In the past, the use of concrete was reserved for basements and old warehouses — but not any more. It can bring a bit of texture and ruggedness to a space, or likewise feel warm and comfortable. Check out a few ways to make the look work in your own home, no matter if you live in a loft or an old farmhouse.
1. Countertops: This tutorial from long time reader Splatgirl is still at the top of the list for making concrete countertops a reality. Her work is easy to understand and puts things in perspective for those who have never attempted, or even thought about, tackling something like this on their own.
2. In Accents: Concrete isn't terribly tricky to cast and this quick tutorial is a good one when it comes to making something simple from the substance like a wall hook. You can purchase mold making supplies at your local craft stores in a kit to make your own hardware or concrete accessories.
3. Wall Treatment: If you're wanting to give your walls a more rugged and industrial look, check out this tutorial to see how to make it happen. It would be perfect in a home gym or even a kitchen backsplash for an extra funky look!
4. Paint It: Many homes have unfinished basement floors and although they can seem a little blah, a bit of paint can warm them right up. This is an easy tutorial to teach you how. What once was grey and cold is now light and bright!
5. Sinks: Cold concrete and cool water seem to go hand in hand as we've seen more sinks appearing on the market that make this pairing happen. Here are a few favorites; though you could use the same tutorial for countertops mentioned above to make your own (with the right form).
6. Privacy Screens: Even if you're not a fan of mid century styling, there's no denying the beauty in a repeated pattern. In many cases concrete blocks give us this look and more companies are starting to bring back the classics. Here's a bit of inspiration for your own home!
7. Fireplaces: A concrete fireplace can take on almost any feel. They can be vintage or modern alike, but no matter what your tastes, there's sure to be one for you. They create a blank slate and leave your fireplace feeling uncluttered and calming.
8. Furniture: We promise they're more comfortable than you think! Here's a few designs from Eric Billig and Holmes Wilson.
9. DIY Outdoor Furniture: Ever wanted to have a permanent place to play checkers outside in the morning sun? These chairs and table sets are handmade and easy enough to make at home!
10. Fake It: Even if you don't have concrete floors or care to mess with the sloppy mess that can be associated with projects of this sort, this is a simple way to get the look without all the hassle. Make sure to check out this paint technique that would work on sub floors for a temporary fit or even something more permanent.
Image: 1. Splatgirl, 2. Instructables, 3. Kara Paslay, 4. Leah Moss, 5. TrueForm Concrete, 6. Swanky Little Pad, 7. Jetset Modern, 8. Eric Billig, 9. Sarah Rae Trover, 10. Hindsvik
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Just make sure if you're doing concrete countertops that you or your contractor really know what you're doing. We have concrete countertops in our rental. Our landlord told us to use Minwax Paste Wax to keep them nicely finished. However, you can't get them wet, or the protective coating bubbles off. Washing dishes is impossible and guests' drinks make a mess. In my book countertops are for cooking, making messes, and are all about durability. Either have an awesome finish, be okay with the patina of use, or forgo concrete altogether!
I love concrete counters! And I really like the idea of a concrete screen like that, too!
We have concrete counters (that my husband, a builder, made) in our bathroom and plan to put them in the kitchen once we move. They definitely patina and will not look perfect! We love it that way.
If anything breakable touches your concrete countertop harder than a a kiss... Kiss it goodbye.
RE: comment by ibog......what's your point? ANY hard surface is unkind to breakables.
That said, I have concrete in my kitchen and I absolutely love the patina that it is developing. My contractor made the surfaces glass smooth and the character that the counter has taken over a year is absolutely beautiful!
A note to obsessives; if you can't stand the slightest sign of imperfection, I would recommend that you try some other surface as concrete is a natural substance like wood....it's the imperfections that make it beautiful.
Love concrete! Here in the Yucatan Peninsula, they do so much beautiful stuff with concrete, especially kitchens.
We LOVE concrete and have totally been considering DIYing some concrete countertops, but we DO have polished concrete floors in our home and we LOVE them!!! We can't wait to finish them through the rest of the house!!!
I am curious about what it's really like to live with concrete floors...strongly considering it for my second home.