Homeowners rarely think of concrete as a suitable interior flooring option. After all, isn’t that what utilitarian epoxy-coated garage flooring is for? That said, you should consider concrete floors as an alternative to the warmth of wood or the comfort of carpet. They last for decades, provide a tremendous canvas upon which to design a stunning contemporary home, and have more visual options than you might think.
Concrete Comes in Many Aesthetics
Plain concrete flooring, which you can get for as little as $3 per square foot, won’t do much to elevate the look of your home. Other than purely industrial designs, you may want to reach a bit higher.
Stamped Concrete Flooring
By mimicking natural materials like wood, stone, or brick, stamped concrete floors create stunning visual effects. Customizable through patterns, colors, and textures, stamped concrete enhances living spaces with low-maintenance, cost-effective surfaces that seamlessly blend with any contemporary or traditional design. Depending on how creative you wish to be with your floor, you could pay up to $30 per square foot – but the range is wide.
Dyed or Polished Concrete Floors
For a solid color on your concrete floor (both glossy or matte), ask your contractor about dyeing your concrete floor. Choose from bold colors like red and burnt orange or earthy tones like gray and brown.
Polished concrete, popular in modernist spaces like art galleries and design studios, can complement a mid century modern home nicely. Polish is applied before the sealer, and you will have a stunning glossy floor.
Stained Concrete Flooring
In this application, the chemical reaction between the acid stain and concrete creates unique, marbled patterns with rich, translucent hues. Durable and low-maintenance, this flooring option adds depth and character to spaces, effortlessly complementing various design styles while providing an economical alternative to other high-end materials.
Concrete Laid in Unique Patterns
You can get even more creative with your interior concrete floor. Speak with your contractor about designing a pattern before the floor is laid, then create a floor with built-in geometric patterns. This is a labor-intensive and expensive process, but the results will be beautiful and uplifting.
What Architectural Styles Are Suited For Concrete Floors?
Art Deco, Internationalist, mid century modern, brutalist, and of course futuristic designs can all play nicely with concrete flooring. Arts & Crafts, bungalows, and traditional styles may not work well with concrete, but a skilled custom home builder in Denver can certainly help you work your personality into any architectural style.
You will also need to consider the load bearing capacity of your home. You can’t always add a concrete surface to the second or third level of a Victorian home, for instance – the home should either be custom-engineered to support concrete, or it may need to face inspection by a structural engineer.
Rugs, Furniture and Paint to Complement Your Concrete Floor
Work With an Interior Designer To Purchase Beautiful Rugs
A plain concrete floor can be cold and stoic, but rugs create wonderful visual accents and a comfortable living space. You’re probably familiar with the low-pile rugs common in industrial settings and doctor’s offices, but you can also find rugs that create an inviting environment.
The simplest option would be a plush area rug. They stain easily, but they are affordable and suit sock-wearing home dwellers nicely. Textured rugs are usually plush in nature, but have an uneven surface – either by different thread colors or shadow effects, they have a multi-colored appearance.
Loop carpets are an excellent choice if you wish to create a visual accent on an otherwise understanded floor. Smaller loops are the preferred choice for heavy-traffic areas and pet owners, but your designer will be able to help you work through the size of your loops.
Frieze rugs are a great “shaggy” choice if you want to warm up an otherwise cold room. They are soft, tufted, and add a significant amount of texture to your space.
Modern Furniture Comes Into Play
Key components of a concrete-based room often include reclaimed wood, metal frameworks, and exposed hardware, creating a harmonious balance between rough and refined.
In an industrial chic setting, sofas and chairs often feature distressed leather upholstery, combined with metal or wooden frames, exuding a sense of warmth and comfort. Coffee and dining tables showcase a mix of wood and metal elements, with sleek, sturdy designs that emphasize functionality. Shelving units and consoles may incorporate iron or steel frames, adding an air of structural stability.
Contemporary chic lighting solutions, such as Edison bulb pendants, floor lamps with exposed gears, or metal cage sconces, provide both functionality and visual interest. Bar stools and dining chairs often boast metal frames with minimalist designs, sometimes softened by upholstered seats in neutral tones.
Artwork and decorative accents play an essential role in completing the industrial chic aesthetic. Vintage-inspired pieces, abstract art, and metal wall sculptures contribute to the cohesive visual narrative. Additionally, incorporating natural elements, such as potted plants or reclaimed wood accessories, can bring a sense of warmth and balance to the space.
Interior Painting and Wall Panels
An expert house painter in Cumming, GA will be able to show a number of paint samples and material samples to help guide your decisions, but in general, you have numerous options to complement your industrial floor.
Consider paneling instead of a traditional interior paint job. You can choose rustic wood paneling, interior stucco panels, or aluminum panels (painted in any color you like) to underline the modernist feel of your home. Textured fretwork is another option you may want to consider.
As far as paint is concerned, a glossy finish pairs beautifully with a dark stained concrete floor. Many contemporary home owners opt for dark green or red accents on their walls, and depending on your furniture choices, any color can look good with a concrete floor as the base.
