Wood, plaster, tile, wallpaper, brick. There are so many different ways to cover the walls of a home - some of which are actually the complete absence of covering. While ancient castles hung elaborate tapestries to cover the cold, barren stone of their walls, today many modern designers celebrate the aesthetic of bare concrete. What once indicated a desolate warehouse or unforgiving artist's loft can now be used in conjunction with sleek, modern, stylish choices for a finished look that is anything but dank. Take a look at these apartments and see just how far the idea of concrete has come.
The first home featured is a penthouse designed by a sculptor. Interior designer Anton Medvedev took full advantage of the sky high ceilings with smooth concrete walls and plenty of exposed metal. Unlike some modern loft designs, the metal here is not a perfectly polished chrome but is actually rusted over for a really unique accent.
The designer also utilizes this concrete and metal dichotomy in other rooms, particularly the kitchen and dining area. With naturally imperfect wood accents and exposed metal ceiling beams, the home feels ultimately industrial but also incredibly artistic.
The second space comes from visualizer Dmitriy Yemelianeko and Architect/Designer Angelina Stelmakh. Here, the concrete elements exist playfully with bright colors and other industrial materials - namely plastic.
A dining space with slatted windows again shows how beautiful natural wood can contrast with unfinished concrete while creative patio chairs call to mind the ribbon candy of childhood.
In the bathroom, a deep black tub sits elevated on its own concrete slab that is surrounded by grass. It quickly becomes like bathing in the outdoors, surrounded by blossoming flowers, which is the height of decadence.
Another warm industrial home, this space uses lots of textured fabric - from upholstery to area rugs - to soften the effect of concrete walls and ceilings. The floors, in a dark natural wood, are also rustic in a welcoming way.
In the kitchen and dining room, concrete gives way to glorious white, using a creative textured pattern on one wall for a subtle accent.
In this next artistic apartment, the concrete takes on an entirely new tenor. Here, rather than leave the concrete smooth or speckled with its natural divots, the designer has stamped a wood texture onto the concrete finish. This gives the walls an almost surreal look.
The use of color throughout the space is also enviable, with rich turquoise upholstery and cozy linens as part of the slightly lofted bed.
