We are fast approaching Grand Designs Live (more on that later), and with that comes a ton of research for our stand design. It is becoming vastly known that cement has transformed from a mere building material to a trendy finish for homes, retail, and office space alike. So we thought we would share our findings with you, dear readers, for the next makeover you have in mind….
1. Merging Materials
“MERGE challenges our visions of the natural world with bold colours harmonising in unexpected combinations. Hard materials are taken to a whole new level of adornment by Merge; sparkling finishes and decorative aesthetics are used to maximise tactility.” (Source)
“MERGE challenges our visions of the natural world with bold colours harmonising in unexpected combinations. Hard materials are taken to a whole new level of adornment by Merge; sparkling finishes and decorative aesthetics are used to maximise tactility.” (Source)
A mix of Cemcrete's Colour Hardener floor with SatinCrete built-in seating and an exposed brick wall.
Merging different natural materials such as raw brick and wood with cement is far becoming the most trendy design foundation we have found. These textures just work so well together, and more over create an interesting design story to which the “fad” trends can be applied and then removed. For example, it is much easier to remove the bold Chevron pattern carpet than repaint an entire feature wall.
Cement floors, exposed brick wall, industrial beams and wood kitchen and furniture merging together. (Source)
Cemcrete's floor finish merging elegantly with wood, water and stones.
2. Tactile Texture
“Texture is the most foolproof way to add visual interest to a space, says Kayla Vig, an interior designer with Gunkelmans.” (Source)
“Texture is the most foolproof way to add visual interest to a space, says Kayla Vig, an interior designer with Gunkelmans.” (Source)
Cemcrete's SatinCrete is a smooth, interior mottled wall coating.
The beautiful thing about cement is that it is extremely tactile. Weather a smooth skim on, off-shutter, or bag wash effect, you almost can’t resist running your fingertips along the surface. It’s texture is complimented by its natural mottling. Cement surfaces will never be a “flat” colour because of the way it is absorbed at various rates into the surface, and because this naturally matt material holds light. These textural elements make this material visually and physically interesting.
Cemcrete's CemWash creates a unique bagwash effect.
Cemcrete's CreteCote creates a unique, smooth mottled finish for interior floors.
3. Colour Stories
“The colors of sand and stone will prevail. Be inspired by your morning whole meal bread with the warmth of beige and neutral. These colors mixed with white will allow the texture and touch of materials to take the forefront.“ (Source)
“The colors of sand and stone will prevail. Be inspired by your morning whole meal bread with the warmth of beige and neutral. These colors mixed with white will allow the texture and touch of materials to take the forefront.“ (Source)
Earthy tones highlighted with cement finishes. (Source)
Using natural materials means natural colouring. Cement finishes are also available in such nude and beige colours to appeal to this trend too. Using cement incorporates the tactility of our 2nd trend and colour from this one. Remember choosing natural colour schemes as a design foundation is timeless.
Cemcrete finishes in natural colours of sand and stone as a design foundation.
4. Undefined style guide
‘The confidence to try bold trends and mix finishes means a broader interpretation of design styles. There is no longer a need to place styles in fixed categories like “traditional”, “rustic”, “industrial” or “country.” Homes in 2014 will represent an eclectic array of stylistic influences. Picking items that speak to you individually will keep you from conforming to a rigid or overdone look.” (Source)
‘The confidence to try bold trends and mix finishes means a broader interpretation of design styles. There is no longer a need to place styles in fixed categories like “traditional”, “rustic”, “industrial” or “country.” Homes in 2014 will represent an eclectic array of stylistic influences. Picking items that speak to you individually will keep you from conforming to a rigid or overdone look.” (Source)
Be brave and build a cement bed cave. (Source)
The sheer amount of varied finishes and colours of cement-based finishes will cater to every individual style. A floor or wall finish in cement can now extend to shelving, basins, baths, countertops, and fireplaces. Mix and match, and really edit your space so that the amalgamation of materials and styles complement each other rather than clash.
Cement finishes for kitchens extending from walls and floors to shelving and countertops. (Source)
Cement floors and walls extend to create a feature fireplace. (Source)
5. DIY decor
“One of the easiest ways to achieve an industrial look at home is to use industrial materials. Concrete is an obvious choice and in recent months we have witnessed a huge rise in the use of concrete in interior design. Many designers are now using concrete in unexpected and unusual ways and it would seem that there is nothing that can’t be made using this versatile material.” (Source)
“One of the easiest ways to achieve an industrial look at home is to use industrial materials. Concrete is an obvious choice and in recent months we have witnessed a huge rise in the use of concrete in interior design. Many designers are now using concrete in unexpected and unusual ways and it would seem that there is nothing that can’t be made using this versatile material.” (Source)
A DIY cement stool with on-trend dip-dye legs. (Source)
Making or purchasing cement décor items from lamps, to pot holders, to pretty much anything is fast becoming the go to for DIY’ers and industrial designers. Cement is extremely versatile medium and can be cast into anything that it can set in. Be creative with this one, it is a sure way to add some urban chic to your design, and there are plenty blogs out there with easy to follow step-by-steps.
DIY cement pendant lamps. (Source)
How will you be using cement creatively in your next home makeover?