FORMICA EXPLORES THREE DESIGN DIRECTIONS THROUGH NEW LAMINATES IN THE ASIA COLLECTION 2026/2027
TEXT: THAN DEESAMER
IMAGE COURTESY OF FORMICA
(For Thai, press here)
When laminate surfacing comes to mind, Formica—a global leader in surfacing materials—is likely one of the first names that come to mind. Its products offer a wide variety of patterns, realistic tactile finishes, and strong resistance to heat and scratches. Most recently, Formica launched the Formica Asia Collection 2026/2027, introducing a series of woodgrain innovations that range from carved craftsmanship and dual-finish technology within a single sheet to surfaces that combine the characteristics of wood and woven textiles.
Carved Art (CA) surface
‘Crafted Essence’ draws inspiration from carving techniques, allowing ‘material’ and ‘craftsmanship’ to take center stage. One of its key finishes is Carved Art (CA), whose deep, irregular grooves bring the laminate surface to life, recalling the appearance of wood carved by hand.
A highlight is Laricina, distinguished by the contrast between its pale earlywood and darker latewood. When flat-sawn, the timber reveals clean, straight lines, while quarter-sawn (Sawn wood) boards display clearly defined bands of alternating tones that give the surface a greater sense of depth. Available in shades such as Camel Laricina and Earth Laricina, the design offers a choice between warm tones and darker, more refined hues.
Duo Wood (DW) surface
Even as the contemporary world advances further into the digital age, many people still long for a sense of nature in design. ‘Hyper – Synthesis’ reimagines natural materials through processes of synthesis and stylization, transforming their original appearance into simpler, more geometric, and contemporary expressions. The theme’s key innovation is Duo Wood (DW), a surface that combines two tactile finishes within a single sheet. Moving between a semi-gloss and a super matte finish, it responds to current surface trends while retaining the natural character of wood. The technique is applied to Exotic Wood designs in a range of colors, including Toffee Exotic and Chocolate Exotic. Their woodgrain patterns and tonal gradations interact with the Duo Wood surface to evoke the changing appearance of timber as sunlight moves across it.
With growing awareness of sustainability, ‘Re – Creation’ responds to the ways brands and consumers alike are rethinking materials and their potential for renewal. The theme develops a ‘natural-artificial’ aesthetic, with Woodmesh standing out for its refined simplicity and practical versatility. The design brings together the fine linear character of wood with the visual and tactile qualities of handwoven textiles, creating a surface that conveys both natural materiality and craftsmanship. It is presented in several shades, including Wheat Woodmesh and Concrete Woodmesh.
Tinted Veneer
Lumber Wood (LB) surface
Lumber Wood (LB) is another surface innovation that combines the character of natural wood with the texture of woven fabric, creating an impression that is both refined and organic. The collection also features Tinted Veneer, which reinterprets conventional wood staining through a distinctive blue tone. Rather than merely introducing a new color, the treatment accentuates the natural grain and creates a contemporary alternative that preserves the inherent appeal of wood.
Duo Wood, Lumber Wood, and Carved Art all form part of Formica’s Undulating Surfaces range, developed to give laminate greater depth, movement, and tactility. Together, they reflect Formica’s direction for 2026: progressing beyond pattern design to develop the visual and tactile qualities of each surface in parallel, allowing every laminate sheet to convey the character of natural materials with greater realism.