Download Different Interior Design Styles and Other Components and more Study notes Interior Design in PDF only on Docsity!
Different Interior Design Styles
1. MODERN
Modern is a broad design term that typically refers to a home with clean, crisp lines, a simple colour palette and the use of materials that can include metal, glass and steel. Modern design employs a sense of simplicity in every element, including furniture. A word that’s commonly used to describe modern style is sleek, and there is not a lot of clutter or accessories involved with a modern style.
2. CONTEMPORARY
Modern and contemporary are two styles frequently used interchangeably. Contemporary is different from modern because it describes design based on the here and now. The primary difference separating modern and contemporary design style is that modern is a strict interpretation of design that started in the 20th century. Contemporary on the other hand, is more fluid and can represent a sense of currency with less adherence to one particular style. For example, contemporary style may include curving lines, whereas modern design does not.
3. MINIMALIST
The minimalist concept is one of the most popular style in modern era. It takes notions of modern design and simplifies them further. Colour palettes are neutral and airy; furnishings are simple and streamlined, and nothing is excessive or flamboyant in accessories or décor. Minimalism is ultimately defined by a sense of functionality and ultra-clean lines.
4. INDUSTRIAL
Industrial style as the name implies, draws inspiration from a warehouse or an urban loft. There’s a sense of unfinished rawness in many of the elements, and it’s not uncommon to see exposed brick, ductwork and wood. An iconic home with an industrial design theme would be a renovated loft from a former industrial building. Think high ceilings, old timber and dangling metal light fixtures with sparse functional furniture. There may possibly be one or two pieces of abstract art or photography to add a dash of colour to an otherwise neutral colour scheme derived from the primary materials of wood and metals.
5. MID-CENTURY MODERN
Mid-century modern is a throwback to the design style of the mid-1900s—primarily the 1950s and 60s. There’s a retro nostalgia present in Mid-Century Modern Design, and also some elements of minimalism. Functionality or “fussy-free” was the main theme for Mid-century design. It emphasis on pared-down forms, natural or organic shapes such as “egg-shaped” chair, easy-to-use contemporary designs and simple fabrications. It easily complements any interior and also helps with seamless transition from interior to exterior.
6. SCANDINAVIAN
Scandanavian design pays homage to the simplicity of life demonstrated in Nordic countries. Scandinavian furniture design often feels like a work of art, although it is simple and understated. There’s functionality in the furniture along with some interesting lines, many of which have a sculptural influence. Other common characteristics include all-white colour palettes and the incorporation of natural elements like form-pressed wood, bright plastics, and enameled aluminum, steel and wide plank flooring. If there are pops of colour it often comes from the use of art, natural fibre throws or furs, or a single piece of furniture. Spacious, natural lighting, less accessories and functional furniture characterizes Scandinavian designs.
7. TRADITIONAL
Traditional design style offers classic details, sumptuous furnishings, and an abundance of accessories. It is rooted in European sensibilities. Traditional homes often feature dark, finished wood, rich colour palettes, and a variety of textures and curved lines. Furnishings have elaborate and ornate details and fabrics, like velvet, silk and brocade, which may include a variety of patterns and textures. There’s depth, layering and dimensionality within most traditional designs.
8. TRANSITIONAL
Transitional is a very popular style because it borrows from both traditional and modern design to facilitate a space that’s not “too much,” in terms of one style or another. There’s a sense of balance that’s appealing and unexpected. A transitional design may incorporate modern materials, such as steel and glass, and then unite them with plush furnishings. Transitional design also includes relatively neutral colour palettes, creating a calming and relaxed space that manages to feel both stylish and sleek, as well as warm and inviting.
Also referred to as Hollywood Regency, Hollywood Glam is a design style that tends to be luxurious, over-the-top and opulent. It’s a dramatic design style, perfect for a homeowner who enjoys making a statement. This design style can incorporate some features of Victorian design, including plush, velvet furnishings, tufting and antiques. The colour palettes are particularly bold—think purples, reds and turquoise.
14. COASTAL/HAMPTONS
Coastal style also dubbed Hamptons style, hails from the iconic U.S. beachside area. Common features include light, airy colour palettes with cool neutral shades paired with blues and greens. Furnishings are often white or beige. The room can contain elements of wood and accessories are often inspired by the sea. Blue and white striped patterns for pillows, large windows, white plush sofas, and painted white wood are also common fixtures of the classic Coastal/Hampton style. The intention is to create a relaxed and comfortable environment that is inspired by the beach and ocean.
15. ECLECTIC
Similar to bohemian décor but with a decidedly grown-up allure, eclectic interior design is all about high-energy, spell binding finds and furnishings. Think bold color palettes, textures, and patterns brought together to create a rich mix with utility and focal points in mind. Not to be mistaken for an anything goes spirit, eclectic design is all about consistency, go-to hues, and best of all, the freedom to explore creative directions with studied nuances.
16. ART DECO
If your taste veers towards the ornate and jewel-like, this 1920’s design style throwback might just be your best option. Art deco interior design instantly evokes opulence; elegant, glamorous and sleek, this style was popularized as the epitome of chic in the 1920’s. The bold and sweeping statements of geometry, symmetry, and metallics bring visions of Great Gatsby-esque design to mind, with a sleek and shiny patina providing the most sumptuous of excess. And today’s take on updated art deco style is decidedly playful and modern for a standout look.
17. ASIAN ZEN If you’re looking to create a rich take on pared down interior design in your home, taking inspiration from the Asian Zen design style might just be the right direction for you as an Asian zen interior is minimal yet uniquely layered.
Think of a minimalist space furnished with organic materials and filled with natural light. Imagine a space which is light and airy with no clutter filling surfaces and boasting a feeling of openness for the ultimate oasis. An Asian Zen interior such as this should be visually balanced, with plenty of floor space promoting calm and peace.
Furniture, Fixture, and Equipment
What Is Furniture, Fixture, and Equipment
(FF&E)?
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment (abbreviated as FF&E or FFE) refers to movable furniture, fixtures, or other equipment that have no permanent connection to the structure of a building. These items, which include desks, chairs, computers, electronic equipment, tables, bookcases, and partitions, typically depreciate substantially over their long-term use but are nevertheless important costs to consider when valuing a company, especially during liquidation events.
Examples of FF&E
There is a clear distinction between what qualifies as an FF&E asset and what does not. In order to be considered FF&E, the asset must be movable and cannot be attached to the structure of the building:
FF&E Assets
Chairs & Couches Tables & Desks Computers Electronic Equipment Decorative Items Lamps & Lighting Fixtures Kitchen Equipment
Not FF&E Assets
consist of specific product selections for furniture, fabrics, finishes, artwork, lighting, and millwork and running trim. In addition to showcasing actual products, interior designers also give input on the project's planning by using their vast experience in a specific project to guide the owner / client to make the right layout choices for successful and efficient operations / usage.
4. Design Documentation
During the design documentation phase, the interior design team will complete project drawings and listing of specifications. These documents will include floor plans, finish plans, power and data plans, reflected ceiling plans, interior elevations and details, and millwork and running trim drawings to ensure the team accounts for every detail. In addition to these drawings, the project’s architect and procurement provider receive a complete set of finish and FF&E specifications, including decorative lighting, artwork, and accessories, to reference in their construction and purchase orders, respectively.
5. Bidding and Negotiation
In the bidding and negotiation phase, a select group of qualified General Contractors and their subcontractors, along with FF&E procurement providers, bid competitively to ‘win’ the project. The project team takes the owner’s budget and the contractors’ quality of services into consideration to decide which contractors and products to use. In the event that the winning contractor’s bid exceeds a client's budget, a process of value engineering will take place on all project items. In regards to interior design, value engineering involves selecting alternative finishes and FF&E that still fit the design vision while allowing the project to remain within budget. It should be noted that value engineering can affect all building components ranging from architectural building materials and size of spaces to equipment specified by the engineering consultants.
6. Design Implementation
The final stage of the FF&E interior design process takes place while the project is under construction. During design implementation, the interior designers will review and approve sample submittals, as well as shop drawings from subcontractors and manufacturers based on the original drawings and field measurements. The interior designers will carefully vet these documents to ensure they meet the project’s design intent for materials, finishes, and dimensions. Coordination with a project’s purchasing
department also takes place at this time so that all product orders and deliveries go according to schedule. During construction, your design team will make on-site visits to administer direction for installation to guarantee everything is placed properly. Many things can change throughout the construction process, such as unforeseen site conditions during renovation projects. The interior design team will work with the owner and GC to help solve these issues and keep the project on schedule.
Introduction to Lighting
Light is radiant energy. It radiates equally in all directions and spreads over a larger area as it emanates from its source. As it spreads, it also diminishes in intensity according to the square of its distance from the source. As it moves, light reveals to our eyes the surfaces and forms of objects in space. An object in its path will reflect or absorb the light striking its surface, or allow it to pass through. In the past, lighting design focused on technical subjects such as watts per square foot, kilowatt-hours, and foot candles. Sustainable design has brought that world into close contact with lighting concerns such as beauty, appearance, and health and well-being. The gap between the two approaches is closing. The result is sustainable designs that are about energy savings but also include human factors, comfort, and productivity. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are becoming the dominant type of lighting source, due to their energy efficiency and long life. Initially, LEDs tried to imitate other lighting sources, but they are now evolving their own styles. Today’s designs include preset and wireless controls and provide personal and programmable lighting. LED lights have been investigated for health implications of blue light.
LIGHTING AND VISION
Light sources such as the sun, stars, and electric lamps are visible to us because of the light they generate. Most of what we see, however, is visible because of the light that is reflected from the surfaces of objects. Our ability to see well—that is, to discern shape, color, and texture, and to differentiate one object from another—is affected not only by the amount of light available for illumination but also by the following factors:
DAYLIGHTING PRINCIPLES
A problem associated with daylighting is glare caused by excessive contrast between the brightness of a window opening and the darker wall surfaces or cast shadows adjacent to it. The placement of windows is as important as their size when dealing with glare. The optimum condition is balanced lighting from at least two directions—from two walls or a wall and the ceiling. Skylights, in particular, can help soften the harshness of direct sunlight. In rooms with windows close to the floor, glare can be caused by the light reflected off the exterior ground surface. This ground glare can be reduced through the use of shade trees or a screen of horizontal louvers. Interior window treatments can also be used to diffuse or block glare. Glare results when our eyes cannot adjust simultaneously to widely contrasting areas of brightness. Our eyes adjust to the brightest light in our field of vision, reducing our ability to discern less brightly lit areas. Bidirectional lighting—lighting from two directions— raises the level of diffused light in a space and reduces the possibility of glare.
Types of Light Fixtures
A light fixture consists of one or more electric lamps with all of the necessary parts and wiring for supporting, positioning, and protecting them, connecting them to a supply of power, and distributing the light. Light fixtures can provide direct and/or indirect illumination. The form of distribution depends on the design of the fixture as well as its placement and orientation in a space. Some light sources serve primarily as decorative focal points. Others provide needed light while the fixtures themselves are de- emphasized or hidden.
RECESSED FIXTURES
Recessed lighting fixtures are hidden above the finished ceiling and shine light through an aperture in the ceiling plane. They preserve the flat plane of the ceiling. Recessed lighting fixtures offer an unobtrusive way to bring light to circulation paths within a larger space, or to provide increased light levels in a specific area. When used indiscriminately throughout a space, however, they can create a monotonously even pattern on the ceiling and a uniform but dull level of illumination. Downlights are used in multiple arrangements to provide ambient light for a large space, or to offer a focal glow on a floor or work surface. LED downlights are now available.
Lamps and accessories for recessed downlights are available in a variety of styles, allowing the designer a range of effects. Some recessed fixtures appear as black holes in a light-colored ceiling when they are turned off. Downlights located too close to a wall can create an unattractive scalloped pattern. Wall washers are designed to illuminate a matte vertical surface in a more uniform manner. Walls can be illuminated in one of two ways: wall washing and wall grazing, which vary in the distance of the fixture from the wall surface. Wallwashers are typically located at least 12 inches from the wall plane, giving the wall texture a flat appearance. For wall grazing, the fixture is positioned very close to the wall —a maximum of 12 inches—to bring out the wall texture. The overall height of the wall determines the fixture’s distance from the wall. Adjustable LED wallwashers are available.
SEMIRECESSED FIXTURES
The housings of some light fixtures are partially recessed into the ceiling or wall construction, while part of their housing, reflectors, or lenses projects beyond the ceiling or wall surface. The smaller sizes of many LED fixtures allow them to be fully recessed, where larger incandescent models had to be partially recessed. Fixtures that shine down from above can cause glare on computer screens, especially if the lamps are visible or if the fixture creates a bright area in the darker field of the ceiling. This is less of a problem with the brighter, thinner screens now in use, which are easier to adjust to avoid glare. Diffusers provide some protection, but suspended fixtures that bounce light off the ceiling and filter light downward as well do a better job of minimizing glare.
SURFACE-MOUNTED FIXTURES
Surface-mounted light fixtures are mounted on the finished ceiling or wall and are usually attached to a recessed junction box. Light fixtures that are mounted directly on a ceiling are generally positioned above the people and furnishings in the room and can spread their light over a broad area. Wall-mounted light fixtures are often decorative and help to create the ambiance of the space. Wall sconces can shine light upward, downward, or sideways, as well as produce a gentle glow from the fixture itself. Wall-mounted fixtures can provide task lighting when their illumination is focused on the task area. When shining on a wall or a ceiling, they add to the general illumination of the space. Their horizontal and vertical positions must be carefully coordinated with windows and furnishings. A versatile design for task lighting consists of a lampshade that uses magnets to facilitate its placement anywhere along metal supports.
Portable lamps help to bring human scale to architectural spaces by creating decorative detail and localized light. They are usually operated at the fixture itself, giving users easy control over their environment.
Lighting Design
The layout of lighting fixtures and the pattern of light they radiate should be coordinated with the architectural features of a space and the pattern of its use. Since our eyes seek the brightest objects and the strongest tonal contrasts in their fields of vision, this coordination can serve to reinforce the architectural features and support the function of the space. For the purpose of planning the visual composition of a lighting design, a light source can be considered to have the form of a point, a line, a plane, or a volume. If the light source is shielded from view, then the form of the light emitted and the shape of surface illumination produced should be considered. Whether the pattern of light sources is regular or varied, a lighting design should be balanced in its composition, provide an appropriate sense of rhythm, and give emphasis to what is important. Lighting design manipulates the fundamental elements and qualities of ambient and focal lighting as well as sparkle:
1. AMBIENT LIGHTING
Ambient or general lighting illuminates a room in a fairly uniform, generally diffuse manner. The dispersed quality of the illumination can effectively reduce the contrast between task lighting and the surrounding surfaces of a room. Ambient lighting can also be used to soften shadows, smooth out and expand the corners of a room, and provide a comfortable level of illumination for safe movement and general maintenance. FOCAL LIGHTING ( Task Lighting and Accent Lighting) Focal lighting creates brighter areas within the ambient light levels of a space through the use of task lighting and accent lighting.
2. TASK LIGHTING
Task lighting illuminates specific areas of a space for the performance of visual tasks or activities. The light sources are usually placed close to—either above or beside—the task surface, enabling the available wattage to be used more efficiently than with ambient lighting. The lighting fixtures are normally of the direct type, and adjustability in terms of brightness and direction is always desirable.
To minimize the risk of an unacceptable brightness ratio between task and surroundings, task lighting is often combined with ambient lighting. Depending on the types of lighting fixtures used, focal lighting can also contribute to the general illumination of a space. In addition to making a visual task easier to see, focal lighting can also create variety and interest, divide a space into a number of areas, encompass a furniture grouping, or reinforce the social character of a room.
3. ACCENT LIGHTING
Accent lighting is a form of focal lighting that creates focal points or rhythmic patterns of light and dark within a space. Instead of serving simply to illuminate a task or activity, accent lighting can be used to relieve the monotony of ambient lighting, emphasize a room’s features, or highlight art objects or prized possessions.
Sparkle
Lighting can bring out the highlights in the objects that it shines on or introduce sparkle through the brilliance of the fixture itself. Small, tightly focused lamps reflect dancing bits of light off reflective surfaces. Chandeliers often produce little ambient light —they are all about sparkle.
Finish Flooring
Finish flooring is the final layer of the floor assembly. Because flooring is subject to direct wear and represents a major portion of a room’s surface area, it should be selected with both functional and aesthetic criteria in mind.
- Durability: Resistance to physical abrasion, denting, and scuffing.
- Ease of maintenance: Resistance to dirt, moisture, grease, and staining, especially in work and high-traffic areas.
- Foot comfort: This quality is related to the degree of resilience and—to a lesser degree —warmth.
- Slip resistance: Avoid hard, slick flooring materials, especially in areas susceptible to wetting.
- Impact noise: Resilient flooring can cushion some impact noise. Soft or porous flooring materials reduce impact noise and airborne sound. The dirt that normally collects on a floor can be disguised by a mixture of neutral colors of middle value, a pattern that camouflages any dirt and surface marks, or a material whose natural color and texture is more noticeable than any dirt on the floor.
Woods used for flooring should be from certified sustainable sources. Rare or exotic species should be avoided. Antique or reclaimed wood flooring, retrieved from buildings that are about to be demolished, offers a distinctive character and patina. Other types of wood used for flooring include bamboo and antique or reclaimed wood flooring. Bamboo is technically a grass, and its ability to regrow quickly after harvesting has earned it a reputation as a sustainable material. Bamboo flooring was originally laminated with a urea-formaldehyde adhesive. Today, much less toxic glues provide the same strength and finish, making bamboo floors available in virtually the same styles and finishes as hardwoods. Bamboo floors are available in three types of grains: strand- woven grain, vertical or edge grain, and horizontal or flat grain Solid wood flooring is available in strips and planks. Board flooring is usually sold in the form of narrow strips, although planks up to 6 inches (152-mm) wide are also available. Engineered hardwood flooring is impregnated with acrylic or sealed with urethane or vinyl. Laminated flooring assembles high-pressure laminates, including wood veneers, into durable, acrylic-urethane sealed panels. Bamboo is also laminated under high pressure, milled into planks, immersed in polyurethane, and coated with acrylic polyurethane. Wood flooring is most often finished with clear polyurethane, varnish, or a penetrating sealer. Finishes can range from high gloss to satin. Ideally, the finish should enhance the durability of the wood and its resistance to water, dirt, and staining, without concealing the wood’s natural beauty. Stains are used to add color to the natural color of the wood without obscuring the wood grain. Wood flooring can also be waxed, painted, or stenciled, but painted surfaces require more maintenance.
TILE AND STONE FLOORING
Tile and stone flooring materials are solid and durable. Depending on the shape of the individual pieces and the pattern in which they are laid, these flooring materials can have a cool, formal appearance or give a room an informal feeling. Ceramic mosaic tiles—small, modular units of natural clay or porcelain—are widely used for flooring. The natural clay type is unglazed, with muted earth colors; the porcelains can have bright colors and are vitreous (glasslike, dense, and impervious). Quarry tiles and pavers are larger modular flooring materials. Quarry tiles are unglazed
units of heathardened clay. Larger-sized ceramic tiles are available inna range of patterns, some of which mimic natural stone or wood, and are practically impervious to moisture, dirt, and stains. Stone tile flooring materials provide a solid, permanent, and highly durable floor surface. Types of stone commonly used for flooring include:
- Slate: Reddish browns, grays, greens, blues, and blacks. Available in square or irregular shapes, can be formal or informal.
- Marble: White, pinks, greens, browns. Shaded and striped. Lends itself to high polish and formal elegance.
- Granite: Over 200 colors. Polishes well, also honed or thermal finishes. Tile installations are either thinset or thickset. Thinset installation uses adhesive to attach the tile. Thickset installation is used over floors subject to bending and deflection. The tile is set on a layer of mortar that helps prevent cracking. Tile or stone flooring is set in grout. Grout is available in a variety of colors and can be selected to blend or contrast with the flooring material. Current trends in tile include wood, steel, stone, and concrete-effect tiles; geometric forms including hexagons; references to contemporary art; mirrored and metallic surfaces; and raised surfaces that mimic motion. Glazed porcelain tiles are available in solid blocks of color or abstracted graphic designs.
OTHER HARD FLOORING
Concrete can be used as a finish floor surface if smooth and level enough. It should be sealed against stains and grease. Concrete can be painted, stained, or integrally colored when cast. An exposed aggregate finish can provide textural interest. Terrazzo is a special type of exposed aggregate finish with mosaic-like patterns created by marble chips. It is available in poured or precast forms. Standard terrazzo has a ground and polished finish consisting mainly of relatively small stone chips, with resin or cement-based binders. Designer or exotic terrazzo use specialty aggregates with epoxy resin binders. Venetian terrazzo has large stone chips, with smaller chips filling spaces. Palladiana terrazzo consists of cut or fractured marble slabs set by hand into a pattern, with smaller chips set into the spaces between. Rustic terrazzo has a uniformly textured finish that exposes rough chips and is primarily for exterior use. Seamless, durable fluid-applied flooring materials are used for commercial, industrial, and institutional installations. The flooring materials are poured over concrete or other rigid
Woven carpet is also manufactured in 27- to 36-inch (6858- to 9144- mm) widths referred to as narrow goods or runners and typically used in residential installations. Broadloom carpet is sold by the square foot, cut to fit, and installed over cushion using tackless strips, or glued down using an adhesive. Carpeting normally is installed wall- towall, covering the entire floor of a room. Because carpet is usually fastened to a floor, it must be cleaned in place and cannot be turned to equalize wear. The location of seams, the type of backing, and the technique used to seam carpet can have a substantial effect on the useful lifespan of a broadloom carpet. Metal and fiber entrance matting systems are now available in a wider variety of options that keep entrances safe, dry, and clean. Some are soft and fibrous, while others have metal components. CARPET TILES Carpet tiles are modular pieces of carpet that can be laid to resemble a seamless wall-to- wall installation or can be arranged in subtle or bold patterns. They are designed to be used in both residential and commercial settings. They are usually constructed by tufting, although some are made by fusion bonding. Carpet tiles offer the following advantages over broadloom carpet:
- They can be easily cut to fit odd-shaped contours with a minimum of waste.
- Individual tiles can be replaced if worn or damaged.
- They can be moved easily and reused.
- In commercial installations, the tiles can be removed for access to underfloor utilities. Carpet tiles are available in a range of square sizes, as well as a growing variety of planks and other shapes. Tiles are designed to be free-laid on a subfloor with only the perimeter tacked in place with adhesive, fully glued down, or tacked in place with pressure- sensitive adhesive dots. Commercial-grade carpet tiles have a backing strong enough to prevent shrinkage or expansion of the tile and to protect the carpet edges from unraveling. RUGS Rugs are floor coverings manufactured or cut to standard sizes, often with a finished border. They are not intended to cover the entire floor of a room and are therefore simply laid over another finish flooring material. Room-sized rugs cover most of a room’s floor, leaving a strip of finish flooring exposed along the room’s edges. They approximate the appearance of wall-to-wall carpeting but
can be moved if desired, removed for cleaning when necessary, and turned for more even distribution of wear. Area rugs cover a smaller portion of a room’s floor and can be used to define an area, unify a furniture grouping, or delineate a path. Decorative rugs, especially handmade ones, can also serve as a dominant design element and provide a focal point for a room’s arrangement.
Different Wall Finishes
Wall finishes are used to increase a wall’s durability, sound absorption, light reflectance, or appearance. Some wall finishes are an integral part of a wall’s material structure, some are separate layers attached to the frame of a wall, and still others are thin coatings or coverings that are applied over a wall surface. In addition to aesthetic factors such as color, texture, and pattern, there are functional and economic considerations in selecting a wall material and finish, including the following:
- If it is an applied material, what type of support or base is required?
- What type of finish, coating, or covering will a wall accept?
- How durable must the material or finish be, and how easy is it to maintain?
- What degree of sound absorption, light reflectance, and fire resistance is required?
- Does the wall finish contain toxic materials or off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
- Does the wall finish contain recycled or recyclable materials?
VACUUM-FORMED 3D PANEL PRODUCTS
Advances in laminate technology today provide vacuum formed 3D panel products (3DLs) with ever-increasing realism that helps to reshape interiors well beyond the typical two-dimensional surface. These tactile panels have opened up virtually endless design options for commercial interiors. Both attractive and durable, they offer design flexibility and are available in multiple sizes, useable for walls, wainscoting, ceilings, backsplashes, furniture, display fixtures, and other interior design applications. The fresh patterns and textures combine with customization options to deliver both aesthetic appeal and design advantages.
SOLID SURFACING
Solid surfacing materials are often used for countertops, as well as for other residential and commercial finishes. Solid surfacing materials are resistant to water, stain, heat, chemicals, wear, and impact and have high bacterial and fungal resistance. They are available in a variety of thicknesses, including 1/8-inch (3-mm) thick veneer. Solid surfacing materials are usually prefabricated at the installer’s shop, and then assembled on-site. Installation seams are glued, leaving little evidence of the joint.
