Rethinking Concrete: Interior Design Trends

Concrete is no longer just for sidewalks. New surface treatment techniques have caused concrete designs to become one of the most sought after materials for concrete patios, floors, entryways, countertops, pool decks and more.

Because of concrete's porous qualities and neutral tone, it is the perfect blank canvas for topically applied color. Using acid-based chemical stains, decorative concrete contractors have been able to achieve rich, earth-toned color schemes resembling natural stone, marble, wood, or even leather, giving a completely custom look to cement floors, concrete driveways, patios, walkways, pool decks, concrete walls and more.

Most acid stains are a mixture of water, hydrochloric acid, and acid-soluble metallic salts. They work by penetrating the surface and reacting chemically with the hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) in the concrete. The acid in the stain lightly etches the surface, allowing the metallic salts to penetrate more easily. Once the stain reacts, it becomes a permanent part of the concrete and won't fade, chip off, or peel away. Newer, water based staining techniques offer a broad array of vivid colors.

There are endless options for applying unique concrete shapes in your home. This wonderful, natural and versatile material can enhance and beautify your surroundings. You are only limited by your imagination. Choose a concrete interior design and show your creativity rather than falling back on the old conventions of marble or slate.

Faux Finishing

Faux finishing can be a great way to add some unique flavor to a wall, ceiling, or floor. The process involves dabbing paint on a wall in various types of mottled textures to create a wide variety of looks. Special sponges used to dab certain glazes on a prepared surface can give the appearance of marble, while other techniques - such as using plastic tarps to wrinkle paint - can create an aged leather appearance of texture. The process and techniques behind the art of faux finishing is so varied and complex, it has recently hatched faux finishing schools . Despite its dubious name, faux finishing done well can have stunning results.

Organic Interiors

Interior walls that are made of grass ? A decorating trend that started in a few swanky restaurants in New York is beginning to spread to private homes in urban areas. A few companies, such as Argentinean company, Ustatic, are marketing a system of low maintenance grass wall panels. The organic design technique goes well beyond simply featuring grass as a potted plant. The "Wall Grass" is a system of rectangular grass panels, which function with a structural substrate which, combined with the grass roots, form a wall of considerable structural integrity. The grass can be used for decoration or as an alternative for small spaces without a backyard. This organic design trend might have a long life, as the grass wall purifies the air and offers a high degree of energy saving insultation. You can even use different, edible types of grass such as wheat grass that grow fairly quickly. Imagine waking up in the morning, going downstairs and pulling up a few sprigs of wheat grass for the juicer ! Catnip is another grass option that your cat will thank you for.

The upshot to all of this is there is a tremendous array of options for decorating your home, far beyond what many people ordinarily consider.