Luckily, in this day and age, those choices are not mutually exclusive. Hardwearing and practical surfaces can also allow for boundless creativity thanks to the vast array of materials, textures, styles and colours available on the market to select from.
Hakwood, a global leader in the production of high-end wood flooring and wall tiles, is built specifically upon the enduring trend towards high-quality, natural wood surfaces in the architectural and interior design sectors. Based in the Netherlands, the company designs and manufactures wood flooring and wall tiles for residential, commercial, hospitality and retail spaces, adorning the most progressive interiors in more than 60 countries worldwide. In recent times, the manufacturer has recognised that an increasing number of interior design projects are incorporating wood in surprising and creative ways.
Hakwood’s exclusive finishes and bespoke options are made possible by collaborating with top designers and architects across the world. Specialising in high-quality, durable European oak, the manufacturer considers it the ideal choice for applying a diverse variety of surface treatments, textures and colours. As customers continue to apply flooring in imaginative ways, Hakwood has recognised a demand for further decorative applications of wood in interior design schemes.
Hakwood notices that European oak (also known as French white oak) becomes more and more popular. High-quality products are increasingly difficult to come by and prices are always on the rise. Hakwood specialises in high-quality European oak because it sees a great deal of practical benefit – as well as the opportunity for creativity – within this popular wood species. Hardwearing and durable, the material is resistant to fungus and insect attacks. It is also suitable for a wide variety of finishes and textures, developed in the Hakwood colour lab. The Hakwood Duoplank is a combination of an oak top layer with a plywood backer which also makes for a very stable product.
An expert in the material, a side trip within the category of European oak is a new collection Hakwood is launching in early 2017: Reclaimed Antique. For this latest product, Hakwood searched and found the best antique beams of salvaged wood – strong inside and beautifully weathered on the outside. The oak within the Reclaimed Antique Collection is at least 150-years-old and finished by hand, in a traditional manner that retains the authenticity and character of the aged wood. Hakwood respects the centuries of history each plank represents by not rushing the path to its new life. Using the reclaimed material like this opens a new door to durable, sustainable flooring.
Interior trends:
Greys
Hakwood is seeing a lot of grey tones coming up in the world of interior design – with several grey products in its own standard collection.
The specific grey tone used in the recent refurbishment of Gama Issa House in Sao Paulo, Brazil – designed by Studio MK27 – was developed in collaboration with the designer. Lair Reis of Studio MK27 specified Hakwood Mineral flooring from the Colour Collection to pull together the muted grey aesthetic of the refurbishment. Reis notes: “The grey flooring fit in with the new look of the house while respecting the predominantly white, modernist look of the original architecture.”
Patterns
The trend towards statement flooring patterns has been growing steadily for the past few years. Hakwood observes this option being specified in varying styles of contemporary and eclectic interiors, not only in traditional designs.
The flooring in the Devonshire Club, London, is a prime example of how a vibrant mix of different patterns can be used to produce a sophisticated overall picture. A combination of Hakwood plank, herringbone, chevron and brick pattern flooring can be found throughout this London private members’ club, designed by March & White. When it comes to luxury interiors, detail is key. By introducing bespoke flooring in various complex patterns, the series of bars, brassieres and lounges flow elegantly together while each possessing their own unique identity.
Short lengths and narrow widths
‘Wide, wider, widest’ was the trend for a long time. What is interesting to see now is that short lengths and narrow widths are coming back into fashion and can produce interesting patterns – applicable in residential, commercial, retail or hospitality interior design projects.
In São Paulo’s Casa Cor show house ‘Tribute to 30’, designed by Roberto Migotto, Hakwood Original flooring in a basket weave pattern was incorporated into the scheme to produce a warm environment that oozed an understated elegance. These subtle dimensions create an overall upscale picture.
Wall tiles
To meet the growing demand for interesting implementations of engineered European oak Duoplank, Hakwood has subsequently extended its product range. Marrying the timelessness and durability of wood with a contemporary geometric aesthetic, Hakwood’s newly-released Wall Tiles enable architects and designers to create bespoke feature walls. A show-stopping feature in themselves, wall tiles make even more of an impact when used in conjunction with complementary wood flooring.
A product as applicable in the most contemporary and classic of schemes, Hakwood Wall Tiles, like more archetypal wood surfaces, testify to the endless interior design possibilities wood surfaces can stage, in any interior.
The continued demand for wood in interior design is proof of the material’s durability and steadfast allure. The well-known practical and ecological benefits of wood are in accord with the psychological benefits of incorporating natural wood surfaces into interior design schemes. Incorporating natural materials in interior spaces elicits a sense of natural warmth and texture. Given the way in which wood gracefully ages and wears, it is no surprise that quality hardwood surfaces continue to endure.