6 Ways to Incorporate Concrete into Your Custom Home Design

December 6, 2018

Concrete is a sturdy material. For the longest time, it’s been considered an industrial construction material used for building homes and outdoor spaces. However, concrete is versatile and can be used for more than construction; it can be used for decoration too. Here are a few ways to incorporate concrete into your custom home design:

1. Concrete Walls

Concrete walls offer a bold, modern look to a room. You can have all of the walls of a room made out of concrete or you can use it as an accent wall. Concrete does tend to have a more industrial look and a cold feel. So, you want to balance the room with warmer elements and decor to keep the space from coming across as impersonal or lifeless.

2. Concrete Floors

Concrete floors are sturdy, durable, and easily maintained, which makes them a great option for flooring, especially in rooms that will have a lot of foot traffic. Polished and sealed concrete gives the floor and the room a sophisticated and stylish look.

When sealed properly, a concrete floor can stand up to almost any wear and tear. This makes it a great basement flooring option as well. Dusting as needed, an occasional mopping, and a polishing every few years will keep your concrete floor looking amazing and will help maintain its durability. Not only do these traits make concrete a viable flooring option inside your home, but they also make concrete one of the best flooring options for pet owners.

3. Concrete Countertops

Concrete can also be a great material for countertops. As long as they are properly sealed and maintained, concrete countertops are resistant to stains and discoloration, can handle heat, and are durable. They are also highly customizable. Several colors and edge designs are available to help you get the look you want. You can also get some types of kitchen islands made entirely out of concrete or top your kitchen island with a concrete countertop.

This can be a good choice even if you’re using a different countertop material in the rest of the kitchen as it creates a unique, two-toned look. Properly sealed concrete is also one of the best bathroom countertops. It is important to note that the corners of concrete countertops can be susceptible to chipping. You also may notice a green or brown film on the chipped corners caused by oxidation over a long period. This is called a patina and may develop within a few years of the countertops being installed.

4. Concrete Showers or Tubs

A concrete shower or tub can provide a unique look to your bathroom. These showers can be made with practically no seams, which means no grout and makes the shower easier to clean and maintain. The troweled-on concrete creates shower walls and basins that are waterproof.

Because sealed concrete is very slippery when it gets wet, a non-slip texture should be incorporated into the sealer to help prevent slips and falls. Concrete showers are more popular than concrete tubs, but a concrete tub is an available option. Depending on the size of the tub, there may be a need for a stronger floor structure to provide sufficient support.

5. Concrete Fireplace

Concrete is a great material for a fireplace hearth. It tends to retain heat and release it slowly, which can help provide some extra warmth in a room even after the fire has gone out. A seamless concrete fireplace can be a statement piece for a room. You can also use stamped concrete to get a more decorative look or the look of brick without the maintenance of brick.

6. Concrete Decor

Decor made of concrete is a great way to incorporate this material into your home in a less permanent way. You can go with larger concrete pieces like furniture. Concrete coffee tables, side tables, lamp stands, or lighting fixtures can add an industrial and modern look to a room without overwhelming it. You can also go with smaller pieces like bookends, planters, and more for just a small touch of concrete.

Concrete may be a popular material for outdoor living spaces and outdoor decoration, but it is certainly becoming one of the popular housing trends for interior decor as well. It’s even one of the ideas for rustic kitchen & living room decor! Whether you go all out or just add a touch, there are plenty of ways to incorporate concrete into your custom home design.

If you’re ready to build a custom home, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090 to make your dream home a reality!