While we are often encouraged to ‘scratch beneath the surface’, sometimes a good surface is all you need to add layers of interest and intrigue to a design story. Here are a few surface designs that have done just that during 2024…
From floors to ceilings, on the horizontal and the vertical, surfaces not only serve a functional purposes but can also define the mood of a space, making it not only functional but also more engaging. From the practical to the pretty – and usually a bit of both. Below is a selection of materials, textures, finishes and colours that will, in the words of the iconic Diana Ross, quite simply make you want to reach out and touch!
La Perle from Arte
Image credit: Arte
La Perle is a delicate embroidery with a classic floral design within the Le Couturier collection from Arte, looking to the world of haute couture for inspiration. The designs reference a world committed to craftsmanship, where each garment attests to the couturier’s savoir-faire and exceptional artisanship. These special techniques and high-quality materials have now been combined in a collection of high-fashion wallcoverings, and the black and white version of this design has been finished with elegant pearls. Like in haute couture, pearls add a touch of sophistication. La Perle is available in four colourways.
Boost Expression from Atlas Concorde
Image credit: Atlas Concorde
Designer Elisa Ossino and Atlas Concorde share a strong passion for product research and materiality. Their collaboration for this collection is a result of the study and experimentation – Boost Expression is a project born from the desire for an extremely material and three-dimensional rendering of the product. The collection developed from the interaction between visual and tactile elements, while developing a rich and modern palette of 10 colours aimed at creating warm and contemporary environments. The wide decorative range and three new 3-dimensional textures make the range complete and differentiating.
Shagreen from Newmor
Image credit: Newmor
Shagreen is a deeply textured new emboss that draws from this luxurious material’s history, dating back to 13th-century Japan and gaining prominence during the Art Deco era. Traditionally made from shark or ray skin, shagreen is prized for its granular texture. Newmor’s version brings this heritage design into the modern age with a tip print technique that highlights the emboss, creating a subtle ombre effect and metallic glisten. The 12-colorway palette spans refined neutrals like oyster, blush and slate, to bolder tones such as oxblood, sapphire and teal; each is enhanced with shimmering metallic highlights.
Binary Opposites, Chapter III from Modieus
Image credit: Modieus
Minutiae is a striking new carpet and rug collection by Modieus to celebrate the art of detail in designs which reveal a beautiful interplay of texture and colour. Chapter III of the collection explores the idea of ‘Binary Opposites’ and ‘Electric Energy’. Binary opposites masterfully contrasts wild, organic animal prints with the classic geometry of Greek key motifs. The colour palette of sage greens, soft pinks, and creams enhances this duality, making the collection both elegant and edgy. The interplay of contrasting elements creates a visually interesting and thought-provoking designs.
VION VP8000 Wall Films from Architextural
Image credit: Architextural
VION VP8000 Wall Films, exclusively supplied by Architextural, offer designers the opportunity to effortlessly transform walls into striking features through a combination of rich textures and bespoke custom designs. This collection offers a range of high-quality, textured digital print wall films designed to mimic natural materials. The four available textures — Canvas, Leather, Woodgrain, and Stone — allow designers to create tactile, visually stunning wall surfaces that bring both depth and character to any space. What sets these films apart is their compatibility with custom designs, giving designers the freedom to create unique, artistic walls.
Arte, Atlas Concorde, Newmor, Modieus and Architextural are Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Main image credit: Atlas Concorde
