Interior finishes in housing are taking on a different look, much of it borrowed from the commercial and retail sectors. What are the materials being employed and what are the practicalities you should be considering? Aesthetics is king in the finishes world. Use of metals, glass, epoxy, ceramic, and treated timber have all taken hold. Extensive use of these natural finishes is now popular and for good reason - the right material can deliver years of good looks and use. Consider the look you want and specify a material to suit. Stainless steel is highly popular as a "statement" material, as it is flawless and gleams in light. It is also durable and easily cleaned. On the downside, it's expensive, prone to dirt and dents and can look clumsy without the right detailing. Fixing should be kept simple; it is better to go for a thicker and more costly grade as thinner sheets will pincushion or distort when installed. Glass used as a finish is also being employed more widely, whether it is as glass panels, tiles or textured features. Use of glass with a coloured finish on the back provides a durable, glossy and iridescent finish with its own unmistakable character.
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