A blog by INTRAsystems...The reception or foyer is the one area in a building that every visitor experiences. Entrance matting is a key component in this prime space but is often overlooked as a design opportunity. Yet a cleverly designed entrance mat can transform a reception area and help set the tone for the experience beyond the front doors.

With curved or anodised profiles, tessellating shapes, and a vast range of coloured inserts at your disposal, the design options really are endless.

Entrance matting often barely receives a few keystrokes of description to meet entrance matting regulations and performance standards as part of a building specification. However, just like light fittings, wall coverings and soft furnishings, entrance matting too can be specified to complement and enhance your reception design or even become a key feature within it.

Here are just 3 ways that you can use entrance matting creatively to transform your reception designs:

ONE: Choose Your Shape

Entrance matting doesn’t have to be rectangular! We’re seeing more and more architects and interior designers using unusual shapes and angles in their entrance mat designs to create a real wow factor for visitors.

From circular matwells at Nhow Hotel to beautiful curved matting at The White Collar Factory, entrance matting systems can be cut and shaped to fit any mat well.

TWO: Integrate with the Flooring

Taking a flooring feature and continuing it through the matting is a great way to tie elements together for a cohesive design.

How about matching your matting to the floor tiles like the stunning wild rice and antique rose coloured design at The Wildernesse Restaurant? Or a cut-into-floor design using individual linear or disc shaped entrance matting profiles?

THREE: Colour, Texture and Pattern

Grey might be the most prolifically used but there is a world of coloured, textured and patterned entrance matting fibre to explore.

A vibrant red cut-into-floor design at 112 Old Street, completely transforms the space. While bronze anodised profiles with a mixed palette of coloured fibres compliments the art-deco styling at Odeon Leicester Square.

Alternatively, you could introduce some texture and pattern to your design by incorporating ribbed or patterned matting fibre., or by laying the matting planks at 45-degree angles to create a subtle chevron pattern.

Exclusive Product

INTRAsystems has also developed a range of shaped entrance matting tiles to extend the possibilities even further.

INTRAshape entrance matting tiles, exclusive to INTRAsystems, come in 5 tessellating polygon shapes to offer infinite design permutations.

From brickwork and 3d cubes, to herringbone and parquet patterns, these complementary shapes can be used to create rhythm, movement, and perspective to transform a reception area.
So why not ditch the standard grey rectangle and get creative!

Our experts are here for support and advice to help you realise your ideas whilst still meeting regulations and functional requirements.

BIID and RIBA-Approved

To find out more about the possibilities, performance and specification considerations for entrance matting book our free BIID and RIBA-approved CPD seminar.

We can deliver the presentation remotely, or present in your office at an appropriate social distance if you prefer.

All participants receive a certificate to evidence the learning and a handy ‘How to Specify’ e-booklet reference guide.

There will also be the opportunity to discuss your own project ideas and issues with your expert presenter at the end of your session.