Walk into any new hotel lobby, student accommodation or co-working space and you will spot them straight away; the seek matte walls, the chic metallic reception desks, the cool concrete columns that were never actually concrete.
So what is the material that has made all those contemporary on-trend looks possible? Vinyl wrapping, of course. It’s everywhere right now and it is not hard to see why. Designers love it because it delivers the look of expensive finishes without the faff, builders love it because it can be installed quickly and clients love it because it saves money and keeps spaces looking fresh.
At Fusion Surfaces we spend our days transforming lifts, desks, doors and walls and much more with architectural films, and the trends we are seeing say a lot about where interior design is headed.
Matte finishes
Matte is calm, grown-up and just a bit chic. These low sheen wraps soften the glare of lighting, hide minor scuffs and instantly make a space feel more premium. Great for offices that want focus, or wellness zones that need a sense of calm.
Metallics
Copper, brass, steel and chrome are having their time in the sunshine. A brushed copper reception desk or a steel-look bar front gives a high-end feel without needing a welder on site. Used sparingly they add punch; used boldly they make one hell of a statement.
Wood grain
Still a classic. Modern vinyl comes in hundreds of species and tones, often with textured grain so it feels like the real thing. Perfect for hospitality counters, office joinery and student lounges where you want warmth but not the cost or upkeep of timber.
Concrete and stone
Industrial chic is not going anywhere. Concrete, stone and even brick finishes give that raw, edgy character designers love. The bonus is you can wrap a reception desk or feature wall without dust, noise or weight issues.
Textiles and leather looks
Linen, suede and leather effect films add tactility and a touch of luxury. They work beautifully in meeting rooms, hotel suites and quiet study corners where hard surfaces need softening.
Bold colours and graphics
Not every space wants to be subtle. Student accommodation and clubs often go bright and loud, while offices may use muted greens or deep blues to set a tone. Vinyl makes swapping looks simple when a brand update comes around.
The clever bit is that vinyl makes all of this achievable quickly and cost-effectively. It is lighter than traditional materials, cleaner to install and easy to refresh later. For commercial spaces where budgets, branding and timelines are tight, it ticks every box.
So if you are planning a fit-out and want to know how to bring these design trends into your project, send us your brief and a few photos. We will show you what is possible and what will actually work in the real world.