Colours that Care
Colours that Care
In the hotel, too, the first impression counts. The specific character is especially evident in a well-conceived surface design of the interiors. Sabine Hoffner regards this as both a creative challenge and opportunity. Together with her colleagues from the Caparol ColourDesignStudio, she permanently develops new creations. In an interview she explains why surfaces are anything but all on the surface.
What role do surface play for hotel concepts?
A very important one because surfaces substantially determine the holistic spatial experience. It is not just about SHADE, gloss level and coating material, but also about texture and tactual appeal. Light, sound, scent, surface feel and, of course, visual stimuli create a world the guest discovers with all senses.
Can new experiences of this kind simply be invented?
We observe current trends in very different design disciplines, systematically evaluate these findings and thus obtain a continuous stream of inspirations, which we then transform into craft surface techniques in our creative workshop. Morbid looking surfaces on which time has left its marks, for example, enjoy a boom. These walls tell stories, bring back memories and sharpen the eye for something new.
What are the characteristics of a good surface technique?
It should be individual, aesthetic, functional, technically sophisticated, and mechanically reliable, have a pleasant feel, and be ecological. We can optimally cover these complex demands with products by Caparol. On this basis, refinement beyond industrial series production can be perfectly achieved and newly developed time and again. Good craftsmanship is booming.
Are there special requirements that apply to hotels?
Of course, we find framework conditions in the private sector that are completely different from those in the hotel industry. Here, it is much more about costs, quick implementability, but also about robustness and uniqueness. The challenge is to combine these aspects so that unique experiences emerge.
That means that you also keep an eye on the technical side?
Yes. A surface which delights the eye but is hard to implement or not durable does not live up to our expectations. Together with our colleagues in Caparol’s technical department, we examine whether product combinations, alternative application techniques or special aggregates meet our own quality standards and those of our customers.
Do you also develop exclusive solutions for specific projects?
We design overall concepts for colours and materials which specifically respond to the requirements of the hotel industry. In some cases, we also develop surfaces for individual buildings, which are intended for the respective project and are thus unique. The result is custom-made in the best sense. As a rule, we directly collaborate with the client or the planning office.
Will the creative potential eventually be exhausted?
Certainly not! The wall as a design level continues to develop dynamically, also in technological respects. New product worlds develop. Here I think of, for example, thermochromic dyes which adopt a different colour depending on the temperature. Room atmospheres thus become controllable, including 3D effects. We are very closely watching the developments in this field.
AntikLasur „Rost”
Capadecor MultiStruktur „Baccara”
Capadecor StuccoDecor Wachsdispersion „Brillanza”
Capadecor MultiStruktur „Smokey Gold”
Capadecor Calcino Romantico „Antiquato” 1
Capadecor Calcino Romantico „Antiquato” 2
Experimental spatula technique
Capadecor StuccoDecor Di Luce „Revieve”
Individual hotel concepts demand specifically designed walls – that is why Caparol invests a lot of know-how and creativity in the development of new surfaces. Versatile Caparol products and craftsmanship combine to create individual wall designs.
AntikLasur „Rost”
Rust has become established.
Capadecor MultiStruktur „Baccara”
The veined diagonal structure appears like marble. Effect pigments in a transparent glaze animate the structure and put on the final touch. The blackness value of the substrate colour is decisive for the intensity of the marble-like pattern. The darker the value, the more intense is the result.
Capadecor StuccoDecor Wachsdispersion „Brillanza”
Perfectly protected and refined at once! In particularly exposed areas, wax dispersion protects surfaces applied with spatula and smoothing techniques. The addition of effect pigments lends the finish an effective design facet. The result is extravagant: from metallic shimmer to velvety pearl lustre with switch effect.
Capadecor MultiStruktur „Smokey Gold”
Gold is always accompanied by a touch of luxury. The anthracite-coloured substrate ensures the smoky character, while the matt grainy texture lends the surface a softly shimmering brilliance. ‘Smokey Gold’ takes full effect in extensive interior designs and as specific accentuation.
Capadecor Calcino Romantico „Antiquato” 1 and 2
Calcino Romantico allows the implementation of varied structures, which are reminiscent of natural materials like stone, wood or concrete. In several application steps using a spatula and depending on tools and colour combinations, a wide variety of grains can be developed, whose effects range from subtle and precious to expressive and distinctive.
„Antiquato” 1: The combination of the selected colour with an intensive grain creates a bark-like appearance – with an excitingly dynamic effect.
„Antiquato” 2: The structure in the dark substrate lets a delicate black pattern appear in the white, spatula-applied topcoat, which reminds of limed wood.
Experimental spatula technique
Gold has many facets
Capadecor StuccoDecor Di Luce „Revieve”
Wall covering with a new appearance! When smoothed over, the three-dimensional structure of the Capaver ElementEffects designs stands out like a relief. Varying layer thicknesses and the degree of polishing determine the design. The structure becomes a vintage surface, the perfection of "imperfection".