Pay attention: everyone always looks with interest beautiful photos interiors with concrete finishes, furniture and even concrete decor. Someone is delighted, someone is outraged, but no one is indifferent. Concrete is definitely beautiful. True, it is a little difficult to implement, and besides, it is not appropriate everywhere.
After all, the main problem of using concrete in the interior is that no one knows:
a) how to make such repairs for yourself: how concrete walls / floors / ceilings are practically made, where to find a skilled craftsman, and what kind of concrete this is;
b) how not to let concrete finishes kill home comfort and how not to turn the house into a factory closet.
Concrete Interior Rules
Let's start with the second question, here are 3 basic rules for using concrete.
1. Know the measure
Modern technologies make it possible to “dress in concrete” anything: ceiling, walls, floor, furniture, chandeliers, and what’s there, even boxes household appliances. But if you want the room to remain residential and comfortable, it is important not to overdo it.
If you live in a standard city apartment, use concrete only on certain surfaces, such as exclusively on the floor or exclusively on the walls (more precisely, even on one of the walls or part of the wall). Only if the area of housing exceeds 100 square meters, and each room is spacious and with a high ceiling, you can afford a more brutal concrete finish.
2. Feel the color
Concrete surfaces really seem bare and cold. Fill the room with warmer soft colors to soothe the interior. Don't worry, it won't become less dynamic. Designers recommend combining concrete gray with shades of yellow, burgundy and orange, using golden and copper shades of metals. Consider lighting: let the light be not only warm, but also pointy, that is, it is better to have many cozy lamps at different levels than one bright chandelier in the middle of the ceiling.
3. Keep cozy
Even the most "masculine" concrete interior can and should be cozy and psychologically pleasant. Very softens concrete natural wood, rounded cushioned furniture, pleasant to the touch carpets. Concrete walls are elegantly combined with velor and velvet textiles, knitted textures, fur and leather (artificial is in trend). Do not be afraid to use "mother's" objects and furniture in the room, concrete will still make everything more fresh and solid.
How to implement the idea of a concrete wall
If your house is built from reinforced concrete structures, feel free to defiantly open the concrete walls. Believe me, typical concrete high-rise buildings are also an architectural heritage, so why not emphasize it? Technically, all that is needed is to peel off all the paint, wallpaper and plaster, exposing the concrete, and then cover it with special protective agents for concrete and stone.
And what about those whose walls are built from a different material? Simulate concrete.
You can, of course, use wallpaper and other materials with a “concrete look” print, but such walls will not look very serious. But there are options.
Acrylic and mineral plasters based on cement, lime, marble and other natural components come to the rescue. Masters of decorative coatings these types of finishes are applied, obtaining a characteristic concrete texture, even artificial formwork seams and other "flaws" of the surface are formed. After that, with the help of glazing finish coatings surfaces give additional properties of protection against dirt and moisture, as well as additional color effects.
So whether you want a “natural” concrete surface or glam concrete with a slight golden sheen, or maybe you need a concrete wall of a particular shade or even color - everything is possible with decorative plasters.
Everyone pays attention to the interiors with interesting design, and what can we say about the concrete walls in the interior. This material can be introduced into the room in the form of decoration, furniture, decor and even accessories. No one remains indifferent to this design option, although the opinion about concrete in the interior of an apartment or house is contradictory. However, at correct design this kind of material in the room looks beautiful.
What to look for when working with concrete
The only thing worth remembering is that working with concrete is difficult, plus it is a laborious task and not always appropriate. Few people know about the main problems of using this material in the interior:
- How to prevent oversaturation of the room with concrete and the loss of home comfort. After all, living in a house resembling a closet is not very pleasant.
- How to process concrete walls in the interior.
- How to cope with the tasks:
Wall/ceiling/floor decoration;
Cooperation with a competent, interested in good result master;
Finally, find out what it is - concrete.
Rules for concrete interiors
Know when to stop
This rule is good in everything. Modern technologies are at the stage that anything can be "concrete" with their use. You will be surprised, but these are not only finishing surfaces (ceiling, floor and walls), but also furniture, chandeliers, boxes for household appliances, and some decor elements. Therefore, try not to overdo it if you want to maintain coziness and comfort in the room.
For those who live in a city apartment with a standard layout, experts recommend using concrete pavement exclusively on certain surfaces, for example, only on the floor or only on the wall.
Please note that brutal concrete finishing is only suitable for rooms whose area exceeds 100 m 2, with sufficient ceiling height and room space.
Feel the color and work with the palette
Concrete walls in the interior look empty and cold, because the designers talk about the combination of several effective newfangled trends in the interior. Complement the room with warm soft colors to balance the contrast without minimizing the dynamics too much.
Experts consider the best combinations of concrete gray with shades:
- yellow;
- burgundy;
- orange;
- golden;
- copper;
- metallic.
It is important not to forget about the lighting, which makes the interior lighter or makes it gloomier. For such interiors, it is better to choose a warm spot light, preferring a multi-level placement of lamps than installing one large chandelier in the middle of the ceiling. Follow atypical solutions to recreate a comfortable and exclusive interior.
Maintain a cozy and homely atmosphere
You don't want to live in a museum or a warehouse, do you? Even the most brutal "masculine" concrete interior should maintain comfort and psychological pleasantness.
Interior with concrete walls or successfully complement the floor wooden furniture softening the situation. The combination of “naked” surfaces with velvet, velor textiles, knitted texture, fur and leather looks gorgeous.
Features of finishing the walls of the floor and ceiling
This way of finishing is considered rather unusual. In addition to pure concrete, there are several more “variations on a theme” that visually deliver an almost identical effect, but are characterized by features. For example, some types of plaster are only applied as a decorative part of a renovation.
Often for interior design in the loft style, grunge use a spatula mass to simulate a concrete wall. It is applied to the surface, following the same principle as when working with plaster.
Different fractional mass from the manufacturer is supplied to the market, which makes the possibilities in decorating even wider.
It is easier to work with rolled concrete, its thickness is up to 5 mm, and concrete plates with photo printing is a real discovery in the construction industry.
Concrete ceiling decoration is appropriate when decorating rooms in modern directions. Here grey colour combined with warm light, giving comfort, and wall decoration in a palette of warm colors.
Do not know how to process concrete walls in the interior or decorate the ceiling? The bleached concrete ceiling looks interesting, which gives the interior a certain authenticity. Thus, the surface retains a unique texture, and the room itself will be filled with light.
As you can see, there are more than enough options to replace a pure solution with a more interesting material conveying the same effect.
The texture of concrete and its place in the interior
It all depends on the chosen style. You can stop on a rough surface with clearly visible grains of sand and small pebbles. By appearance the surface is matte and resembles a velvet coating, tactilely hard and rough.
A more finished look smooth surface concrete wall in the interior, to achieve which the following technologies are used:
- Polished concrete. It is characterized by a reflective surface, in which grains of sand and small pebbles are visible in places. mirror effect- the result of mechanical grinding of the concrete surface. To achieve an effect even stronger, it is enough to polish the surface.
- Lacquered concrete. One of the budgetary ways of surface treatment, which as a result acquires shine and brightness.
Natural concrete and its imitations in the interior
Concrete is of two types: pure and imitation. What are the features of each and how the mixtures differ, read on.
Pure concrete is divided into two classes: building and architectural.
Construction concrete
Mostly used for the construction of the frame of monolithic buildings and ceilings. The main composition includes:
- cement;
- crushed stone;
- water;
- sand.
Components are mixed in a certain proportion depending on their properties.
As for architectural concrete, its main difference from building concrete lies in the presence of additional additives, such as:
- dyes;
- equalizers;
- ceramic chips;
- glass.
This perfect option composition for finishing concrete walls in the interior, bar counters, fireplaces and other surfaces inside the house.
imitation concrete
This Alternative option, allowing you to achieve the same visual effect through the use of other methods of finishing. Choosing a variety of materials, it is easy to decide on the desired color, pattern and texture.
Among the materials suitable for the description under concrete:
- Wall panels. These are sheets of gypsum, characterized by lightness, wide model range and budget price. They are easier to work with, and such panels on the wall look much more spectacular than just concrete screed.
- Plaster. It differs in types and is lime and marble. The first is distinguished by properties that contribute to air filtration and hypoallergenicity. The second - consists of lime, gypsum and marble flour. Both types are supplied to the market in matte and glossy variations.
- Spatula mass. Material characterized by elasticity and high interaction with moisture. It differs in composition, which directly affects the fractionation of the paste: from fine-grained with small inclusions to coarse-grained.
- Rolled concrete, wall-paper, photowall-paper. The first one is a flexible fabric based on mineral flour with a thickness of up to 5 mm. Wallpaper and photo canvas - one of the simplest options for finishing. To glue the surface with these materials, use a special adhesive composition.
- Tile. This is another way to design concrete style in the interior. Wide tiled squares with imitation of concrete are suitable for decorating a kitchen, hallway, and restroom.
- Imitation painting. This is a complex but creative way. Patterns are applied to the surface of the prepared polished slab, imitating real concrete as accurately as possible.
Features of the design of the concrete interior in the apartment
Rooms where concrete surfaces or concrete look accessories look appropriate include:
- kitchen;
- living room;
- bedroom
- children's;
- bathroom and toilet room;
- hallway.
That is, almost all the rooms that are in the house.
Kitchen
The kitchen is the room where concrete mortar looks appropriate, regardless of the surface. wall, floor, ceiling covering will help to set the character of the interior, and the choice of materials allows you to recreate a rough and raw or, conversely, a glossy finish. By the way, the latter option is good for rooms with small area kitchens. This will give it spaciousness due to the reflective surface. It is interesting to combine concrete walls in the interior in the kitchen with light walls finished with tiled mosaics or paint.
Concrete can be arranged and work surface and even a whole kitchen island. besides the fact that the surface is heavy, they also make it durable and reliable. This countertop in the kitchen looks really impressive.
Living room
Concrete mortar can also be used to cast concrete shelves, decorative elements, tables or TV cabinets, which means it can be organically fit into the interior of the living room.
It is easy to fit a concrete column or partition into the layout of a studio apartment as a zone separator. Separate zones in combined rooms can be distinguished using a concrete floor in the interior.
Concrete panels look no less organic in the living room as part of the fireplace.
The place of the concrete surface in the bedroom
Use concrete in interior design in a dosed manner so as not to overdo it. Thus, you can successfully emphasize the sleeping area by highlighting the head of the bed, or finish the opposite wall, against which the plasma panel will look interesting.
Children's room
It seems that the cold and inhospitable concrete surface in the children's room looks out of place. Naturally, brutal finishes look rough and out of place, but materials that mimic concrete, such as photo wallpapers, smooth out the contrast. But still, it is better to decorate the nursery in a warmer and more pleasant interior style.
Toilet and bathroom
Concrete walls in the interior of the apartment look no less relevant in the bathroom or bathroom. The concrete partition looks harmonious in combination with glass details. An interesting look is a light transparent sink installed on a rough and untreated concrete surface.
Concrete in the hallway
It's good interior solution, favorably looking in combination with other materials. Combinations of concrete and wood or concrete and brick look best. For a compact room, it is better to choose a floor finish with lacquered surface as an alternative to concrete walls in the interior. In the photo below, the option for finishing the floor in the apartment.
Concrete and surfaces imitating it in the interior - The best decision for registration modern interiors in industrial industrial style. This cold material favorably emphasized with the help of warm diffused light, metal and glass. And this means that, knowing how to make concrete walls in the interior, and choosing this finishing option, as a result, you will get a trendy interior.
Concrete is widely used in the construction and decoration of apartments. This universal construction material used in the manufacture of foundations, ceilings, partitions. In concreting paths, playgrounds, when finishing the facades of houses, and so on. Designers and architects actively use concrete in interior projects. Its quality is second to none natural stone, marble, travertine.
Material advantages:
- wear resistance;
- durability;
- ecologically pure;
- resistant to fire, excessive moisture and damage;
- easy to use, does not require complex maintenance during operation;
- affordable cost.
The demand for the material has increased along with the growing popularity industrial style loft, minimalism and high-tech in the design of modern interiors. Concrete surfaces in light gray color favorably emphasize the objects and furniture in the room. Against its background, other colors and shades look more spectacular and richer. With help concrete mixtures you can create a concise, seasoned style and save on the purchase of other finishing materials. In addition, dust and cobwebs practically do not collect on such surfaces, which is very convenient and practical. Next, consider where and how concrete is used indoors.
In interior design, it is allowed to decorate with concrete either ceilings, or floors, or walls in one room. Excessive application will produce an undesirable effect.
Floor
Concrete floors have many advantages. They are durable and resistant to physical stress, do not require complex maintenance, and are quite affordable. Their main advantage is wear resistance and easy processing. Such floors can be different texture, perfectly smooth with a glossy sheen or rough, porous with a matte effect. Lacquered concrete floors look luxurious, although they are not expensive. Concrete flooring lends itself well to grinding, polishing and painting, thanks to which they can be performed in any color design. Better concrete floors are suitable for the bathroom, kitchen, loggia, hallway. They can also be used in the bedroom, but in this case, you should take care of the presence of a thick and warm carpet. The best option use floor coverings from concrete together with system of heat-insulated floors.
Ceiling
Concrete ceilings are also often used in design projects and can contribute cardinal changes into the interior. Thus, the atmosphere of the room becomes discreet and elegant. Ceilings can be original form, glass, metal, plastic, wood and brick elements look spectacular on them. A carefully thought-out lighting system will add special luxury to such a finish. Concrete ceilings are paired with suspended metal fixtures, classic voluminous crystal chandeliers and long cord lamps that stretch across the ceiling.
In rooms where concrete surfaces are used, there should be a lot of light.
Such ceilings are better suited to spacious rooms. In small rooms, the gray shade of the ceiling can visually reduce the height of the room. Therefore, it is recommended to paint concrete ceilings in lighter shades in rooms with a small area.
Walls
The idea of concrete walls has long been one of the most popular design techniques. Sometimes bare walls of new buildings are suitable for this, and sometimes designers use concrete imitation. Putty is suitable for imitation, decorative plaster or concrete panels. Concrete colors are also used. In modern apartments, which are characterized by minimalism, rigor and conciseness, concrete walls look elegant and harmonious. For classical style in the interior it is better not to use bare surfaces. There is a lot different options decorating concrete walls. You can make a smooth polished surface or decorate it with stucco and other decorative elements. Some companies offer decorative tiles or creative 3D concrete look panels. In rooms with concrete walls, ceilings of lighter shades are recommended.
Application in various rooms
In large, spacious rooms it is permissible a large number of concrete surfaces. For rooms with a small area, it is better to use partial fragments of concrete.
Concrete is not used in the children's room. In all other residential premises, its use is quite relevant. In addition to walls, floors, ceilings, other concrete elements can be used in the premises. A concrete-look fireplace can be a stylish accent for a living room. On modern kitchens massive and strict concrete countertops are installed. For a bathroom, sinks and bathrooms for a shower cabin can be made of concrete. Such products are made according to modern technology"wet concrete", which allows you to create a smooth, spectacular and luxurious surface of the egger. The use of concrete partitions for zoning premises is widespread.
In the bedroom, with the help of such partitions, you can create extra bed for the dressing room. Separate in the kitchen working area from the dining room. The interior of any room can be decorated with decorative concrete products, lamps, ceiling lamps, vases, souvenir figurines. There is also concrete furniture.
Concrete structures
In the interior, designers often use concrete structures such as columns, shelving, niches. Columns can be used for zoning a room or have a more decorative function. With the help of columns, attention is focused on other interior items, the clarity of the lines in the room is emphasized. IN modern design more often rectangular and square columns are used, rounded structures are now used less frequently. Shelving can consist of two concrete columns connected by shelves, while the shelves can be made of panels, glass or wood. With the help of niches and shelving, you can save extra space and money for the purchase of bedside tables or shelves.
Concrete decor
Decorate modern dwelling or a study can be done with the help of concrete decorative souvenirs. Decorative items can be found on sale or you can make original things with your own hands. Candlesticks, pots, vases, lamps, coasters and others are made of concrete. original figurines. If you use imagination and creative skills, then it is possible to make a souvenir item. with my own hands, even a flower bed, even a fridge magnet. Often molds and concrete mortar are used in the manufacture of souvenirs. Flower pots made of this material look very unusual, luxurious and modern. They will look great on window sills, bedside tables, tables, floors, shelves, racks, as well as other decor items.
What styles are suitable for concrete surfaces
For the first time, the industrial loft style appeared in the twenties of the last century in the USA in Chicago. In those days, renting a house was very expensive. And people of creative professions began to use the empty attics of industrial and residential buildings for their workshops and studios. Since then, industrial style has been popular all over the world.
Loft in English means attic. Concrete surfaces are used for industrial, industrial style, high-tech, minimalism and constructivism. In addition to residential premises, concrete surfaces are popular in the design of youth clubs, art cafes, lobby bars.
Warm shades of any type of wood soften the excessive severity of concrete. The successful combination of gray raw surfaces with soft shades of wood makes the room stylish, cozy, conducive to warm atmosphere. Large mirrors, glass combined with concrete surfaces and shiny metal details are a defining factor in modern interior design. Large windows are very suitable for this design. Green plants create a spectacular contrast, add life and natural freshness to the room. To do this, you can get a high-quality imitation of living plants to create the desired effect.
Concrete once revolutionized the world of architecture, and today it is rapidly gaining ground in interior design.
A decade ago, we could not even think that today this material would cease to be associated with gloominess and become the highlight of any interior (even in the Provence style), the original basis for bright accents. If you use concrete correctly, you can not only create a trendy design, but also bring a feeling of comfort and coziness to the room (yes, you heard right). We have prepared three basic rules that you need to know when starting a renovation using concrete as a finish.
Law #1: Less is more
It is a mistake to believe that concrete fits exclusively into loft or industrial style interiors. Rough, rough, exposed concrete walls can become part of scandinavian interior, organically complement fusion and even romantic Provence! There is only one rule - it is important not to overdo it!
According to the generally accepted rules for working with concrete in the interior, either the walls, or the floor, or the ceiling should be left concrete. One of three! Only if your space exceeds 100 square meters and the ceilings are higher than 3 meters, bare concrete can be left on all surfaces. In this case, it will serve as a brutal basis for the implementation bright ideas. But if you live in a typical city apartment, use the material in fragments. Remember, the gray color “eats up” the space, and the concrete itself is cold. finishing material. If you go too far with it, the risk of getting an uncomfortable, cold basement instead of a trendy interior is extremely high.
Law #2: Match Concrete Correctly
To bring coziness to the room, combine concrete with wood. For an ideal combination, any of its shades are suitable - from light bleached to dark wenge. The fundamentality and strength of concrete are perfectly emphasized by glass structures and brickwork. A good combination also considered yellow and pink metal. To soften the brutality concrete finish fine furniture is used.
Law #3: The secret is in processing
If the concrete walls, ceiling or floor are a “legacy” from the builders, to create a trendy interior, it is enough to carefully sand them and treat them with special protective agents. If you want to simulate concrete bare surfaces, microcement, architectural concrete, or decorative panels. The first two solutions will help to achieve a slightly "suede" surface with organic color transitions, reminiscent of cement screed. However, before you get such a result, you will have to work hard and thoroughly process the walls in the same way as they do before painting.
If cold concrete is still too radical for you, use porcelain stoneware with a similar texture (for example, porcelain stoneware "", "", "", "", "", etc.). You can add interior concrete countertop, caskets, mirrors in concrete frames.
- A concrete ceiling in a room below 3 meters will visually “eat up” the space, literally “press” on the head.
- A concrete floor will look stylish and organic with both a rough and polished, glossy surface.
- Tables and cabinets can serve as concrete accents, flower pots and utensils.
