While we love the industrial look of raw concrete floors, they certainly aren't for everyone...especially if you happen to lack the sweet loft to go with them. Still, low costs and easy maintenance make concrete an enticing option. For the loft-less or those who just prefer glossy chic to derelique, we've rounded up a host of painted concrete alternatives...

• 1. you know how we feel about scripted furnishings, so why not scripted floors? This floor is the inspiring DIY stenciling feat of Maryam Montague of My Marrakesh fame.
• 2. The stunning white glossy floors of Vicente Wolf. White floors are the easiest way to create an air of spaciousness and light in any space.
• 3. If your concrete floors are in decent shape, but you still want the high shine appeal, opt for a clear alkyd finish rather than a color.
• 4. We like the bold color used to spice up this drab basement.
• 5. The silver lining of an unfortunate sewer back-up in our home — yuck!—was the chance to re-do our sorely outdated basement. We're still in the refinishing process, but the first layer of concrete paint is down — out with the chipping green asbestos tile! We love the brightening effect of the paint and the texture of the concrete from beneath, but we're still debating adding a stenciled pattern. What are your thoughts?

Second Row:

• 6 We love the painted rug in Paola Navone's home in Greece. This is a great solution for a concrete floor that has problem patches. You can still keep the overall rugged feeling of uncured concrete while masking rough spots with a decorative design.
• 7, 8, 9 And this beautiful "Skylar Lace" stenciling from Royal Design Studios, another Maryam Montague special.

Stay tuned for a painted concrete how-to...

(Images: 1: Decor8, 2: New York Social Dairy, 3: Brian Patrick Flynn via Treehugger, 4: Better Homes and Gardens, 5: Leah Moss, 6: The Style Files, 7: Royal Design Studio, 8, 9: via Design Amour)

You might also like