Aesthetic ways of combining different materials in interior decoration.

Docking profile

The most traditional way to connect two finishing materials on the floor is a docking profile. It is almost irreplaceable when tiles are adjacent to a “floating” floor. Laminate, and sometimes parquet, do not have an adhesive connection to the base. When laying such materials, it is necessary to leave expansion gaps for the natural expansion of the board. The T-shaped profile completely hides the joint, connecting the “floating” and rigid floor.

A significant disadvantage of this type of fastening is its visibility. Despite the fact that manufacturers offer compact brass, aluminum and plastic profiles in a variety of shades, it is still impossible to completely disguise the joint. If you can’t find the most inconspicuous option, you can support the shade of the profile with other interior accents in the color.

Moldings

Moldings are used as an independent decorative element and as a way to mask joints and flaws. In a classic interior, a frame framing of wall sections that differ in texture and color is accepted.

A decorative border is also suitable for horizontal division of companion wallpapers. Molding also harmoniously smoothes the transition from the wall to the ceiling, decorates the doorway, and draws attention away from the corner joints when pasting walls with different wallpapers.

Silicone sealant

If the levels of the facing materials are verified to the millimeter, the joint can be made virtually invisible. Silicone sealant will do. It is not afraid of moisture, temperature changes, and adheres perfectly to smooth and porous surfaces. The only drawback is gradual drying out and loss of properties.

Silicone sealant is also indispensable for joining tiles and bathtub edges. It completely blocks moisture from reaching the wall and eliminates the need for outdated self-adhesive borders.

Cork compensator

Another way to achieve a smooth transition from one type of covering to another is to use a cork compensator. It has a number of advantages:

• environmental friendliness and, as a result, safety;
• the ability to tint in the color of the coating;
• elasticity, due to which it easily copes with the expansion of the laminate in a small area;
• durability, subject to proper installation and varnishing.

In modern minimalist interiors, the cork compensator is also used to finish the joint “floor – wall”, replacing the usual baseboard.

Decorative border

For joining 3D panels to a flat wall, a framing technique is used. A border made of a material in the same color is mounted along the perimeter or sides of the volumetric panel.

The volumetric part of the cladding becomes neater and completely draws attention away from the border of the joint with the smooth surface. The width of the border can vary from barely noticeable to impressive. In the latter case, it may well become an independent decorative element.

Experiments with the joint line

When joining materials of different textures (smooth and decorative plaster, gypsum panels and wallpaper) at corners, the junction looks unfinished. It is almost impossible to create a perfectly even angle; it is easier to apply a smooth coating to a wall with a 1.5-2 cm more volume. A larger offset may also be appropriate if it is necessary to create volume and add relief to one of the walls.

Emphasis on the border

It is not necessary to mask the border between textures. If you support the artistic casualness of the joint with decorative elements, you can achieve even greater harmony and originality. An untreated, “torn” transition is boldly left in loft, boho or country interiors.

Playing with levels

When joining materials, designers use two completely opposite techniques. Some minimize the difference in the levels of two materials, others strive to increase the difference.

In both cases, volumetric structures come to the rescue. You can stop at a minimum difference between the facing materials, or you can add geometry by constructing a multi-level structure.

Careful joining of materials of different textures makes the interior more integral and complete. At the same time, it is necessary to think over the connection options in advance. Often, this is what saves time and nerves of decorators, designers and the owner of the apartment.