Whatever interior design style you gravitate towards, whether it is incredibly modern or rooted far in the past, concrete is an excellent material choice. Concrete’s versatility means that the design options for floors, counters, sinks and even furniture are endless. Color choices, texture variations and molded edge details abound. Use the style palettes below as guides to discovering how concrete can be used indoors to achieve a specific look.

Modern

Interpretations of modern style vary from utilitarian and industrial to sleek and bold. Concrete can achieve all of these modern design variations by permitting large geometrical patterns and shapes, while conveying an industrial look using subtle shades of gray.

Modern Palette (PDF)

Old World

An Old World style blends natural materials, ornate details, and rich, muted colors and finishes. Concrete can be instantly aged or stained to achieve the timeworn elegance characteristic of this look, while replicating Old World materials such as wood and natural stone.

Old World Palette (PDF)

Traditional

Concrete blends beautifully with traditional room designs when given neutral finishes and subtle edge details. Traditional rooms often use concrete floors, fireplaces or countertops as a focal point, along with simple, tailored accent pieces to complete the look.

Traditional Palette (PDF)

Stained concrete floors are an excellent option for many rooms of the house, especially kitchens and bathrooms. Concrete floors are appropriate for any design style. The color, the glossiness of the finish and the pattern can all be manipulated to suit your taste or the existing design scheme of your home. For modern homes neutral colors, shiny surfaces and simple patterns are common. For more traditional homes warm colors, matte surfaces and detailed patterns work well.

Concrete countertops are also great additions to a kitchen or bathroom. Since concrete can be cast in any shape or color, your countertops can be made to suit the exact style that you desire. For modern countertops go with crisp edges and geometric shapes, gray and white are popular colors. For an old world look try sweeping, curved edges defined by ornate edge details, blend earthy colors to get a stone-like look.

There are many other ways concrete can be used throughout the interior of your home. Consider concrete furniture or perhaps a concrete fireplace surround. Just as with floors and countertops, concrete will make it possible to customize these features exactly to your liking. Concrete can even be used to replicate natural materials such as wood or stone.

As far as design styles go, there are many more than what appear here. A good rule of thumb is to take your inspiration from the architecture of your home. If you are completely at a loss for style ideas, consult a designer who will work with you to determine what will suit you best. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to design, if you love it than go with it. Remember to trust your eye and express your personality, and there is no better material for personal expression than concrete.