Trend watch: concrete

Until recently, we gave very little regard to concrete.

We thought of it as a construction material used in the foundations of our buildings and that was that. Then, a few years ago, the industrial trend exploded in popularity. Exposed brickwork, salvaged furniture, reclaimed wood and polished pieces of otherwise scrap metal became highly sought after. It was only a matter of time before innovative designers turned their hands to the medium of concrete. Its raw nature lent itself to the industrial trend perfectly.

Understanding the material’s appeal, interior designers began using concrete in their high-end refurbs. Polished concrete floors were a must-have, thanks to their sleek and stylish appearance.

Concrete table pictured above via Loaf.com

Meanwhile, kitchen countertops made from cement soared in popularity. Also, concrete hit the large interior design shows. Designers were using it as the primary material for everyday objects like lamps, tables and stools.

Thanks to interior design magazines and social media, word spread and the trend trickled down to the high street too. Today, you can find a myriad of concrete items for use in your home – perfect if you’re planning to embrace the trend.

Using concrete in your renovation project:

Industrial chic is now a little too cliche. Last year, every new restaurant that opened in town had exposed brick walls and unconcealed pipes protruding from the ceiling! Here are a couple of alternative ways for you to style concrete. Perfect if you fancy using the material in your next renovation project but want to avoid stale trends.

1) Cool concrete:

Mix concrete pieces with white and grey. Then add pastel colours for a fresh, modern vibe.  The table below is from loaf.com –

2) Back to nature:

Alternatively, concrete works wonderfully with neutral colours and earthy tones. Complement with furnishings made from natural fibres (such as wool) to create a little cosiness in the room. Opt for solid, wooden furniture to add a slightly rustic edge. Dress your room with plenty of greenery to create your own little oasis in an otherwise concrete jungle.

3) Maybe marble?

Marble is another popular material right now and luckily, it works wonderfully with concrete.

4) Going for gold:

Warm metallics are on trend at the moment – think copper, brass, gold and rose gold.  We love these gold and concrete planters from MadeWithLoveDesigns.co.uk –

Five cheap and easy ways to incorporate the concrete trend into your home:

1) Concrete planters

Inexpensive and perfect for decorating a sparse corner.  Throw in a few succulents and you’re good to go!  Here are two different concrete planters that we love.  (Bonus – they match some of the suggestions above).

Left: Copper dipped cement planters
Right: Concrete and marble planters

2) Concrete ornaments:

From freestanding letters that grace an otherwise boring shelf to bookends, paperweights and candlestick holders.  Take inspiration from Mia Fleur –

3) Concrete lamps:

Perfect for illuminating a dull corner of the room. We love these from Made.com –

4) Concrete light pendants:

An easy way to put a little concrete into the centre of your room. We think this concrete and glass pendant from B&Q is super stylish and very affordable –

5) Concrete toilet roll holder: 

And finally, something for the bathroom! This fantastic product is a quirky way to store your toilet paper (and turn it into a fun display).  Available from DesignMyWorld.net –

Featured image Modishliving.co.uk