new series:  Warp and Weft, Geo, Strand and Dogbone.

Optical Solids are subtle, timeless and versatile. While appearing to be a solid color from afar, a closer look reveals subtle menswear and weave details.

In weaving, warp and weft fibers take on different qualities when threaded through the loom and are the inspiration for the two new weaves:

• Warp Pattern – Stronger and more graphic in nature
• Weft Pattern –  Softer and more subtle

In true Colorbox fashion, the following new Warp and Weft patterns are "textured" complements to the Solid Color introductions:

Graphic Patterns are fun, inspirational and compelling, focusing mostly on architectural and organic elements and influences. Whether breaking down patterns to the cellular level or viewing them from 30,000 feet, they convey depth and complexity while remaining usable, evoking a tactile quality and inviting touch.

• Strand Pattern – Originally introduced in 2008, Strand creates a graphic yet organic pattern through the play of criss-crossed straight lines  
  • 6306 Wenge Strand
  • 6307 Burnt Strand
• Dogbone Pattern – A playful, geometric featuring dog bone-like shapes seen in modern sculptural and architectural wall installations
  • 5281 Dogbone White
  • 5283 Dogbone Storm
• Geo Pattern – Inspired by the structure created by crossing and meandering lines on a map, the orderly yet chaotic Geo models the network of roads, interstates and rivers from a bird's eye view
  • 5270 Geo White
  • 5272 Geo Folkstone
  • 5273 Geo Citadel
  • 5274 Geo Fossil

Woodgrains Extension

Wood ranks as the top trend for architects and designers in North America. More than ever before, laminates are compelling wood alternatives as advances in printing, style and texture closely mimic the qualities of real wood.  At the same time, laminates meet the design community's need for engineered wood looks and colors that may not always be available in nature.

Ten new woodgrains support the Colorbox concept and fall into three categories: New Classics, Usable Exotics and Modern Engineered and are offered in three finishes:

New Classics

• 5486-NT Classic Walnut
• 5487-NT Oiled Walnut
• 5885-58 Craft Oak
• 5887-NT Millennium Oak
• 5886-43 Sorrel Cherry

Usable Exotics

• 5481-43 Oiled Olivewood
• 5488-NT Smoky Brown Pear
• 5489-NT Espresso Pear

Modern Engineered

• 5883-58 Pecan Woodline
• 5884-58 Chestnut Woodline

Formica Corporation continues to lead the industry with innovative designs and green building solutions. Formica® brand high pressure decorative laminates have received FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Chain of Custody certification and are GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified.

About Formica Corporation

Founded in 1913, Formica Corporation, part of the Formica Group of companies, is a leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of innovative surfacing products for commercial and residential applications. For more information about Formica Corporation, its products, special programs and promotions, visit www.formica.com or call 1-800-FORMICA.

About Formica Group

Formica Group is a global group of companies consisting of Formica Canada, Inc., Formica Corporation, Formica de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Formica IKI Oy, Formica Limited, Formica S.A., Formica S.A.S., Formica Taiwan Corporation, Formica (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and Formica (Asia) Ltd., among others.

Please Note: Formica®, 1-800-FORMICA, and the Formica® Anvil Logo are registered trademarks of The Diller Corporation.

©2010 The Diller Corporation

A Fletcher Building Company  

SOURCE Formica Corporation