Concrete in the interior: design options, design, types, imitation of concrete coating

Website about concrete: construction, characteristics, design. We combine the experience of professionals and private craftsmen in one place

Symmetrical arrangement of furniture against the background of concrete walls

Walls made of concrete, with its characteristic rough porous texture, are chosen by creative, extraordinary individuals. Such design of residential premises is a bold decision aimed at creating a unique, trendy look for the house.

Traditionally, concrete walls in the interior are usually hidden under finishing materials - paint, wallpaper, ceramic tiles. The recognition of concrete as a decorative wall material occurred in the mid-20th century and won the hearts of many interior designers, the first of whom was the Japanese architect Tadao Ando.

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.

Generalization on the topic

Don't be afraid to use rough finishes. The article showed how impressive, beautiful and stylish concrete walls look in the interior - how to treat them to extend the life of the finish is also very clear. Treatment with a hydrophobic composition and varnish is considered mandatory if there is a high humidity threshold in the room.

A little more attention!

Write in the comments what you think - such simplifications of design make it stricter and more beautiful, or is it better to look towards proven classics?

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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.

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.

Surface preparation

Before applying the plaster, the surface surface is pre-prepared. The solution adheres better to the mineral surface of substrates, such as: cement, drywall, concrete, gypsum, etc. The material itself has high adhesion, but if you use the same primer (highly adhesive), the solution will even stick to glass and will be on it hold on.

To work with art concrete, the wall surface must be clean, uniform and dry. If it is not, then it needs to be cleaned and leveled. Remove all old peeling coatings and weak elements. Then cracks, holes, and other defects are sealed with putty. The canvas is sanded. Dust and debris are carefully removed.

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.

How to make decorative plaster for concrete with your own hands

It’s better, of course, to buy ready-made plaster in a store, but you can manage to make it yourself. Building materials you will need: cement mixture and acrylic paints. To perform simple texture and coloring, these materials are quite enough. Select the desired option and intensity of paint by eye and at your own discretion.

If you want to take a step further in the experimental part, then we make the solution ourselves. Here is the plaster recipe:

• 1 part of cement at least M400, if you take white, it is easier to paint;
• water (2 parts);
• textured filler - 3 parts (quartz sand, marble or granite chips, tiny crushed stone.

The components are thoroughly mixed until the composition is homogeneous. Pay special attention to this.

Unmixed lumps in the solution will greatly reduce its quality.

Well, the composition is mixed to perfection, there are no lumps. Art concrete “Do it yourself” is ready. Feel free to get to work.

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.

Possible mistakes

Quality work guarantees the strength of the structure. Annoying omissions, on the contrary, will sooner or later lead to a disastrous result - the destruction of concrete. Therefore, we need to stop at some points.

1. Polyethylene waterproofing of the solution is mandatory. Without it, concrete will begin to take moisture from the soil, and in winter, when it freezes, it will simply collapse.
2. Work must be carried out only at positive temperatures. High humidity is also unacceptable. Dry weather, temperatures above +5° are ideal.
3. Late application of the hardener will not allow it to penetrate into the thickness of the concrete, so the effect will be zero. In this case, peeling of the decorative layer is possible.
4. The quality of the solution is important. A liquid mixture reduces the strength of the base; a thick mixture hardens too quickly and interferes with the penetration of the hardener.
5. A reliable reinforcing mesh is required, since its absence will inevitably lead to deformation of the slab.
6. The use of an inappropriate grade of cement is the reason for the fragility of stamped concrete.

Do-it-yourself decorative concrete is a simple operation if the master knows how to mix concrete and how to work with it. Some difficulties may arise when identifying and eliminating imperfections, so it is better to start getting acquainted with the technology from small areas. It's good if they are not in plain sight. When you have no experience “tinkering” with concrete, and the tools used are unfamiliar, before creating stamped concrete, it is better to first thoroughly study all the stages.

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 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.

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.

Reliable manufacturers of arch concrete

Since the demand for a new type of concrete is constantly growing, more and more companies are deciding to start producing it. This situation makes the choice somewhat more difficult for buyers. However, there are several companies that are trustworthy.

1. Arbet is a Moscow company that offers customers a wide range of architectural concrete products. She carefully monitors the quality of materials, uses the latest technologies and equipment, and guarantees competitive prices.
2. Dekostroy is the second metropolitan company, which is famous for its powerful production base. new certified equipment, in the manufacture of products strictly complies with GOST standards.
3. This plant is located in the south of Russia - in Crimea. They produce architectural concrete intended for landscape design. The assortment includes piece products, delivery to any region of the country is possible.

Do-it-yourself architectural concrete is an operation that is practically no different from making regular mortar yourself. However, its use gives a chance to transform the walls of a house at minimal cost, create unique sculptural decorative elements, and then decorate the landscape of the site with them.

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.

Recommendations

It is important to consider some features of construction work:

1. If a builder is using a stamp for the first time and has little idea what kind of impression it will leave, you can leave an imprint in the sand.
2. It is advisable to avoid repeating stamps, especially if they imitate wood, granite and other materials. On the contrary, randomly composed compositions look more realistic.
3. To obtain the effect of an aged surface, you should apply a little release powder to the liquid cement mixture, and spray this product on top, but in liquid form. The liquid will help dissolve the powder. This will leave accents of color on the cement that resemble scuff marks.
4. The component particles must be pressed into the solution. Otherwise, it will be washed off when cleaning the surface.
5. When stamping is carried out, the worker’s shoes must be clean: there should be no debris left on them, as this will spoil the texture of the product.

Sources

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