Design Secrets for Interior Concrete

Balance

Balance is necessary to achieve visual weight in a room. But it doesn’t have to be perfectly symmetrical. For a more informal and intriguing look, try an asymmetrical approach, such as this yin-yang inspired concrete fireplace surround.

Focal points

If concrete is to be used as a focal point in a room, make sure it commands attention and attracts the eye. The focal point of this kitchen is a charcoal-colored, oval-shaped concrete island, with a built-in cutting board and a concrete sink. Concrete countertop designer Fu-Tung Cheng used this shape rather than an ordinary rectilinear island to create a sculptural element for the space. See more photos of the work Cheng designed for this unique home.

Contrast

When done thoughtfully, pairing other materials with concrete creates stimulating visual contrast without being distracting. This beautiful floor-to-ceiling fireplace surround, designed for the master bedroom of a model home, is made of two-toned taupe and gray concrete enhanced by rusted, forged metal band inlays and walnut shelving. See other examples of how concrete was used in the interior rooms of this home.

Repetition

Even when you combine concrete with other materials in a room, you can achieve cohesiveness by repeating forms, textures or colors. In this kitchen, for example, the dark wood floors are echoed in the rich, walnut-colored concrete countertops.

Continuity

The design challenge in this home was to tie multiple rooms and hallways together to provide continuity yet have unique looks within each room. To create the multiple looks, decorative concrete floors with different stenciled patterns were used. However, the same two base floor colors and the same border design extend throughout the house to maintain a cohesive flow. In areas with light floors the borders were dark, and on the dark floors the borders were light.