The Perfect Palette: Insights into Color and Material Selection
9 August 2024
Jesseca van Haneghem, a designer and senior specialist in material & product at Studio Piet Boon, is renowned for her expertise in color and material choices. In this article, she offers her insights into the creation of the perfect color and material palette in interior design.
The Importance of a Thoughtful Color Palette
As someone responsible for selecting colors and materials for our interior projects, Jesseca works closely with other designers, each with their own specialty. Her expertise in “color selection” is vital to the success of each project, requiring careful consideration of factors such as architecture, room layout, light, environment, and client preferences.
Studio Piet Boon and FORMANI
Finishes, as we call them, have always been a crucial part of product development at Studio Piet Boon and FORMANI. By closely following and continuously improving the evolution of color use in interior design, they have created a beloved color palette. This palette includes traditional steel shades, various dark tones like black and bronze, light colors like white, and warm or earthy tones like gold and copper.
Creating a Color Palette
Jesseca states: “Various factors influence the composition of the palette, and thorough analysis of these influences and client wishes is the first step. Location, for example, is one of these factors. Different color choices are made for a city apartment compared to a vacation home in Portugal. Room size and ceiling height also play a role. Subtle, understated tones can make small city spaces appear larger, while vibrant colors enhance the summery feel of a vacation home.”
"The palette must not only be aesthetically pleasing but also perfectly suited to the location and use of the space."
“Seasons and natural light are also critical in creating a color palette. At the studio, large tables and light sources simulate natural daylight. Material palettes are built on these tables, and sometimes we walk through the studio with samples to see how different lighting affects color. This helps create a realistic view of how colors and materials will look under various lighting conditions.”
Combining Materials
“Integrating different materials within a single palette is an art,” says Jesseca. “We work a lot with textures like wood, plaster, gloss, matte, and natural stone. All these materials belong to the same color family. Combining different textures, materials, and finishes gives a space depth and character.”
"Combining different wood types is also a challenge, it's essential that both custom-made furniture and loose pieces are well-coordinated. Additionally, door hardware, faucets, and accessories must harmonize."
Integrating Door and Furniture Hardware into a Color Palette
“The choice of door hardware and other architectural hardware is made during the color palette creation process. Although a small detail, these elements greatly impact the overall aesthetic. Like faucets, they are crucial details that can make or break a design and set the tone. Choosing black hardware can make a project bolder and more modern, while stainless steel blends more into the palette, providing less contrast. We usually integrate door hardware and faucets in the same color.”
“Selecting the right door handles and hardware goes beyond aesthetics; they must also be functional and match the overall style of the project. Textures and finishes also play an important role. Generally, color is decisive. But for projects with weather influences, different choices are made. For outdoor projects, durable and weather-resistant materials like PVD coatings are chosen, while more variation in finishes is possible for indoor projects.”
The FORMANI Sample Program
FORMANI’s sample program contributes significantly by allowing designers and architects to explore and combine different materials, finishes, and colors. This program helps make well-considered choices that enhance a project’s aesthetics and functionality.
Coming Soon: PVD Light Bronze Finish
We have been using a lot of beige and earth tones for some time. For door hardware, we often choose bronze or black for a bold contrast. Warmer colors are also increasingly being used. Especially in vacation homes in Portugal and Spain, we see more bronze, copper, and gold finishes.”
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In line with these trends, FORMANI will soon offer an exciting new addition: the PVD light bronze finish. This new finish promises a fresh, modern twist on classic bronze tones. PVD light bronze combines durability with a luxurious look, perfect for both indoor and outdoor projects. Thanks to the weather-resistant properties of the PVD coating, this finish remains beautiful and functional under various conditions. This new finish will be available for several Piet Boon collections, including ONE, INC, and ARC.
