(June 2015—Chicago, IL) — Arborite is introducing the second edition of its innovative INK series of designer laminates. INK draws on the talents of designers of all industries, ranging from graphics to interiors to art and architecture, to create dynamic designs truly unique to the laminate world. The latest patterns added to the INK collection come from the minds of graphic designer Giona Maiarelli, founder of Maiarelli Studio, and interior designer/illustrator Marina Sagona, co-founder of interior design company Less&More. Drawing inspiration from such diverse ideas as astrology and mid-century modern trends, the two creatives developed four ideas each for a total of eight fresh and energetic patterns that encompass Arborite’s outside- the-box approach to a classic material.

Arborite President Salvatore Rivera notes, “Our INK series is so important because it displays the power of laminate as a blank canvas. These two designers have transformed the material into a statement-making art piece that is so unusual and special for the industry. Following INK’s success after we first introduced it two years ago, we’re excited to see how designers and specifiers creatively feature these amazing new patterns.”

Although their designs showcase different aesthetics, both Maiarelli and Sagona approached their patterns with a sense of nostalgia for their whimsical, youthful memories, choosing concepts that recalled the past, but perfectly updated for modern use and application.

Giona Maiarelli, who contributed to original INK collection, was inspired by retro surfaces common in the late 1960s/early 1970s. Maiarelli grew up in Northern Italy, and the collection was influenced by the American media he remembers, such as wood paneled cars on TV—a continuation of the abstract woods presented in his first INK designs.

Similar to Maiarelli, designer Marina Sagona also looked to the 1970s for inspiration. Sagona selected 70s motifs to form the basis of her designs. The color palette is translated through the eye of her life in New York City, with funky hues such as bold greens and hot pinks. Sagona’s patterns appear almost painterly, with an imperfect brush-like effect that forms each motif in a sweeping stroke, further enhancing her collection’s childlike wonder.

Their 2015 Arborite INK designs are:

Giona Maiarelli

Stella - This pattern mimics the night sky, connecting the dots between recognizable constellations. Colors: Blu, Yella
Topographik - A play on wood grain, Topographik displays concentric curves for an abstract take on the natural material. Colors: Moss, Clay
Intarsio - Featured in two neutral hues, this design uses geometry to create a modern laminate that looks like inlaid wood. Colors: Light, Dark
Tangram - Tangram mixes and matches triangles of various angles and sizes for a tiled effect in fresh, pastel neutrals. Colors: Sea Wash, White Wash

Marina Sagona

Anellini – Meaning “little ring” in Italian, this pattern’s miniature circles are an homage to some of the most beloved foods: the donut and a delicious and iconic New York City bagel. Colors: Blu, Grigio
Ginkgo - Inspired by the Ginkgo leaves Sagona remembers from her mother’s skirt, this design displays a painterly play on the plants. Colors: New York, Kyoto 
Arco – Using a brushstroke-like motif, Arco’s semi-circle pattern is perfect for coordinating in a subtle neutral or standing out in a bold blue. Colors: Blu, Grigio
Nuvole – Nuvole showcases a splay of abstract clouds in playful colors. Colors: Grigio, Rosso

In addition to these new designs, INK also now boasts an accessible new price point. Arborite acquired the technology to produce the designs in-house, thereby saving costs and offering designers these creative pieces of the top quality at a less expensive price. INK is set to debut at NeoCon 2015 in booth 8-2122 and will be shown alongside other Arborite’s original INK patterns. The Arborite INK patterns feature oversize repeats, available in standard 4’ x 8’ panels with no minimum order. Custom colors are available upon request. 

About Marina Sagona
Marina Sagona was born in Rome, and moved to New York in 1995. Her illustrations have appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and many others national and international newspaper and magazines both in North America and abroad. Her work has been featured for advertising campaigns for major clients such as American Airlines and Bulgari and has also been utilized by prominent fashion designers for collections and single pieces, and as animation behind opening credits of television programs. Her mural commissioned by Walt Disney Inc is on display at Disney World, Florida. Her numerous single and collective exhibitions include shows in Italy, France, and America. Her work has been awarded by the Society of Illustrators, Print, and American Illustration. In 2007, she was selected to represent Italy at the Bratislava Biennial. She is also an author and illustrator of children’s books. 

About Giona Maiarelli 
Giona Maiarelli is the principal of Maiarelli Studio, a design studio founded in 1993 in Bologna, Italy by Giona Maiarelli and Ann Rathkopf. Before opening his studio in Italy, Giona Maiarelli worked in advertising and graphic design in New York, Paris and Bologna. He has worked in New York with Milton Glaser, designing numerous international publications. He has designed for the New York Times Magazine and Harper’s Bazaar and created advertising campaigns for IBM, Philip Morris and Ralph Lauren, among others. In Paris, he has worked for the award-winning advertising agency Alice. The studio moved to New York in 1999. Maiarelli Studio’s primary focus is branding and communication for the design, furniture, and architecture fields. An article of Maiarelli Studio corporate design work for the publisher Clueb was featured in the Italian design magazine Linea Grafica. Giona Maiarelli was profiled in the volume “Grafici Italiani,” a compilation of the 25 most important Italian graphic designers, and in the volume ©FVG, the exhibition catalog for a show of Italian graphic designers at Villa Manin, Italy. His work has been exhibited worldwide with the Type Director Club’s Show and published by all the major international annuals and design magazines. About Arborite With over 60 years of experience in decorative high-pressure laminate manufacturing, Montreal- based Arborite delivers inspired contemporary surfacing solutions. The company excels in supplying designers, architects, and specifiers with the perfect laminate for any space, allowing them to choose from a range of premium textures and over 200 colors. All Arborite laminates are GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified, and over 50% of their product offering is certified by the FSC.