Do you want to know all the trends in interior design and architecture in China? Richard Davis, COMPAC’s Continental Manager in Asia, tells us about them in this interesting interview on the occasion of the brand’s presence at Design Shanghai.
What are the current sector trends in China and, more specifically, in Shanghai with regard to surface materials?
Interior design in China is typically luxurious, both classical and contemporary styles which may be complimented by oriental features. A strong history of using natural stones means dramatic veined marbles like Calacatta are very much in demand. White marbles lend themselves well to complement both traditional and modern minimalist kitchens and bathrooms. In the comercial space, while natural stones are desirable we can see an increase in the raw stripped back industrial style, with greys and earthier tones. Surfaces with visibly larger aggregate stones are used providing the aesthetics of cements and concretes.
Are there appreciable differences compared to professionals from the European and American market?
Richer or warmer schemes are more common in China, with use of darker wood and deeper gold, red and brown hues. While these styles are more traditional and inline with Chinese heritage, there are more contemporary styles which would align with the US and Europe.
China is a huge country: which large cities set the trend in terms of architecture and interior design? Are there different preferences in different cities?
Shanghai for sure has to be at the forefront with a wealth of architectural and ID firms choosing the city for their China base. In northern and central areas designs retain more traditional characteristics. Its also worth noting that Beijing is home to numerous design institutes and has some fantastic buildings in the city.
What changes have there been in the country’s architecture and design in recent years?
In the kitchen and bathroom space natural stones have always been popular, but I would say the most recent wave of change has to be the return of the grey/pastels concrete aggregate look, this is also visible in the F&B sector.
COMPAC’s stand (Contemporary Design Hall, Stand No. EP-72).
Are there difference when it comes to Chinese professionals using quartz and marble compared to their European counterparts?
In gereral the uses are the same, perhaps in China you can find more use of Stone combinations, creating different patterns and contrasts.
Compac is heading to this fair to be close to its clients and sector professionals. What will they be able to discover at the stand?
Essentially we are a design focused company that manufactures engineered stone, this is why Compac is the leader in innovation and first to bring new products to the market. We dare to be different, and if this sounds interesting I suggest coming and seeing our stand.
How has COMPAC’s presence in China evolved?
COMPAC has been in the Chinese market for over 20 years supplying marble products for large scale flooring projects, both multi-residential apartments and shopping malls. Hong Kong was where COMPAC was focused initially but now we have expanded intentionally to the mainland. While we continue to supply large commercial projects with marble flooring, our quartz range can now be found on display in around 20 different cities, in the retail stores of the leading kitchen manufacturers from Europe. This lays the firm foundations for developing our brand in China.
