A material palette on a screen might convey the idea of what you’re trying to create, but it’s when you have physical interior design samples in front of you that the vision is really brought to life.
Subtle differences in finish, texture and tone can appear when you place two materials alongside one another. Which is why, for architects, designers and joiners, samples remain the best way to take an initial concept and turn it into a fully resolved palette.
Why Material Samples Make Product Decisions Easier
When it comes to materials, there’s only so much a screen can capture. A grey that looked cool online might warm up beside oak. A soft sheen or textured finish can completely transform when the light moves across it. That’s why we recommend looking at physical samples in the early decision stages when a scheme is still taking shape. Once they’re displayed together in a mood board, you can start to see the relationships more clearly. Where is the contrast? Where is there too much sameness? And does one finish bring out the best, or worst, in another?
They’re also a great way to bring clients into your design process. Rather than asking them to envision how benchtop and cabinetry finish might look together (or why their first choice might not work), you can let the palette speak for itself.
*As well as reviewing samples, always consider technical and product information.
Choose Samples From the Right NZ Panels Group Brand
At NZ Panels, our products sit across a range of different specialist brands, each with its own sample range.
For melamine, veneer, laminate and benchtop samples, including Prime Stone and Prime Porcelain, visit Prime Panels. Browse Bestwood for melamine and veneer cabinetry samples. Or visit Dezignatek to find Thermoform panel samples in a range of colours and profiles. If you’re still at the early stages of building your palette, our product and brand pages give you a chance to view the wider range before you start narrowing down your options.
If you’re still at the early stages of building your palette, our product and brand pages give you a chance to view the wider range before you start narrowing down your options.
How to Order Samples Online
Once you know which samples have made the shortlist, ordering samples is easy. Head to the relevant product or colour-range page and add the swatches you want to see in person to your sample cart. Free material samples are available for delivery within New Zealand.
If you’re still working through your options or want to share ideas with other people working on the project, you can also save products to a digital collection.
Use Samples With Clients and Project Teams
Rather than starting with hundreds of products online, a well-curated library of interior design samples gives you and your clients an easy way to explore material options in person. Pull together a curated selection based on the project, palette, or material type and then compare them side by side.
For help finding the right range or professional display resources, contact our sales and specification team. Or, if you’re looking for a few specific products, explore our brands and order samples through the relevant website.
