Luxury in 2025 looks quieter than it did a few years ago, and that shift is easy to see the moment you step into a well-designed home or a thoughtfully planned office. Instead of chasing constant shine, many projects now focus on balance, softer light, and surfaces that feel calm throughout the day. This is one reason architects are recommending matte finish laminate more often, especially for large cabinetry runs and wall-facing furniture.

What used to feel like a “safe” choice has become a deliberate design decision that supports premium interiors without extra visual noise.

The Evolution of Luxury Finishes

Glossy surfaces were popular for a long period because they looked crisp and camera-ready, and they paired well with modern modular furniture when that style first became mainstream. Over time, however, homes started using layered lighting, warmer palettes, and more natural materials, which made constant reflection feel slightly distracting.

In many premium projects, matte surfaces laminate now appears as a way to keep rooms composed while still feeling detailed and intentional. Global architecture has also nudged this direction, with subtle materials and softer transitions replacing high-contrast, high-shine statements.

What Makes Matte Finish Laminates Feel Luxurious

Matte finishes feel refined because they let form, proportion, and material choice do the talking, rather than asking light to create the drama. A matte finish laminate reduces glare, so surfaces look steady in both daylight and warm evening lighting.

Designers also like how matte creates visual depth without looking flashy, which helps spaces feel premium even when the colour palette stays minimal. This finish works well in contemporary interiors, and it also sits comfortably in classic homes where you want elegance without a hard “modern” edge.

Why Architects Prefer Matte Surfaces in 2025

Architects tend to think in complete scenes: walls, lighting, storage, and circulation all working together without one element overpowering the rest. Matte surfaces laminate supports that approach because they make large surfaces feel calmer.

It also performs well visually under mixed lighting, which matters in spaces that combine daylight with warm ambient fixtures. For high-end builds, matte is often chosen because it keeps the interior language consistent from one room to the next.

Here are a few reasons it’s showing up more often in specifications:

• It helps large spaces feel cohesive rather than visually busy
• It suits both minimal styling and warmer, layered decor
• It pairs easily with wood tones, stone looks, and soft fabrics
• It keeps attention on the layout and detailing instead of reflections

Solid Colour Laminates: Minimal, Modern, Timeless

Solid colour laminates are becoming a favourite in wardrobes, wall panels, and workspaces because they make architectural lines look cleaner. A single, steady colour helps highlight shadow gaps, handle profiles, and the overall geometry of built-ins. Designers also like solid matte tones for bedrooms and studies, where a calmer background makes the room feel more settled. Dorby’s solid colour options fit this direction when you want a premium palette that looks measured and contemporary.

A quick guide can help when you’re choosing a finish direction:

Performance Benefits That Matter in Real Spaces

In day-to-day living, people appreciate surfaces that stay looking neat without constant attention. A matte finish laminate typically shows fewer fingerprints than high-shine options, which is one reason it’s often chosen for wardrobes and frequently used cabinetry. Cleaning routines also feel simpler because gentle wiping usually keeps the surface looking consistent. Across large panels, the finish tends to look more uniform, which supports that “quiet luxury” feel designers aim for in premium homes.

Where Matte Laminates are Being Used Most

Matte finishes are showing up across both residential and commercial interiors, largely because they adapt well to different styles and lighting plans. In luxury storage solutions, matte helps wardrobes and cabinets feel more tailored and less reflective. Retail and hospitality projects also use matte to keep the environment polished while letting lighting and merchandising take the lead.

Why Matte is Not Just a Trend

Matte has staying power because it fits modern lifestyles that value comfort and visual clarity, and it also evolves easily through new colours and subtle texture innovations. Designers are treating matte as a long-term interior language rather than a seasonal finish cycle.

Solid colour laminates also support this longevity because they don’t rely on novelty, and instead build on proportion, layout, and clean detailing. As more architects specify calmer finishes, matte continues to feel like a future-facing choice that still looks timeless.

Closing Thoughts

Matte finishes are changing what modern luxury looks like by keeping things simple and well-balanced. Matte finish laminate is a good choice when you want a premium look without a shiny surface. Solid colour laminates help architects and designers keep lines clean and consistent across different rooms. With well-planned matte ranges, brands like Dorby are making it easier to create interiors that feel calm and quietly elegant.