Decorative concrete in interiors - arguments for and against
Concrete in interiors? Until recently, it sounded abstract, but today it is no longer surprising to anyone. Architectural concrete, or simply decorative concrete, is becoming increasingly popular in commercial and residential interiors. We choose slightly loft-like, raw rooms to take a break from the cozy, warm interiors that have dominated our country for years.
Why is it worth thinking about decorative concrete? Architectural concrete has "something". With proper arrangement, it adds raw look to the interior, perfectly highlighting the modernist (and not only) style of the interior. Okay, but before we start talking in detail about the advantages and disadvantages of this solution, let's explain what architectural concrete is.
It is a variety of the typical, well-known concrete that we use for floors and precast concrete slabs in commercial construction and some of decorative panels. The decorative concrete variety is characterised by a very aesthetic colour, smooth surface, and a clear texture that is obtained manually.
The result? Great interior variety. It fits particularly well with modern stylisations, although more daring followers of eclecticism like to combine it with vintage arrangements. Architectural concrete can often be found in public places. No wonder - it fits perfectly into the urban landscape. After all, it comes from there, right? Advantages of architectural concrete are that it looks great, emphasises the style of the interior, and is difficult to not match (different shades of grey of architectural concrete match almost any colour scheme). No wonder that concrete is increasingly becoming the backdrop in interiors where elements in red, green, or yellow stand out. Aesthetics are aesthetics, but we cannot forget about functional considerations! Concrete is very durable, especially since it is supported by special reinforcements during application to remain intact for even longer. Interior design with the use of decorative concrete is not easy. First, you need consult with the interior designer to find a reliable contractor who will be able to do the job perfectly. There are still not many companies on the market that deal with decorative concrete, so it is worth looking around and checking the references. The price of such a solution is also not the lowest. However, it is a good investment for the future, as concrete will serve us for many years without the need for any repairs or renovations.
On the other hand, it is not a solution for everyone. Some people simply do not like the coldness and roughness that concrete evokes. In addition, it may not fit into every interior. It is also worth remembering that the use of concrete involves a lot of dust and dirt, so it is not a good idea to use it in places where we prepare food or in bedrooms. It is also worth considering the noise factor - the sound of footsteps on concrete can be quite loud, which may not be to everyone's liking.
In conclusion, the use of decorative concrete in interiors is a good idea for those who appreciate modernity, durability, and originality. It is worth considering, but it is not a universal solution that will work for everyone.