Gone are the days where concrete was only ever bland, boring pavement. Interior designers are beginning to consider how concrete can be incorporated into the design of any number of rooms and living spaces. Thankfully, there are a ton of option when it comes to concrete, along with some additional benefits that make concrete more than worth it for homeowners. Check out the details and some ideas for incorporating concrete into your space, and try not to choose all of it at once!
Why Concrete?
Concrete hasn’t grown in popularity for nothing, and there are some really great reasons to consider it as an option if you’re remodeling. Made of a mixture of sand, rock, and cement, concrete is super long-lasting, recyclable and sustainable (and thus a better option for the environment than nonrenewable materials, primarily ones that are mined like granite and marble). It’s also produced locally and consumes less energy as a part of production, increasing its eco-friendliness. Plus, it naturally inhibits mildew and mold growth! Concrete can compliment or accent many different styles and can be stained, dyed, or colored literally any color, making it a more versatile choice to match your personal and your household’s style. Also, since it’s created specifically for your space (either in your home or at an off-site location), you can achieve super smooth, graceful curves and unique, interesting shapes that are much more difficult when using other materials. Finally, maintenance of concrete is as simple as a quick sweep or wipe-down with a damp cloth/mop or gentle cleaner. What more could you want?
If you’re sold on concrete but not sure how to incorporate it into your home, here are a couple of spaces well-suited for it (though there are certainly other spaces where concrete would work). Let your imagination run wild and, when you’re ready, talk to a contractor about options and timing!
Counters…
Kitchen and bathroom counters are often made of stone or tile, but more recently homeowners have begun to experiment with using concrete to achieve a smooth, clean cut look unique to their space. Created for a particular space, concrete counters can be designed with specific shapes, colors, and textures without the homeowner having to pay for additional pieces or, even worse, adjust their own additions to make the countertops fit. Concrete is durable and can stand up to years of use, along with being a natural mold/mildew inhibitor (important in a bathroom). Plus, the concrete works a little like salt does in a recipe, enhancing the design and style (read: flavor) of a space while adding a little extra spice of its own.
...and Floors!
When you think of a concrete floor, the mental image usually isn’t a very pretty or stylish one. But advances have been made in the options available, and homeowners can choose different colors and styles, including smooth, polished, stamped, or scored options. Plus, concrete’s durability and low maintenance guarantees you won’t have to think about much other than the design!