Concrete, a viable interior design material…or am I just talking bollards?
I’ve always thought that people would be averse to using concrete in their homes as most of them immediately think of bollards and perhaps bunkers when you mention it. But it seems evident that there is a craving for something different and alternative; a craving that’s causing people to reassess what is acceptable and making them more open-minded to the use of unconventional materials. There certainly seems to be more of an appetite to experiment with concrete and explore the diverse possibilities it offers.
Versatility
Concrete is so versatile. It can be moulded into all shapes and sizes, with a multitude of textures, effects and a whole range of colours. If you thought concrete came in any colour as long as it was grey then think again!
The ultimate in practical flooring
Concrete is a durable, easy to maintain flooring material and can be used inside and out, perhaps linking a room with an outdoor space. It is also perfect for under-floor heating systems as it has a high thermal mass. This means that whilst tiles get cold very quickly, concrete retains heat for a long time. It’s like having a huge radiator under your feet.
Don’t worry. A concrete floor won’t just make your room feel like an industrial space. Take a look at the following patterned examples. I think you’ll agree they are quite beautiful.
Of course you could opt for simple beauty.
Awe inspiring fireplaces
Mention fireplaces and people will usually picture a standard wooden or stone surround, with a hearth. There might be an open grate or a gas fire but, either way, the fireplace will usually be the focal point of a room.
Concrete is not a material conventionally used for fireplaces but, believe me, professionally designed, combined with other materials and in the right room, concrete can look fantastic.
The following description conjures up an image of something spectacular: The textured blue-grey concrete meets the glossy green marble along a gently sweeping wood line. It curls up like a slender column of smoke rising from the hearth. A large installation, the marble and concrete fireplace is designed to look fabulous even if not lit. The open hearth sits off centre and in an almost demure position. Beneath a warm ruddy mantelpiece that highlights the natural veins in the polished marble, the fireplace indulges in contrasting colours and textures.
Now take a look at the picture. It doesn’t disappoint.
The fireplace is crafted in contemporary marble and concrete and blends classic luxury with sophisticated style. It’s an award winning design by Mark Concrete.
Concrete tiles
Concrete tiles are unique and versatile. They can be crafted in large and unconventional shapes and sizes, with rich and substantial finishes. Wherever they are used they will enhance a room. The examples I’ve found actually show the use of concrete tiles on two more fireplaces.
Give a Kitchen an Industrial Edge
Concrete is an ideal option for kitchen countertops, islands and even furniture because it can be moulded to any desired shape. Modern manufacturing techniques also mean it’s possible to create a concrete shell around a lightweight substructure, so islands like those pictured below can be installed without the need to reinforce the floor.
Experimental furniture
Concrete is not a conventional furnishing material…an understatement…but UK-based Gray Concrete created this concrete Chesterfield sofa for exhibiting at 100% Design London.
They made a mould of a real Chesterfield, which was then used to make a glass textile reinforced casting. The cushions are a part of the casting. Before making the mould, the padding inside the cushions was replaced with rigid foam. The techniques used by Gray Concrete pick up detail so well that the concrete sofa really looks leathery. There’s even a concrete 50p piece stuck down behind one of the cushions to complete the realistic effect. It has been designed for interior and exterior use.
Other designers have also experimented with concrete in their furniture design, with fascinating results.
Create interiors with ‘wow-factor’
This two-bedroom apartment was created in a former goods yard in the King's Cross area of London. The designers created a ‘mysterious urban retreat’, with a series of light wells, internal courtyards, and skylights harnessing diffused daylight. They have used dimmable exposed fluorescents set against intensely coloured walls to provide ‘moody illumination’.
And the material at the heart of their design? Yes, you guessed it. It was concrete.
I’m not suggesting concrete is suitable for all interior spaces, but there’s no denying it’s a robust material with incredible versatility. It presents a designer with an incredible range of options and can have real impact.
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