Formica Forever

Formica Forever, published in celebration of Formica®’s centennial, offers a vibrant and insightful journey through the evolution of one of the most iconic materials of the modern era.

Originally developed as an electrical insulator, Formica quickly found favor among designers such as Donald Deskey in the 1930s, before rising to prominence during the post–World War II housing boom. The material’s golden age saw its widespread adoption across homes and commercial spaces, followed by global expansion throughout the latter half of the twentieth century.

This richly illustrated volume traces Formica’s transformation from utilitarian laminate to a medium of creative expression. It highlights the imaginative applications of the material by renowned designers, artists, and architects including Jasper Morrison, Daniel Buren, Frank Gehry, Laurinda Spear, and Zaha Hadid—through to today’s innovative collaborations with emerging talents pushing the boundaries of Formica’s potential.

Formica Forever presents a dazzling archive of original product samples, vintage advertisements, and design ephemera, accompanied by essays from leading voices in design and culture: Phil Patton explores the corporate history of Formica; Alexandra Lange examines its influence within the design world; and Peter York reflects on the aspirational, wipe-clean aesthetic it came to symbolize.

The book also includes a detailed chronology and 100 Years of Color and Pattern—a 128-page color sequence of Formica swatches interspersed with literary excerpts by writers such as John Updike, Janet Evanovich, and Jhumpa Lahiri, each referencing Formica’s presence in everyday life.