Earlier this month I had the privilege to attend the 2023 Decorative Surfaces Conference in Toronto, where I was invited to deliver the keynote presentation. This international conference is hosted annually, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers and designers from around the world to discuss the latest trends and insights in this industry.
Decorative surfaces and interior design
As a keynote speaker, I had the opportunity to speak about the role decorative surfaces plays in interior design, the current industry trends in commercial and residential (including the most popular wall surfaces seen today), and predictions for the future of wall surface design.
I also had the chance to hear more about this massive industry from additional conference speakers. They delivered insightful remarks on the industry’s growth, the products available, and the market’s trends for the next several years.
To provide you with some great ideas for your own design projects, here are some of the unique products I spoke about, that you may want to consider.
Slatz wood panels
Slatz wood wall panels by Soelberg is a beautiful product. It consists of wood slats on a felt backer and comes in 4″ x 8″ sheets.
These wood grain planks can be installed on walls for a natural decorative look, and its sound-absorbing PET acoustic core makes it a great option for contemporary styles where modifying environmental noise is required. Using these panels as a wall treatment around a TV adds both beauty and function!
NATURPANEL-W wood panels
If you love the look of Northern European design, often referred to as Nordic or minimalism, consider using NATURHARDPANEL-W wood panels by Parklex Prodema.
These wood panels are highly resistant to dampness and humidity. They can be used in moist areas, allowing designers and architects to create the perfect modern aesthetic in rooms like the bathroom, saunas or surrounding pools. This is not a do-it-yourself (DIY) product. Speak with a designer to understand the installation process if this is something you’d like to consider at home.
MUTO acoustic wall tiles
If you’re looking for wood accents that are also sound absorbing, felt may be your perfect option! You can now purchase MUTO Acoustic Wall Tiles from Soelberg. They are sheets of PET felt, made from 100% recyclable polyester plastic, that are printed to look just like wood.
This is a great option for a wall panel in an office that adds both a soft texture and the natural colour of wood, available in a variety of rich, wood grain prints.
Reclaimed distillery wood wall panels
Warm wood texture rooted in history has been captured by the US-based Sustainable Lumber Company. Using recycled wood from old whiskey warehouses, they’ve created Distillery Wood Wall Planks available in various forms. They also offer small-scaled panels that the DIYer could install themselves.
These are just a few examples of the huge variety available in wall surfacing design options. I am always so grateful for opportunities to share my design experience with industry leaders and to learn more from experts in the field. Thank you for a fabulous conference!
