Article | Refractions
The Materials That Defined the Relative FW Showcase
Article | Refractions
The Materials That Defined the Relative FW Showcase
Article | Refractions
The Materials That Defined the Relative FW Showcase
With the conclusion of the Relative FW Showcase, it is now time to reflect on the various items that made this event special.
October 13, 2026
At the event, one could see how the various surfaces, textures, and finishes and architectural materials contributed to the ambiance of an interior space.
Even with the inclusion of ceramic surfaces, terrazzo, and recycled stone, the engineered hardwood floor certainly took the lion's share of the limelight. The various collections indicated how wood flooring could be quite varied when it comes to width, color, texture, and design.
Wood Flooring with Different Personalities
Among the many interesting features of engineered hardwood shown in the displays is the absence of a definite “look” in the collection. Each collection has its own style.
The Flyt collection provides an elegant and sophisticated look. Due to the fact that the boards are wide and the collection uses matte lacquer, the wood takes a calmer look, which means that it allows showing the texture of the material without glossing it. This collection comes in five colors, which makes it suitable for warm and neutral interiors.
This collection seems particularly appropriate for cases when the flooring needs to connect spaces. Wide boards allow expanding the room, and the elegant finish helps to draw attention to the whole interior instead of just the floor.
Then there was Sumo, which took a much bolder approach.
The broadness and length of the boards ensure that the floor is given an impressive appearance. In this case, rather than merely serving as a platform for other interior features, the floor becomes architectural itself. The design format is ideal for large rooms where narrow boards would only complicate the look of the floor.
At the same time, Sumo allows considerable freedom of finish, texture, and layout. It means that the floor will have a unique feel that is associated exclusively with this project.
When the Pattern Becomes the Feature
Chico offered something totally new to the showcase experience.
Unlike the other wide planks that depended on their size for impact, Chico has a herringbone style that is quite narrow. The pattern makes the eye travel across the floor, thus achieving an effect of movement without the need for vivid colors or finish.
Although herringbone floors have been available for many years, a narrow herringbone offers a contemporary option for flooring. It may also come in various patterns depending on how it is installed.
It is one of the points that made the showcase unique: engineered hardwood doesn’t have to look like a line of planks. It all depends on the way in which it is installed.
The Importance of color and Finish
This showcase was a demonstration of how dramatically color can affect the character of a wood floor.
A light oak color will lend a more open and relaxed feel to a space, while darker shades will add warmth and depth. The finish of the flooring is also important, as a matte finish will lend a very natural feel to the flooring, and brushing techniques can enhance the natural grain.
While such factors may not be easy to notice in individual samples, it becomes much simpler to appreciate these characteristics when viewing multiple materials together.
Perhaps this is one of the advantages of an actual event. This type of format encourages people to go beyond the name and specifications of a product, and instead contemplate how it would feel in a space.
Ceramic Surfaces Add a Different Texture
The engineered hardwoods were definitely key components of the showcase; however, the ceramic surfaces offered a wonderful contrast to the engineered hardwood.
For instance, the Laguna Collection is a handcrafted series of ceramic tiles and slabs whose beauty lies in the natural variances on the surface. The inspiration behind this design line comes from water and the reflection of light; thus, this collection features a somewhat softer look, which could be very appropriate in cases where texture is desired.
There were other collections of ceramic surfaces which had the feel of earth and stones. They offer a good choice in cases where there is a need for a harder surface, or in instances where there is a desire to mix up the materials.
A Mix of Materials
Terrazzo and recycled stone added another dimension to the showcase. Rather than competing with the wood, these materials demonstrated how different textures can be brought together within one project.
This mix is particularly useful in contemporary interiors, where there is often no need to use one material throughout an entire space. Different areas can have different surfaces while still feeling connected through color, texture, or design.
For example, engineered hardwood can create warmth in living areas, while ceramic or stone-inspired surfaces can be used where a different finish is more appropriate.
Looking Back at the Showcase
It became obvious that the floor is not only a choice between wood, tiles, or stone, since even one of the mentioned materials could show various design options.
After the end of the showcase, it could be right to say that each of these materials has left a single message: the floor is not just a material to walk on; it could have an important effect on the interior.
