Finishing walls, floors and ceilings
Walls
Concrete walls are a rather unusual way to decorate the interior of an apartment. In addition to pure concrete, there are several other options that give almost the same visual effect. For example, some types of plaster can be applied as a decorative part of the renovation.
The spatula mass is applied according to the same principle as plaster. A lot of different fractions are produced, which gives more opportunities for realizing ideas. Rolled concrete is easy to repair, and the thickness of the sheet reaches 5 mm. Concrete slabs and photo-printed wallpaper can recreate the desired texture and shade.
The photo shows a compact high-tech kitchen. The walls are finished with rolled concrete.
Ceiling
Concrete ceiling is suitable for finishing a modern interior. Gray color will make the room cold; lamps with warm light and wall decoration in a palette of warm shades will help to add coziness. A good idea would be to whitewash the concrete ceiling; the surface will retain its unique texture and make the room brighter. Clean mortar can be replaced with plaster and ceilings with photo printing.
Floor
A concrete floor will not warp due to moisture and will last for many years, but it will be very cold. In an apartment or house, it can be replaced with an imitation coating, such as linoleum, tiles or heated slabs.
Architectural concrete: types and differences from ordinary concrete
Architectural concrete is often used to decorate walls. The material is flexible, so it is suitable for creating individual design elements.
Architectural concrete allows you to achieve a perfectly flat surface. It has minimal hygroscopicity, so it retains its integrity for a long time. Another important property is resistance to external factors. The composition does not crack, does not fade, does not wear out.
Material Components:
- Water;
- Portland cement;
- Fractions: sand, marble chips;
- Pigment;
- Modifying and reinforcing additives.
Such concrete in the interior of the apartment looks like natural stone. It acts as an independent element of decor and goes well with other atypical finishing options.
Another popular material is concrete slabs. In terms of texture and properties, they are no different from the usual original. The structures are based on MDF and a decorative layer of spatula. You will be able to cope with laying such slabs, even if you have not had such experience before. You will also be pleased with the variety of shades of the finishing material - from rich gray to white.
Rolled concrete, a material made like wallpaper, is also suitable for independent decor. To decorate the walls, you need to strengthen the strips on the surface with an adhesive mass. Such architectural concrete looks natural in the interior and allows you to realize any design fantasies.
Architectural concrete on walls and ceiling. Source: rmnt.mirtesen
Architectural rolled concrete on walls and ceilings. Source: design-ud
Texture
Rough
Grains of sand and small pebbles are clearly visible in the rough texture. Visually, the surface is matte, similar to velvet. In terms of tactile sensations, it is a hard, rough surface.
The photo shows a minimalist bedroom. Concrete walls have a rough texture.
Smooth
To give the surface a more finished look, several technologies are used.
- Polished concrete has a reflective surface in which all grains of sand and pebbles are visible. The mirror effect is achieved by mechanical grinding of the surface. For a stronger effect, the surface is polished.
- Varnished. A more cost-effective way to treat concrete surfaces. The surface becomes shiny and bright.
Tile color with wood texture, beige, wenge
Wood-look tiles in brown and beige tones are considered especially popular. Also, the finish can have shades of exotic expensive wood species, for example, wenge, mahogany or rosewood, which will be more appropriate in spacious bathrooms.
When using white or gray products, the design of the room is filled with special expressiveness, aesthetic brevity and elegance.
The photo shows the walls and floor in the bathroom with gray wood-look tiles.
Natural concrete and its imitations
Clean concrete
- Structural concrete is used to construct the frame of monolithic buildings and floors. Main composition: cement, crushed stone, water, sand. The ratio of components is selected depending on their properties.
- Architectural concrete differs from construction concrete by additional additives, such as dyes, levelers, ceramic chips or glass. This composition is used for interior decoration, such as walls, bar counters or fireplaces.
Imitation concrete
The same visual effect can be achieved using other finishing methods. Using various materials you can choose the desired color, pattern and texture.
- Wall panels. Gypsum panels have a number of advantages: they are lighter than concrete, cheaper and the range of models is much wider. In addition, the panels are much easier to work with, and they look no less impressive.
- Plaster. There are several types: lime and marble plaster. Lime plaster filters the air and is suitable for allergy sufferers. Marble flour contains flour from marble, gypsum and lime. The visual effect can be matte or glossy.
- Spatula mass is a strong elastic composition that interacts well with moisture. The spatula mass can have a different composition, from fine-grained with inclusions to coarse-grained.
- Rolled concrete, wallpaper and photo wallpaper. Rolled concrete is a flexible web consisting of mineral flour up to 5 mm thick. Applied to the wall using special glue. Wallpaper and photo wallpaper are perhaps one of the simplest methods of decoration. Photo printing can accurately imitate a pattern.
The photo shows a bright bedroom in a modern style. The wall decoration is made using photo wallpaper.
- Tiles are another way to stylishly decorate your interior. Wide tiles with imitation concrete can decorate a kitchen, hallway, or restroom.
- Imitation painting. Not the easiest way, but the most creative. The prepared polished surface can be painted, repeating the patterns of a real concrete slab.
Description of material
Concrete walls
Le Corbusier, who first introduced the concept of “architectural modernism and functionalism,” drew attention to the plasticity of the material, which made it possible to relegate the roughness of its texture to the background and give it the right to exist in interior design.
Bright accents against the background of concrete surfaces
Expressiveness and correct supply of concrete is achieved due to unmasked joining seams between the slabs and traces from the formwork structure.
Due to “soft” accents, an interior with a concrete wall looks warmer
Architects have ensured that concrete surfaces have become used in many modern design trends. The stereotype that concrete walls are an attribute of a gloomy basement or bunker has been broken.
A soft carpet and delicate textiles soften the roughness of the concrete texture
In modern design, concrete has been able to displace many finishing materials, or has taken a worthy neighborhood next to them. The expressive texture of concrete is ideally combined with the softness and warmth of natural wood and the transparent severity of glass.
Living room with concrete wall
It is irreplaceable in industrial interiors, loft style or constructivism, which are characterized by a rigid brutal concept.
Imitation concrete
Pure concrete in the interior of a studio apartment
Carrying out an interior design using pure concrete with your own hands is not an easy task. Therefore, beginners are advised to pay attention to other finishing materials that can imitate the texture of this material.
Concrete wallpaper looks realistic
Important! A room with concrete walls should have sufficient natural and artificial lighting so that it does not turn out gloomy and repulsive.
Organization of lighting of a concrete surface in the bedroom
It is a misconception to think that a concrete surface is cold and lifeless. Gray color has many shades - from deep gray to almost white.
Warm shade of concrete partition
Don’t forget about the possibility of painting concrete both at the mixing stage and the finished wall surface. In addition, a concrete wall can be an ideal backdrop for many decorative elements used in the interior - mirrors, panels, paintings, textiles.
The video in this article will tell you how to hang a mirror on a concrete wall.
A painting on a concrete surface with a bright pattern will enliven a monochrome interior
With proper selection of artificial lighting sources, you can successfully emphasize the texture of the walls, their restraint and dignity.
Artificial wall lighting
Among modern materials that imitate the texture and texture of concrete, decorative plaster can be distinguished:
- The most common version of this material that imitates concrete is cement plaster, which can be used on any surface. It is resistant to mechanical stress and can be used to decorate kitchen walls if it is given water-repellent properties. However, such material is not suitable for the bathroom;
Decorative plaster for concrete
- To imitate concrete, you can use lime plaster, which is an environmentally friendly and safe material, which allows it to be used when decorating bedrooms and living rooms;
Lime plaster for concrete
- In the bathroom, you can use moisture-resistant lime-marble plaster, which can create a matte or glossy finish. Glossy surfaces visually increase space, making it an ideal material for small bathrooms. Marble filler in decorative plaster allows you to create cool, discreet and noble wall surfaces.
Lime marble plaster in the bathroom
When applying decorative plaster in a special way, you can achieve complete resemblance to pure concrete, its characteristic relief and irregularities.
Decorative panels for concrete effect
Another material for simulating concrete is putty putty. This material is characterized by high moisture resistance, which allows it to be used for decorating the walls of kitchens and bathrooms.
Putty mix for concrete
The positive qualities of this material include the following:
- Thanks to the natural components included in its composition (marble, lime, alabaster), this material is environmentally friendly and its price is not so high.
Imitation of concrete surface
- These additives make the material durable and elastic, capable of “breathing”;
Concrete in the bathroom interior
- When simulating a concrete surface, it is possible to use filler of various grain sizes;
Natural lighting in a room with concrete surfaces
- Due to its high adhesive properties, this material will adhere equally firmly to old wallpaper or ceramic tiles;
Pronounced texture of concrete
- Combines with many finishing materials.
Modern decorative concrete
Concrete wall in the interior
Modern developments do not stand still, thanks to which new materials appear:
- Not long ago, French technologists developed polished concrete, which is obtained by mixing synthetic resins with pure concrete. The new material is distinguished by its velvety texture, pronounced pattern and the ability to change the appearance of the front covering.
Background concrete wall for paintings
The use of polished concrete in interior decoration has become an absolute alternative to pure material. Polished concrete provides the perfect backdrop for metalwork and industrial-style leather furniture.
The paintings look more expressive against a concrete background. The video in this article will tell you how to hang a picture on a concrete wall. Due to its moisture resistance, this material is suitable for creating a fashionable and conceptual design for a modern bathroom.
Fur and natural wood in an interior with a concrete wall
- Concrete slabs in the interior. Like a monolithic coating made of pure concrete, concrete slabs look just as natural - since they do not differ visually and tactilely. Concrete slabs are a multi-layer structure using MDF as a base, and the front decorative layer is made using spatula.
Concrete slabs in the interior
The main advantage of the material is its low weight. A gray concrete shade in the interior is the best background for an accent spot. The colors of the slabs can be bright or muted, pastel. Concrete slabs can be used to make designer furniture or decorate interiors;
Decorative concrete slabs
- Rolled concrete, which is based on mineral stone flour, is another modern development and an alternative to pure concrete. A distinctive feature of the material is its small thickness and flexibility.
Rolled concrete
Glue it using a special adhesive solution. This is a unique material, characterized by a variety of textures and complete similarity to a concrete surface.
Cozy living room interior with concrete wall
Not only the relief of pure concrete is imitated, but also traces of formwork, traces of depressions and pores on the surface. The material is easy to process, easy to cut and resembles fiberglass wallpaper;
Concrete accent wall in dining area
- The simplest material for finishing concrete walls is wallpaper with a realistic image of the texture of this material. They are easy to use, allow you to quickly finish walls and get a stylish interior in a short time.
Wallpaper with imitation concrete surface
Decoration of rooms in the apartment
Kitchen
In the kitchen, concrete mortar can be used on almost any surface. Walls, floors or ceilings made of concrete will set the character of the interior; the surface can be rough and untreated or, conversely, have a glossy surface. The latter option is suitable for small kitchens; it will seem more spacious due to its reflective properties.
The countertop or the whole island can also be concrete. The surface is heavy, but durable and reliable; it will look very impressive in the interior.
The photo shows the kitchen of a country house. The set and island are completely made of concrete.
Concrete mortar can also be used in small details, such as hanging shelves, a kitchen apron or a small stove above the dining area.
Living room
In addition to the main surfaces: floor, walls and ceiling, decorative elements, tables or TV stands can be concrete.
In a studio apartment, a concrete column or partition will help divide the room into zones.
Concrete panels can become part of the fireplace; the contrast of fire and stone will look beautiful in the overall picture.
Bedroom
In order not to deprive the design of comfort, it is worth using concrete in the interior in doses. For example, decorate one of the walls or make a headboard for the bed.
The photo shows a bedroom in the attic. Despite the wall decoration with photo wallpaper imitation concrete, the interior is light and delicate.
Children's
Don't deprive your children's room of joy and bright colors with gray walls. If desired, materials that imitate concrete can be partially used in interior decoration, for example, photo wallpaper that replicates the texture.
Bathroom and toilet
Current material for finishing the bathroom. Concrete walls look harmonious with glass partitions. A cast countertop with a polished concrete sink will decorate a spacious bathroom.
The photo shows a massive sink on a wooden countertop. The faucet and sink are made in the same style.
Hallway
A good interior solution would be to combine it with other materials, such as wood or brick. The decoration of one of the walls will look harmonious. For a compact room, you can use a varnished floor.
The photo shows a compact hallway. The wall decoration is made of brickwork and putty wood.
Concrete walls in rooms of different purposes
When the entire apartment is decorated in the same style, it helps to create an ideal harmonious space in which it is convenient and comfortable to live. And for this you do not need to use the same finish everywhere. There are many ways to support the chosen stylistic concept using different materials. Concrete is usually used sporadically in city apartments. They decorate one or two states. Practice shows that such decor will be appropriate in any room.
Interior with concrete walls Source pinterest.com
If it's a living room
The monochromatic surface creates an accent background that can work independently. But sometimes, to maintain style, it becomes necessary to dilute the monochrome of gray. We can talk for a long time about how to decorate a concrete wall. The easiest way is to hang a bright picture or panel on it. A large mirror will also look beautiful.
The texture of a cold surface is best emphasized by daylight and artificial lighting. If its flow is directed correctly, the rigor and restraint of the finish will come to the fore. The living room is a general purpose room. Here you can neglect warmth and comfort in favor of style, so you can safely use a concrete finish.
Strict brutal living room Source kvartblog.ru
This might be interesting!
In the article at the following link, read about who to entrust the design and interior of your home.
If it's a kitchen
Concrete will shade the surfaces of light, glossy furniture well. Bright laminated facades and natural wood look very impressive against such a background. Usually a kitchen apron is decorated to look like concrete. To prevent the porous surface from becoming dirty, it must be covered with glass. This will protect the concrete from moisture and grease, while maintaining its expressive texture.
The combination of gray and white always looks advantageous Source www.yuglas.ru
To further emphasize the style, some designers also make worktops from concrete. The kitchen only benefits from this. She becomes more brutal and strict, but less practical. Typically, such interiors are used by bachelors, those who do not cook much.
If this is a bedroom
The resting place should be decorated in soft pastel colors that can set a person up for a relaxing holiday. Despite this, a rough gray surface may appear here too. But all the same, it is advisable to veil her severity with something. To do this, you can use calm, diffused light or light colors. Painted concrete is more than appropriate in a bedroom interior. If you throw an animal skin on the floor in front of the bed, hang soft textiles on the window, choose warm wood for finishing the floor, you will be able to maintain the style and create a space in which you will want to lie down and sleep.
Gray textured plaster is also appropriate in the bedroom Source uutvdome.ru
If it's a bathroom
Against the background of concrete, plumbing equipment, light textiles, and wooden finishing elements look advantageous. You can make a concrete countertop under the sink. You can use the material described to finish the box for installing built-in cabinets. The main thing is not to overdo it and not turn a small room into a gray box. To do this, you need to combine different finishing materials and actively use light textiles.
Against the background of concrete, the whiteness of the plumbing equipment plays in a special way Source www.homify.com
Photo in the interior of a country house
The interior of a country house has more opportunities for realizing ideas. A simple fireplace with a concrete cladding will look gorgeous. The contrast of cold and hot will look impressive in the interior of the living room.
The photo shows a living room in the interior of a country house. The niche, finished with concrete panels, is fully utilized, combining a fireplace, a seating area and a place for logs.
With the help of concrete columns or small partitions, you can divide the space into zones without compromising the area, without interfering with natural light.
A minimalist staircase with railings is suitable for both classic and modern interiors.
Concrete putty in the interior
Gypsum putty has long been used not only for leveling walls for painting, but also for creating a relief surface. The result depends on the imagination of the performer and the level of skill. Concrete putty is used for the same purpose - to create an exclusive coating based on your capabilities and desires. Typically, many do not even paint the finished walls, preferring a natural steel tint and metallic sheen. From the point of view of the application process, concrete is easier to work with - it shrinks more slowly. For luxurious styles and oriental motifs, such a design will not be suitable and will look strange, but for the minimalism of a loft in Moscow it will be appropriate. This putty is affordable and superior to gypsum in strength and durability; it is even difficult to damage it on purpose, let alone accidentally.
Combination with other finishing materials
- With a tree. Combining with wood will make the interior warmer, it will soften the cold material. A similar solution is suitable for a room in country, loft, or eco-style.
- Brick. Brick and concrete look harmonious together. An ideal combination for a loft interior. Depending on the color of the brick, the room will be cold or warm.
- Glass. The combination creates a strict and brutal interior. Glass can serve as a partition, protection or decorative addition. Glass on top of a concrete wall will provide a reflective surface, which will visually increase the area and look interesting in the overall picture.
- Metal. Metal and chrome surfaces will continue the stylistic idea. An ideal combination for hi-tech and loft style.
Concrete tiles in the interior
The idea of producing concrete tiles is also far from new, but previously similar products were used for façade cladding or for paving courtyards. Concrete tiles are not produced on a production scale for wall decoration and floor decoration. This is the prerogative of small companies or home craftsmen. The tiles can be of geometric shapes - square, rectangular, hexagon or fancy, created to order, taking into account the features of the interior. The color range is extensive - you can use all shades of natural gray, obtained through various proportions and brands. It is also possible to use a dye; it is added to the solution, or ready-made elements are coated with color. Thanks to the plasticity of concrete, it is easy to obtain a relief surface, and not just a smooth texture.
Concrete furniture
You can make interesting coffee tables with a concrete base or tabletop, minimalist chairs, shelves and TV stands. The furniture will be heavy, but unusual.
For heavy interior items, this could be a kitchen countertop or an island; the material is reliable and durable. For the bathroom, you can make a concrete countertop with a sink.
Concrete decor
Design objects made from concrete are becoming more and more diverse: not only figurines are cast and stucco is made, but also lamps, lampshades, vases, and everything your heart desires. In a typical design with a predominance of plastic, such a decoration will not look good, but when combined with tiles or putty, the design will turn out to be organic and unusual.
Decor and accessories
Concrete or plaster decorative elements will be an interesting addition to the interior. These can be floor or tabletop potted vases, unusual flower vases, decorative items, book holders or massive candlesticks.
Techniques for creating a loft in an apartment
The color of concrete walls is the ideal base for creating a loft style in an apartment. The loft style was usually used in rooms with large open spaces and was the preserve of the poor masses. Now his opposition to classic interiors has become very popular. Concrete walls go well with brick walls in a rich dark red shade.
Creating a loft is possible only if there are large spaces. If you still don’t want to demolish all the walls, you can combine the kitchen, living room and dining room. The loft style is also suitable for studios, but, as a rule, studio apartments are not large in size. If you still want to implement this design, then think about how to implement it correctly, taking into account the layout and area of your room. Then the room will not “put pressure” on you.
Matching Styles
Loft
This is the first thing you can associate with when mentioning concrete pavement. The style is characterized by the absence of decorative trim. Brickwork and concrete slabs look harmonious in a duet.
Minimalism
A minimalist furnished room with concrete finishing will look impressive. A few bright details will complete the interior, such as a bright poster or bedspread.
Grunge
The style is similar to loft, but has a number of differences. Grunge is more elegant and “loves” natural materials. The interior will be complemented by elegantly shaped furniture and cotton or linen textiles.
The photo shows a living room in grunge style. The interior is filled with furniture made from natural materials.
Concrete in the interiors of premises for various purposes
Unusual furniture and paintings look especially impressive against the background of a concrete wall.
Concrete walls can be used in any room of a residential building, giving them a special personality and chic.
Living room
Overlay decorative panels contrasting with the concrete texture of the walls in the living room
For a living room with a concrete wall, you can use any design solution, but the most harmonious and natural would be minimalism or loft style. A plain concrete surface can be used as a background to create an expressive, eclectic interior.
A fur carpet on the living room floor with concrete surfaces, together with a leather sofa, gives warmth and a cozy atmosphere
The shade of concrete walls depends on the size and lighting of the room. In a small living room, you can select one concrete wall as an accent wall. Microcement plaster is suitable for this, creating coatings of different colors.
Kitchen
Bright glossy countertop in a concrete kitchen
Against the background of concrete walls in the kitchen, you can use furniture from any materials and their shades. The white glossy surface of the kitchen facades can be effectively shaded with the noble gray color of the concrete walls.
Bright laminated facades or natural wood will look no less expressive against such a background.
Combination of glossy white facades and concrete
Important! To prevent the porous concrete wall from becoming dirty in the kitchen work area, you can use a kitchen apron made of tempered glass - skinali. This will preserve the expressive texture of the concrete wall and protect it from moisture and grease.
Industrial kitchen style
To make the kitchen interior look more harmonious, you can use concrete furniture elements, for example, a bar counter or countertop.
Bedroom
Natural wood in a bedroom with a concrete wall
Despite the fact that traditionally soft pastel colors, textiles and pieces of furniture that induce psychological relaxation are chosen for the bedroom, the rough surface of concrete has also found application there.
Organization of lighting for decorative ceilings and sleeping areas
You can soften the visual perception of concrete walls in the bedroom using textiles with a pronounced texture (wool, flannel) and decorative elements - fur in the form of an animal skin on the floor or on a chair.
Warm textures in a concrete bedroom interior
Warm-colored wood will also make the interior cozier and warmer - this could be parquet flooring, furniture or decorative fragments on the wall - baseboards, moldings.
Bathroom
Concrete Bathroom
Properly treated, concrete can withstand intense moisture. Against its background, the glossy surface of the plumbing equipment looks advantageous.
Bathroom textiles, towels, and wooden finishing elements will add softness. A countertop with a concrete sink will look harmonious in such an interior.
The photo below shows options for using concrete surfaces in the interior.
