Wood-effect decors: natural beauty with a modern, practical twist

Wood has long been one of the most popular materials in interior design. Its warm, natural appearance makes any room cosy and elegant, and its versatility means that it fits in perfectly with many styles, from classic to modern. However, despite its many advantages, natural wood also has certain limitations. It is an expensive material that requires regular and often time-consuming maintenance, and is also susceptible to scratches, moisture and temperature fluctuations. In heavily used areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and offices, its durability may not be sufficient.

An alternative to wood are Architype materials in decors inspired by wood. Thanks to advanced technology, they perfectly reproduce not only the colour scheme, but also the natural grain and texture. At the same time, they retain high resistance to everyday use, making them a practical and aesthetic choice for any lover of natural finishes.

HPL Puricelli slabs are high-pressure laminates made by pressing several layers of core paper impregnated with thermosetting resins, which makes them extremely durable and resistant to abrasion, moisture and mechanical damage. Thanks to these properties, they are widely used both inside and outside buildings – from facade cladding, through partitions and furniture, to countertops. The Puricelli brand, which originated in Italy and has been operating since 1948, is constantly developing its products, ensuring their quality and compliance with design trends. In its modern laboratories, the company creates innovative surfaces that perfectly reproduce the texture of natural materials such as wood, concrete, metal or stone. What's more, HPL Puricelli is an environmentally friendly material - phenol is not used in its production, but safe, self-developed thermosetting resins.

Among HPL Puricelli slabs, 0180 Monument Oak and 5540 Riverside Oak decors are perfect wood substitutes. The realistic oak texture and perfectly reproduced grain make these materials almost indistinguishable from natural wood, combining its aesthetics with exceptional durability and resistance to damage.

HPL Puricelli is a new addition to the Architype range! Find out more about this material.

GRANDEX is a modern acrylic solid surface whose greatest advantage is its plasticity, which allows for the creation of elements of any shape and the possibility of seamless joining. This allows even large surfaces such as spacious countertops, islands, tables or reception desks to look like a uniform, smooth solid without visible joints, which significantly increases the level of aesthetics. This makes it perfect for both residential and commercial spaces. This material is highly resistant to moisture, stains and dirt, and its surface, free of micropores and cracks, prevents the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. GRANDEX also offers a wide range of decors - from solid, minimalist colours to patterns imitating natural stone. Combined with ease of care and the possibility of renovation, it is a great alternative to natural materials, guaranteeing durability and an elegant look for years to come.

Among the decors of GRANDEX acrylic solid surface, A-418 Oak Wood, which perfectly reflects the shade of oak, attracts special attention. Its deep brown colour, enriched with light and dark mineral particles, creates an elegant, natural-looking surface.

Materials imitating wood, such as HPL slabs or acrylic solid surfaces, combine the authentic look of natural materials with improved functional properties. They are more resistant to moisture, stains and scratches, making them an ideal choice for kitchens, bathrooms or heavily used spaces. In addition, they are extremely easy to maintain - they do not require impregnation or specialised maintenance products, as is the case with natural wood. They also have the advantage of being versatile – HPL slabs are suitable for both interiors and ventilated facades, fences or balconies, and acrylic solid surface, thanks to its plasticity, allows for the creation of customised forms, ideal for modern, creative projects.

Check also: 9 decors that work best in combination with wood