The industrial look is quite popular in interior design across commercial and residential spaces. Concrete is often used to create an industrial vibe, with designers employing the material in innovative, unexpected and unusual ways. Thanks to its malleability, strength, durability and ability to incorporate textures and colours, concrete finishes can be used in any project.

The use of concrete surfaces and textures in design goes back centuries. The material has evolved over the years, increasing its versatility and mechanical properties without losing its characteristic low cost reputation. For many years, the use of concrete as a floor surface was limited to shops, industrial buildings and sports facilities. Despite its economy and low maintenance characteristics, its application was limited by its crude and unattractive appearance.

Various projects were carried out throughout the 20th century to give artistic value to the raw material. Artists, architects and designers dedicated themselves to study the material and modify its appearance. This led to the development of new approaches and treatments that sought to change its rough appearance and produce modern and sophisticated finishes.

With the resilient concrete surfaces adding aesthetics to the mix, demand for the material has considerably increased, especially in high traffic areas such as airports, and commercial, educational and health centres. Concrete is also being considered for residential environments, mainly to create decorative floors.

Concrete surfaces address the modern design trend of minimalism: A smooth and bright appearance recreating the feeling of marble, the seamless finish, ability to withstand high traffic in difficult areas and outdoors, and affordable pricing are just some of the advantages of using concrete in design.

Polished concrete floors are trending in architectural design. The best way to achieve superior design outcomes is to hire professionals who have the proven systems and technology to create these floors.

Here are five different ways you can add concrete textures in your space.

1. Perfect for any table top

Concrete allows you to achieve uniform and continuous surfaces, making it perfect for all kinds of table tops. You can contemporise your table top with matt, satin or gloss finishes. Alternatively, apply X-Bond, a hand trowelled micro-cement topping over MDF or laminate to achieve a lightweight and more consistent finish.

2. Feature walls

Use a concrete overlay system to create various concrete textures on a feature wall. Some of the textures are hand trowelled, polished or sprayed with a spray-gun to create a rough surface.

3. Concrete lighting

Designers have taken advantage of concrete’s versatility and malleability to create a range of lighting fixtures including pendant lamps, desk lamps and wall sconces, using bright and fluorescent colours to add a fun, fresh and jovial vibe to the fitting.

4. Seamless work surfaces

Smooth concrete surfaces are perfect for work desks and reception desks as well as walls and floors. The smooth and seamless surface simplifies cleaning and maintenance.

5. Concrete basins

A custom concrete basin will add character and texture to your bathroom. Experiment with colour and design to introduce a beautiful standout feature in your bathroom.