Decorating
Decorating: The Smooth Secrets of Polished Concrete
It may be the brutalists’ star material, but concrete can also be sensuous, tactile and truly beautiful
Who knew concrete could be sexy? It may sound dull, but oh my goodness, when it’s used in the right setting, it makes me swoon. This is one of my favourite materials – I don’t know whether to stroke it, chop on it or tap dance on it. I love using different types of stone, but sometimes in a scheme I don’t want to see any joins or grout lines, which break up a beautiful finish. Over the years, I’ve used polished concrete in many interiors and it gives a fabulous contemporary feel, is gorgeously tactile and just gets better with age.
Exploit concrete’s soft edges
Unlike many stone worktops, the edges of a polished-concrete work surface can easily be curved and smoothed. It’s particularly useful for anyone with kids, as it avoids having those sharp corners that terrify if there are little ones tearing around.
Discover which kitchen worktop is perfect for you
Unlike many stone worktops, the edges of a polished-concrete work surface can easily be curved and smoothed. It’s particularly useful for anyone with kids, as it avoids having those sharp corners that terrify if there are little ones tearing around.
Discover which kitchen worktop is perfect for you
Unify with a single expanse of flooring
It’s often tricky to link different zones in a large, open-plan space, and using the same floor finish throughout can really make a difference. This pale polished-concrete flooring helps the kitchen flow effortlessly into a dining area and on into the living space.
It’s often tricky to link different zones in a large, open-plan space, and using the same floor finish throughout can really make a difference. This pale polished-concrete flooring helps the kitchen flow effortlessly into a dining area and on into the living space.
Add edge to a vanity unit
Concrete can really come into its own in a bathroom, as it forms a single, seamless surface and can be modelled into any shape, even a sink. For a neat and easy way to incorporate a shot, swap a wood or composite vanity top for a chunky polished concrete one.
Concrete can really come into its own in a bathroom, as it forms a single, seamless surface and can be modelled into any shape, even a sink. For a neat and easy way to incorporate a shot, swap a wood or composite vanity top for a chunky polished concrete one.
Go 360 degrees to lead the eye
Using the same material on the floors, walls and ceiling can look brilliant and this is a stunning example. This cocoon effect is so successful, I can almost hear the peace and quiet. I want to be transported there on a manic day and just stare at the beautiful stone wall, which draws the eye through the space and adds just enough detail.
Using the same material on the floors, walls and ceiling can look brilliant and this is a stunning example. This cocoon effect is so successful, I can almost hear the peace and quiet. I want to be transported there on a manic day and just stare at the beautiful stone wall, which draws the eye through the space and adds just enough detail.
Team industrial with refined
I love the idea of having a stunning flat-panelled kitchen that looks as if you need to be really nice to it teamed with a fantastically solid concrete island where you can sit and share a bottle of wine – or dance on it if you’re letting your hair down! This is an island that looks as if it could survive the blood, sweat and tears of family life.
Learn how to soften up an industrial kitchen
I love the idea of having a stunning flat-panelled kitchen that looks as if you need to be really nice to it teamed with a fantastically solid concrete island where you can sit and share a bottle of wine – or dance on it if you’re letting your hair down! This is an island that looks as if it could survive the blood, sweat and tears of family life.
Learn how to soften up an industrial kitchen
Mix ancient and modern
The juxtaposition of man-made materials and aged natural ones can look amazing, as this scheme proves. The clean, modern walls and floor really showcase the time-worn door, which in isolation adds interest rather than visual noise, for a beautiful effect.
TELL US...
Do you like the look of polished concrete? How do you use it in your home? Share your tips and pictures with us in the Comments.
The juxtaposition of man-made materials and aged natural ones can look amazing, as this scheme proves. The clean, modern walls and floor really showcase the time-worn door, which in isolation adds interest rather than visual noise, for a beautiful effect.
TELL US...
Do you like the look of polished concrete? How do you use it in your home? Share your tips and pictures with us in the Comments.
Concrete doesn’t have to look industrial. Add a single expanse of worktop to an otherwise white gloss kitchen for a fresh, clean look. The grey and white work well together, and the shot of concrete updates the simple gloss scheme beautifully.