There are a million and one ways to use concrete, but interior decorating is unlikely to pop up first in anybody's mind. Yet it's just so simple and attractive, and it's as versatile in the interior design world as it is in construction. As a unique wall treatment, concrete isn't quite as carefree as drywall but it does come with a few interesting options – give your concrete walls a gorgeous texture or a smooth high gloss, paint or stain it any color you can imagine, imprint your favorite designs or score it into squares… The list goes on! This post highlights a few different approaches so you can find a fit for your style.
Rich, dark woods offer a relaxing and warm atmosphere in the dining room. And get this – there's even a sofa in place of a bench seat on the far side. The sleek Danish breakfast stools by Erik Buch are undeniably inviting as well.
These highly textured walls work well with the ultra-high ceiling. Exposed conduit and pipes hint back to the industrial materials but don't overshadow the chic vibe below. And take a second look at the spidery chandelier above the dining table: because it's made of many individual adjustable desk lamps, this piece can be expanded or contracted to focus light as needed.
Painted brick and scored concrete walls create an interesting visual dynamic in this bright home. These distinctive surface treatments lend themselves to a softer look when paired together, far more comforting than either wall treatment could be on its own. The eclectic furniture and decor certainly help to enliven and energize the whole room.
Travel-inspired decor makes this bedroom feel especially comfortable, personal, and charismatic. The dark walls are perfect for those who aren't fond of waking up early. The incredible oversized station clock on the upper right is beyond amazing and well-suited to this space!
The floors are scored into the shape of tiles, and finished with a treatment that looks very much like stone.
Making fantastic use of both light and dark concrete, this home offers an inspirational look at the flexibility of concrete as a finished surface. With such tall ceilings, the darker colors get rid of that "empty" feeling and make the home feel more intimate and comfortable. The floor-to-ceiling painting draws the eye immediately – and the lighter concrete makes a wonderful backdrop.
Glass walls offer a peek into the office just behind the sofas. Drawing the curtains provides a little privacy.
The living room and dining areas are pared down to their most basic components. The dinner table and chairs are very low-profile and look quite lightweight, so nothing can obstruct the limited natural lighting.
The kitchen unit continues the streamlined theme with elegant handle-free design and a sleek stainless steel backsplash.
Designed by Sergey Baskakov, this minimalistic black and white space features mid-tone concrete walls with glossy concrete floors to match. Pillars, beams, and ceiling are all cohesive and uniform, punctuated by a large glossy kitchen unit in the center of the room.
Inspiring exposed concrete walls and contemporary furniture create an interesting counterbalance to the traditional wooden rafters above (and keep an eye on the ceiling throughout the rest of this home for some serious ceiling envy). This space takes advantage of a little white paint to brighten the concrete walls to the right.
That backsplash accent wall is especially inspiring. While most would think to hang that shape of tile horizontally, vertical tiles are becoming more popular.
The kitchen walls use the same fine concrete but painted white.
Note the large wall clock on the freestanding fireplace in the background. The cute poufs on the floor in front of it are a sweet touch.
Neat shelves! The color variation would be a fun idea to adapt at home, too.
Brown, yellow, blue, concrete, wood, and textiles – it's cool to see how these natural colors and inexpensive materials come together in such a fresh and exciting way here.
This artistic home features a very fine texture on the concrete walls, quite smooth compared to the distressed style that seems so popular these days. Cheerful decor and furniture looks so homey and comfortable. The colorful geometric rug, pair of city-themed prints, and playfully mismatched pillows all play a role in softening the aesthetic of the concrete.
Rough concrete in the shower makes the bold marble look even more dramatic.
Smooth lighted shelving, a nice window view, and a comfortable armchair are the only ingredients needed for a cozy reading nook.
An incredible variety of windows and skylights helps to fill in the expansive surface area as well. The skylights are especially admirable – what a nice layout for stargazing! The pendant lamps are from the AIM collection by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec.
Concrete walls are featured in the bedroom, as well. Although the bed does have a very lovely headboard, the designer placed a painting partially behind it which serves as a convenient way to close the gap between the floor and the high ceilings.
Up close, you can see the intricate texture of the concrete – a very stylish choice. The exposed brick wall in the background adds another nice source of texture, and makes the yellow bedding theme look even more welcoming.
