1. 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, rec rooms and even countertops. Learn more.
Glo-Kote: Glow in the Dark Concrete
Phosphorous Gives Illumination to Concrete Surfaces
2. 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.
3. 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. 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. 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. '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.
