Concrete ’ s got chic!
Cement mixers at the ready, suddenly...
ITS very name conjures images of brutal tower blocks and 1970s shopping centres. But concrete is making a comeback as a chic interior design material for everything from magazine racks to sofas.
John Lewis sells concrete lamp stands while Selfridges is about to launch its concrete homeware range, including a £1,000 coffee machine, clocks and mugs.
If you’re the outdoorsy type, you can even buy a guilt-free concrete deer head for your wall (complete with plywood antlers).
Upmarket furniture store Heal’s sells lamps in concrete, while lifestyle website Amara sells a concrete clock, and chairs.
Living Concrete, suppliers of ‘bespoke concrete design’ describe the material as ‘liquid stone’ and sell tables, a chaise longue and a sofa – which costs £4,000. Daniel Wanat, 41, owner of the shop in Chiswick, West London, said: ‘We’ve had huge interest – concrete furniture is going to be a big thing. It’s a liquid stone, you can make anything out of it and it outlasts everything. That’s why it’s popular.’
Geraldine James, Selfridges home buyer, explained: ‘There has been a shift to simple, industrial and functional designs. I don’t expect people to buy a whole concrete dinner service but they will want a few everyday concrete objects.’
And Susie Rumbold, president of the British Institute of Interior Design, said: ‘Concrete is cool, it gives a fashionable accent to a home and it’s a talking point.’