The Growing Trend of Introducing Concrete to Home Interiors
Concrete is an unconventional material to use for decoration. It's typically utilized for exterior structures or outdoor constructions like foundations and patio flooring, and it is rarely used for home décor.
It is traditionally relegated to garages, basements, and sidewalks. Then again this is precisely what contributes to its freshness and uniqueness.
The PLUSES of Using Concrete in Home Décor
- Its subtle application, combined with design aesthetics, gives interior spaces a distinct architectural dimension. Concrete accents exude a contemporary effect that captures the industrial feel and gives the space an urban vibe. Pairing textures and materials like leather, wood, and dark colors with the coarse neutral hues of concrete softens the rigid and bare ambiance it tends to produce.
- With finishes, one can choose numerous styles ranging from smooth to grainy and matte to polish. Concrete adds texture and visual appeal to the space while drawing attention towards itself. Its unconventional and surprising use draws attention and invites people to talk about it. Its applicability has included decoration and back-splashes on walls, as well as art installations and household items. From planters to lamps and even candlesticks, artisans have begun to use cement to create surprising décor pieces.
- Although concrete seems to be a cold, flat material, it has an incredible ability to create a neutral backdrop for practically any design style, including Bohemian, farmhouse, minimalist, and industrial. It entails less upkeep compared to some materials like hardwood flooring, and only requires standard dusting and mopping.
Creative Ways to Incorporate Cement into Your Home Interiors:
- Concrete in the kitchen
In modern farmhouse kitchens, cement blends nicely with other décor accents like sleek lighting and navy blue cabinetry. You can start with a touch of concrete in your kitchen, such as an island or a countertop, or go all-in with flooring, an island, countertops, and even a backsplash if you're really committed to the trend. The grays will look fantastic with cabinetry in vivid color.
- A strong bathroom sink
Concrete is a strong, long-lasting material for a bathroom sink. You can install two sinks in your bathroom meeting a countertop. Its light tint creates a gentle, subtle bathroom palette while still acting as an eye-catching design accent in a minimalist, modest space.
- A concrete bathtub
A concrete bathtub is sure to be a show-stopper in your bathroom. Concrete tubs are popular among homeowners because of their opulent quality and ability to provide a pleasant soaking bath. Yes, the installation is time-consuming —they can weigh thousands of pounds and require a great deal of expertise—but it will undoubtedly be an iconic fixture that you will enjoy for many years.
- A concrete fireplace
Instead of utilizing conventional materials like stone, brick, or wood to construct a fireplace, why not go for a bolder look and use concrete? You can build a novel cement fireplace which extends all the way to the ceiling —enhancing the modern yet rustic feel in your living space.
- A concrete lamp
Concrete has even made its way into lighting, where it can be seen in elegant pendant lights and lamp bases. Concrete lamps may be found in abundance on Etsy, or you can try your hand at making one yourself. Just follow these easy concrete DIY steps by Cristina Ramirez from Flowers + Folk.
- Concrete shelving
Cement is undoubtedly a robust material for shelving. It is sturdy enough to hold your most valuable (heaviest) keepsakes, yet it is innovative and stylish enough to stand out. You can easily build your own cement open shelves by following simple steps in DIY Concrete Open Shelves.
- A concrete dining table
Look to concrete for a dining table for an out-of-the-box feel. It provides a solid surface for family dinners, it serves as a neutral backdrop for tabletop décor, and can be custom-ordered online or handmade by concrete companies or artisans.
- Concrete planters
Concrete planters can be purchased practically anywhere these days, from Etsy to HomeGoods Hardware, and they not only look on-trend, but also help protect your plants by hiding fragile roots from the elements. Succulents work well in concrete planters, but if you're not ready to commit to a real plant, faux plants in cement planters are easily available.
DIY concrete planters are a simple project that allows you to express your style and ingenuity. Follow these super easy steps at 17 DIY Concrete Planters to make your own.
- Cement Flooring
Take design cues from your garage and give concrete a chance to take the spotlight throughout your home's flooring. Along with a boldly-patterned area rug, warm furniture, and pops of lush houseplants, concrete flooring –with just the perfect level of sheen– will fade into the background.
- Concrete walls
Concrete flooring may be considered a daring design option, but if you really want to turn heads, translate that concrete touch to your walls. For instance, light-colored concrete walls in your dining area allow you to experiment with a range of design elements, including a contemporary pendant lamp and Scandinavian-style furniture.
For more ideas on how to work concrete magic into your home interiors, visit:
40 Stylish Living Rooms That Use Concrete To Stand Out and
Exploring The Beauty Of Concrete Walls In Interior Design.
- Cement candles
These days, votive holders are turning to stone, with your favorite scents poured into concrete receptacles. Even concrete candlesticks are also available. A concrete candlestick is perfect on a coffee table, blending in beautifully with the grays of a matching couch and throw pillows.
Feeling pumped to express your creativity using concrete? Get ideas from the video 9 Simple Concrete Projects For the Home. Also, go and check out 17 Unexpected Ways to Decorate with Concrete.
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Concrete's versatility to be manipulated and transformed into various numerous items makes it suitable for modern living. It’s a neutral media that can be used to accent spaces with dramatic aesthetic effects. Its affordability makes it ideal for experimentation in home interiors.
So, if you're looking for a design feature that's unexpected, fresh, easy to maintain, well-suited to a busy lifestyle, and long-lasting, concrete is an excellent choice!
Let the interior décor experts from Jarvis Interiors help you do concrete magic in your home!
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