CONCRETE ACCENTS CAN BE SOLID DESIGN CHOICE
Trendy look can add urban sophistication to home if done right
One of the biggest trends poured upon us this year is concrete. It offers an industrial edge to decor and plays nicely along with the grey colour trend that has escalated over the past few years.
When it comes to concrete, you probably usually think of sidewalks, garages or basements. Concrete can admittedly be rough, difficult to keep clean and not comfortable to the touch. But when polished and sealed, concrete can add urban sophistication or a textural rustic element to a space. And for those who love the look but are hesitant to commit, fab new products emulate concrete’s beauty.
Whether you opt for solid concrete or imitate the look, these tips help you bring this ultimate industrial decor element home.
The real deal: The look of concrete offers stone texture in a variety of tones, including grey, green and beige colorations. It pairs well with natural finishes like wood, which softens its industrial edge, and with metal for a hardcore industrial look.
Concrete isn’t only limited to large surface applications; you can introduce the look with smaller elements, such as furniture, mantels and countertops.
Floors: Polished concrete floors are desirable in modern buildings. Concrete’s visual weight and its reputation for strength and durability visually grounds a space. I recommend a matte sheen as glossy floor finishes make the concrete look wet and dark.
Walls: If considering a wall finish, choose only one wall to accent within a room; the finish on all four walls will be overpowering, overbearing and probably far too industrial looking (think jail cell). As a focal wall, consider a concrete finish behind a bed, fireplace or television as they are natural focal walls to highlight.
Ceilings: Although popular in new condo builds, concrete ceilings can be difficult to live (and decorate) with. They can look daunting and heavy (like a bunker). If concrete ceilings are for you, try painting your walls a shade darker than the tone of concrete on the ceiling. This will make the ceilings appear lighter and lift it up rather than giving the impression they are looming into the room.
Get the look: Manufacturers are now creating home decor products with the look of concrete. You’ll find the “faux” concrete look on wallpaper, laminate and vinyl flooring, and manufactured quartz countertops to name a few. These options make it super easy to throw some industrial flair into your home. Faux products are also often more affordable, less of a decorating commitment and easier to care for than the real thing.
Concrete innovation: Many artists and manufacturers are using concrete in creative ways to make everyday products for the home. When mixed with elements like fibres and polymers, concrete becomes easier to work with, and manufacturers are able to produce a greater variety of objects that are stronger and lighter than plain concrete.
Lamp bases, decorative bowls and even faucets are being made to keep up with the concrete trend. When introduced to your decor scheme in smaller details, concrete can add a soft-coloured stone element in shapes and forms that give a room an edge without screaming industrial factory. Do you have a decor dilemma or want to give feedback? You can contact Karl Lohnes on Facebook or Instagram at Karl Lohnes Designer, or via email at klohnesdecor@sympatico.ca. Karl has worked as a home decor expert and product designer for 25 years. He appears Thursdays during the 8 a.m. hour on Global News Morning Montreal.
When polished and sealed, concrete can add urban sophistication or a textural rustic element to a space.