Three Durable Products for Commercial Interiors
Hunter Horton
Interior Designer
Interior finish products are constantly evolving and improving. The materials we use vary from project to project, but certain aspects — such as durability and easy maintenance — are always important to our clients. Here are three products that we’ve been using and liking lately, along with an overview of the benefits of each.
Luxury Vinyl Tile
What it is: LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) is a floor covering similar to regular vinyl tile. Where it differs is in its vast range of sizes and in the quality of its appearance. For example, LVT can come in plank sizes and boasts the appearance of natural wood, concrete, natural stone, and more.
What I like about it: LVT has come a long way in its ability to mimic natural products like wood or stone! Manufacturers are now able to produce higher quality patterns and add texture layers that allow LVT to truly look and feel like authentic wood planks, etc.
What our clients like about it: Our clients like the cost saving features of LVT. We are able to design spaces for them with elements of “wood” or other natural finishes like stone without the cost of installing and maintaining the real material. In addition to being affordable, LVT is also really durable. And because it’s nearly indistinguishable from the real thing, the final design and feel of the space aren’t compromised.
Kinetex
What it is: Kinetex is a floor covering that has the look of carpet but is made of polyester. It performs more like LVT. Produced by companies like J+J Flooring and EF Contract, Kinetex is perfect for applications where durability and performance are important, as well as foot comfort and sound absorbency.
What I like about it: What I really enjoy about this product—besides the range of colors and patterns it comes in—is the many environments it can be placed in due to its durability. Believe it or not, I’ve even seen this product work well in a cafeteria! And because of its polyester composition and low moisture rate, it’s very easy to clean.
What our clients like about it: Our clients enjoy the dual benefits of this product. They appreciate the option of adding a soft surface to their space that will also hold up under heavy traffic. Clients like that Kinetex relieves some of discomfort that comes with standing and walking on hard surfaces.
Felt
What it is: Felt is a nonwoven textile made of loose fibers that are matted together with moisture and heat to create a smooth surface. It can be comprised of a variety of materials: acrylic, recycled PET, 100% wool, or a wool/synthetic fiber blend.
What I like about it: I really enjoy the sound mitigation that felt products bring to a space. I also like the range of applications felt products offer. You can go with panels, drop in some clouds—there are even felt products with lighting built right into them!
What our clients like about it: Besides the obvious sound dampening abilities, our clients like the versatility of felt; it can be made to like wood or brick or come in bold colors and patterns, etc. Our clients appreciate that a felt installation can either be a striking design element or simply a material that blends into the overall space.
