Hard Loving: Concrete Touches
June 27, 2012
Sadly, we have yet to complete our ongoing ensuite bathroom renovation. It was a very unexpected but very necessary gut job due to a slow water leak behind the shower and, now that the mold and soggy parts have all been removed and replaced with dry plywood, we have some design decisions to make. Our budget is tight but, since we’re down to the studs, I think that we may as well go for gusto and replace the builder-grade vanity while we’re at it. Brad’s not so on board and I’ve been doing my best to think outside the box and look for a somewhat simple DIY project for us, ahem, him to tackle. My friend Sarah asked for advice on concrete countertops the other day (we Brad made them for our last kitchen) and it got me thinking about using them in our ensuite. While searching for a tutorial that I remembered finding on Pinterest a while ago (there’s a great one here), I came across some other fabulous examples of concrete surfaces used in everyday homes…
I’m a big fan of concrete floors, especially heated ones. I love the sleek surface, they look like they’d be easy to keep clean and it would be pretty tough for kids and/or dogs to do any damage to them. Layered with area rugs and combined with warm coloured woods, they lose their industrial chill…
NY Times. Photo by Francois Halard.
The sink above is a pretty amazing example of concrete used in a bathroom but I am head over heels for the open shelves in the kitchen below. While I still love wood planks used as shelving, I thought these were such a unique and modern touch to the space. From flooring to countertops to tabletops and more, concrete is an affordable and extremely durable option for everyday living…
Design*Sponge. Photo by Vince Klassen.
Lily
What are your thoughts on these industrial surfaces? Too cold or modern for you or home sweet home? If we ever get the chance to build one day, I love the idea of using concrete floors…in fact, I can picture the kids riding their scooters around this dining room table now! Add a few colourful kilims or sumptuous rugs like Rachel featured yesterday, and I’d be ready to move in. Have a great Wednesday!
