Do you have concrete walls in the house and do not know how to take advantage of them to become a decorative object in itself?
Well, this book of ideas is, then, for you.
Also for all those lovers of this material that has been starring in many of the advances in architecture and, from a time to this part, also in interior design.
Concrete began to be used in residential architecture with a purely structural function, always being coated by other building materials that have traditionally been used for coatings and finishes.
But with the advent of new styles that claim the transparency and sincerity of construction systems and that advocate for simplicity and for the essence in construction, without artificial or purely ornamental elements, the claim is exposed concrete.
Thus, we find concrete seen, raw (without more tweaks than those necessary to make the living space) in minimalist decorations or in homes with an industry style.
The result can be as spectacular as we show you in these 13 examples that I’ve selected and that you can explore below.
1. In the living room
The color of the concrete is always gray, but depending on the cement used or the way it has been put into work (the type of formwork) that gray can have many nuances and a multitude of textures. Subsequent treatments may also be applied that slightly vary the tone or type of finish in order to enhance the material and adapt it to the interior design of the room in which it is located.
2. Simplicity in decoration
When betting on a decoration in which concrete is one more element, we recommend avoiding using too many decorative accessories.
Moreover, avoiding as much as possible the elements that are purely ornaments is more than a success.
That way you will highlight the power of the concrete and nothing will detract from its characteristic color and texture.
3. Different appearance
Concrete is very good in the decoration and minimalist style in any element present in the room.
However, it also admits certain touches that take away from this total simplicity if you feel it can lead to somewhat aseptic spaces.
As we say, you can play with the texture of the material making the wall much more ornamental.
4. Playing with the material
This type of treatments that provide texture to the material should be considered when putting it into work, choosing a special type of formwork or varying the way the material is poured.
The solidity of the concrete prevents it from being manipulated later, allowing only surface treatments to vary the color of the wall or the brightness of the surface.
5. Designs for open spaces
Concrete is a material that allows custom designs, even arguably ideal for this type of proposal, because of its structural function.
The only thing to keep in mind is that you have to think carefully about the special designs and shapes from the project phase because after the wall is executed, it cannot be modified. It’s the good and the bad of the exposed concrete, a material without a trap or cardboard.
6. Color scheme
The combination with different shades of grey and, above all, with white is perfect for rooms with exposed concrete walls.
7. Lighting designed to create warm environments
It may be the case that you like the material, but be afraid, when using it in a house, that the rooms will be somewhat cold.
It is true that the material is somewhat hard and if it is not accompanied by a comprehensive proposal of proper decoration, it can generate un welcoming environments.
But it is no less true than with the right furniture and elements, but above all, with a well-thought-out lighting, the atmosphere created will be warm and comfortable.
For them, it is best to opt for indirect and warm lighting and spot lights wherever the use of the room demands it.
8. Concrete walls in any room
Concrete is a valid material for any room of the house.
As a sample, this bathroom with a minimalist aesthetic that gives it a lot of personality.
We must, as we are seeing, take into account the presence of such walls when considering the decoration of the space.
As we see, the aesthetics of concrete should be complemented by a decorative proposal that matches, so it would not fit in any decorative style.
9. A touch of vitality
Concrete is a neutral material that not only supports without being perfectly a touch of vivacity.
But how to achieve it? Well, there are many ways: placing plants to introduce a natural touch and a color note can be a good way, but you can also enter the color through accessories and textiles, for example.
10. On the facade
Outdoor concrete has also proliferated in recent years.
It is becoming increasingly common to show the structural material of the walls, if they are built with reinforced concrete, without placing any coating on it.
In homes it is usual to find concrete walls combined with wooden elements, so this is the case of the house of the image, with the aim of making the construction warmer and cozy.
11. For a modern and contemporary bathroom
12. Concrete in the bedroom
13. Concrete combined with other materials
The exposed concrete can be combined inside a house with very different different materials. One of the most common combinations, as we saw on the outside, is with wood. The wood can be inserted into pavements, on walls through a paneling or in the furniture and, whatever the option is chosen, it will be a perfect binomial combined with a concrete wall. Also other materials, preferably with smooth and satin finishes, will be perfect to the concrete walls.
And you, do you like exposed concrete walls for a domestic interior?
