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Decorative Concrete

Six Concrete Design Trends for 2011

See the latest in-vogue looks for decorative concrete this year

Like high fashion, decorative concrete combines classic looks (think traditional staining and stamping) with the haute couture. Based on recent projects we've been seeing on the Concrete Network runway, we're predicting a number of trend-setting looks for the upcoming season. Some take advantage of cutting-edge technologies and techniques, while others take a traditional approach but give it a twist. As you can see by the examples here, the design possibilities with decorative concrete continue to flourish, giving contractors more and more options for creating unique, head-turning looks. Who knows what the trends will be next year, but we can promise you one thing: Decorative concrete will never go out of style.

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(1 of 6) Metallic coatings A whole new alchemy is available for adding razzle-dazzle to your floors -- metallic coatings that allow you to "guild" your concrete to replicate the look of copper, silver, aged bronze, nickel, and other metals. Some of these coatings contain real metallic powders, while others use special reflective pigments. See some of the unique effects possible.

(2 of 6) Glow-in-the-dark concrete Turn down the lights, save on electricity, and install some glow-in-the-dark concrete. New photoluminescent coatings allow you to light up your concrete so it casts a reflective glow at night. These surfaces are perfect for pathways, stair steps, dance floors, rec rooms and even countertops. Learn more. Glo-Krete: Glow in the Dark Concrete Phosphorous Gives Illumination to Concrete Surfaces

(3 of 6) Mixing it up The new trend for outdoor patios, walkways and other pavements is to mix-and-match multiple materials, such as concrete, stone and interlocking pavers. The concept is similar to mixing different fabrics in an outfit to achieve textural contrast and interest. See how it's done by watching these videos at LandscapingNetwork.com: Concrete and Bluestone Patio Concrete Pavers and Travertine Coping

(4 of 6) Going organic Another trend is to veer away from the ultra-modern to a more natural look that takes advantage of the organic characteristics of concrete. There are a number of ways to give new concrete a slightly worn, broken-in look, like vintage clothing. See this example: Aged-Looking Spa Sink

(5 of 6) Free-form shapes It's no longer hip to be square when it comes to decorative concrete. People are beginning to take full advantage of concrete's ability to be molded into any shape, from geometric to curvilinear. Check out these projects: S-Curve Countertop Small Backyard Patios with Three Different Looks

(6 of 6) 'Undercover' concrete One of the best attributes of decorative concrete is its ability to impersonate other materials, such as brick, natural stone, wood, marble, and slate. What's more, you get all the performance advantages of concrete but often at a lower cost than the material it's imitating. Here are some amazing examples of concrete in disguise.