When you consider concrete, you may immediately think of the hot, shadeless streets of the big city, or the long, cracked driveways of a post-WWII housing subdivision. While relatively unglamorous, concrete has certainly been utilitarian, as the backbone of the skyscrapers, road systems and even humble homes that define our world. There is, though, another side to this material, a more delicate, refined and even—gasp—aesthetic face, which is being utilized by cost- and style-conscious decorators across the country.
Often referred to as “liquid stone”, concrete has been advanced by art and science to the point that it is no longer solely the cumbersome, weighty powerhouse of massive urban construction. Instead, it has become a utilitarian and stylish decorative addition, appealing both to “green” homeowners who prefer concrete to wood as a more sustainable material, and to modernist decorators who like the sleek and deconstructed feel that concrete gives to a home. Even fans of traditional looks are being amazed by the versatility shown by concrete products in the housing context.
One spot in the home that almost any homeowner could consider incorporating concrete is in the kitchen. Concrete counters are rapidly becoming a cost-effective alternative to the routine granite countertop, offering incredible durability, easy customization, and simple maintenance. As concrete can be poured into just about any practicable mold, it is a great choice when counters need to be irregularly-shaped or squeezed into an awkward space. And because of its warm and natural tones, a concrete countertop blends easily into modern homes that emphasize natural materials, such as wood, stone and brick. Concrete counters are also a unique and evolving stylistic addition: overtime, the concrete takes on a patina from repeated use, creating a countertop that has a time-worn, organic feel. Best of all, installation of concrete countertops can be a do-it-yourself project—which saves even more on kitchen decorating cost—or they can be installed by one of many professionals who now specialize in just this kind of work.
Concrete is also showing up in homes on the floor. While the vision of concrete flooring may seem cold and penitentiary-like, in actuality concrete flooring has become a staple of decorators and homeowners looking for alternatives to high-maintenance wooden or carpeted flooring. With its ability to be painted, stained, glossed or stamped, the concrete (or “cement”) floor has a flexibility and virtuosity that makes it a go-to-choice for homeowners who make cost and creativity high priorities. Cement floors can also be tiled, and some concrete tiling is showing up in backsplashes, in bathrooms and around pools. Colors in manufactured cement floors and tiles range from glossy grey to warm auburn, but with paint the options explode across the color palette. On top of this, concrete floors offer exceptional durability and strength, and even act as sound-dampeners. Try getting all that with a traditional wood flooring!
If you’re still not convinced about the new, lifestyle-friendly variety of concrete, feast your eyes on the “see-through” concrete named Litracon, which was developed by a Hungarian architect. To make this light-transmitting concrete, Litracon infuses the concrete with optical fibers, transforming concrete into a light, ethereal material. While Litracon may still be out-of-reach for a number of buyers due to its expense (over $1,000 for one square foot), it still evokes an idea of the future of concrete, in which our old notions of concrete’s humble practicality are replaced by images of its stunning decorative beauty.
See also:
National Building Museum’s Liquid Stone exhibit
DIY Network’s How to Build and Install a Concrete Countertop
I am a Managing Partner, Internet Marketer and Blogger at New Homes Section. Follow me on 
I have seen a lot of concrete counter tops and stained concrete floors in luxury homes. It is definitely the new trend in the luxury market.
Concrete counters are great, especially when done well. Here, a lot of handymen and small-outfit general contractors advertise their expertise and the product just doesn’t live-up to the expectations. This is not a project for a novice, please find someone who is very familiar with the process and has a lot of experience.
And I am loving your blog! It is so different from the majority of the ones that I read. I will be back!
I have never heard of Litracon before but the idea is certainly interesting. I have seen other materials that were translucent and the affect is amazing. Lighted concrete is not something that I would have even considered.
Great post .. thanks for such a nice information i am also plan for concrete decoration in my home because before this post i am heard from many people about concrete decoration and now after reading your this article make mood to decorate my home with concrete only.
I like to use these rough materials for house decoration. I love these new trends!