How do you add value and express a company’s identity without overpowering the room? After all, a space must do more than function. It should communicate a story, so users feel a sense of belonging and identity within the room.
For Studio Blueskies, material selection starts with the look and feel. Sure, the client’s budget is always the primary driver. But within that realm of possibilities, there’s still a whole spectrum to choose from. So the spatial story is the real starting point: how does the material present itself visually and how does it respond to the touch?
Then there are the technical demands, where durability, water resistance, and ease of cleaning are non-negotiables. Sustainability and longevity are valued too, when budget allows it. The challenge lies in the careful balance between aesthetic ambition and functional performance.
Most clients begin with an intuitive sense of what they want,
but translating that into a tangible design outcome can be challenging. This creates an opportunity for collaboration, opening the door to introducing new materials and ideas.
— Demi Soetens and Lieke Hillebrandt, Studio Blueskies
The Specio installation functions both as a visual focal point and a practical design solution, bringing a calm and uniform presence to the office space. It answers the question of the look and feel, with its smooth and refined surface. It blends in with the textures in the room, thanks to the timeless Warm Clay, part of our Ease Collection inspired by colors of nature.
This durability is also reflected in the performative qualities of the CeramicSteel. Scratch resistance, impact resistance, fire resistance and acoustic comfort, to name a few. Additionally, it’s writable and magnetic. With its technical qualities, this panel answers all of Blueskies’ non-negotiables.
“We like CeramicSteel because of its strong technical performance, particularly in high-traffic environments. The sleek appearance and multifunctionality make the surface suitable for integrated design applications.”
As flexible as can be
The flexibility turns the surface into a tool that’s open to interpretation. This material bends to a designer’s will, in every sense of the word. Because it can be shaped into organic and expressive forms, opening up a whole new design language. On top of that, you can process the material on-site—adapting and refining it during installation. Rather than forcing the design into the material, the material works with the design.
The power of contrast and layers
This panel doesn’t compete with its surroundings, but elevates them. Combined with soft fabrics and muted colors, this installation adds to a warm and inviting atmosphere. The result is a balanced interior with depth and where every detail has been chosen with intention.
“Warm Clay” stood out for us because of its quiet versatility. It pairs beautifully with softer, natural materials—think textiles, wood, and muted finishes—while adding just enough depth to enrich the overall palette.
In the end, the Specio panel rises to different occasions. It answers to issues on both an aesthetic as functional level. Cohesive without monotony, intriguing without dominating. It underlines how a single material, when thoughtfully applied, quietly strengthens the entire spatial experience.
