How to Use Metal Laminates in Hospitality Projects

Upscale hospitality spaces are a challenge for interior architects and designers. Guests expect that the décor will be elegant and beautiful, contributing to an ambience of luxury, but the materials used must complement a variety of design aesthetics while also being durable. Ideally, these qualities should be blended into a refined-appearing and easy-to-maintain material.

DecoMetal^® by Formica Corporation perfectly fits the bill. AEC firms working on commercial hospitality projects will find that this product creates stunning vertical spaces in environments like hotel lobbies, conference centers, and high-end office buildings. DecoMetal^® can be used on walls, furniture, displays, signage, exhibits, and even on front of or behind hospitality desks to create a stunning first impression for guests entering the property.

A Designer’s Dream for Lustrous Color and Sheen

Available in 45 different textures and colors, these metal finishes can enhance the aesthetic of any design concept. These include a variety of rubbed metals, modern industrial styles, woven textures, brushed and polished surfaces, rolled steel, satin aluminum, and many more, in colors ranging from mirror-like silver to linen-textured black, and everything in between. These designs are available in two versions: DecoMetal^® laminate, which consists of metal foil laminated over a phenolic core; and DecoMetal^® solid metal aluminum sheets, with polished or brushed, lacquered surfaces.

• The popular DecoMetal^® line was recently extended with the addition of five new selections to the existing Rubbed Brass collection and an all new Metallic series, featuring patterns with artistically aged and patinated cross-brushing and expansions.  
• DecoMetal^® sheets are available as four- by eight-foot or four- by ten-foot panels and are finished with a protective coating that enhances their durability on vertical surfaces, essential in busy hospitality environments.

No matter if the interior space is ultra-modern, neo-industrial, traditional, contemporary, or something eclectic and unexpected — beautiful metallic surfaces heighten the sense of elegance. From dark patina for a clubroom-style aesthetic to a bright gold polished aluminum evoking a ballroom — if a decorator can imagine it, there’s a finish for that.

DecoMetal^® as a Design Element

Meghan Howell, Creative Director at Formica Corporation, provides a couple of examples that illustrate how DecoMetal® can be used to craft a stunning interior. “I once saw our M9428 Copper Stainless as a dramatic curved wall that separated a bar from the main dining area in a restaurant,” she relates. “As the day progressed, the DecoMetal® caught and reflected the changing natural light, creating an almost kinetic effect.”

There are endless other possibilities, given the number of available finishes. She adds, “One of my favorite applications was a boutique wine bar that was attached to a trendy hotel. M8422 Black Patina, with its dark, antiqued texture, was applied to adjustable panels that were movable to create a series of intimate dining nooks. These could also be opened to frame a large community dining table.” She notes that the patina of the metal added depth and character to the space while still being functional.

This combination of beauty and practicality makes DecoMetal® an essential part of an interior designer’s toolkit for hospitality design, she observes. “You get the luxe and sparkle of the real metal foil without the weight of a solid metal panel.”

For designers considering how to best take advantage of the unique features of DecoMetal®, Howell suggests, “Consider your lighting and how it will interact with the surface to get the full ‘wow’ effect you’re looking to create. And think beyond the flat surface — don’t limit the application to merely straight walls.” Instead, she suggests applying it to a curved wall, sculptural accent, or decorative room dividers.

How to Maintain DecoMetal^® Applications

The luxurious appearance of DecoMetal^® doesn’t mean it is hard to clean and maintain — in fact, it’s quite the opposite. This is an important consideration in high-traffic areas like commercial environments, where numerous people may be touching and brushing up against it.

DecoMetal^® is easily cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For disinfecting, bleach or isopropyl alcohol will work well without damaging the surface. After cleaning or disinfecting, simply rinse the DecoMetal^® with warm water and dry it, which will allow it to retain its original luster and beauty after repeated cleanings.

Premium Craftsmanship Shines Through

Howell notes that both DecoMetal^® metal laminate and DecoMetal^® solid metals are beautiful solutions for interior hospitality projects, although she recommends solid metal laminate when the intended application presents a tighter, curved radius.

The elegance of DecoMetal^® and the wide palette of available colors and finishes make it an easy choice for commercial architects and designers looking to incorporate high-end elements within hospitality environments. And because of its easy maintenance, it’s a natural choice for facility owners as well.