I love the feel and texture of concrete. It’s one of my favourite materials, it works well with a spectrum of colours and despite its ‘industrial’ rep, concrete in any form brings so much life into an interior or exterior space. There’s the preconceived idea that concrete is cold and sterile but I think it adds so much warmth where and whenever it’s used.
I love concrete walls and flooring, especially when they are teamed with a white, pared-down colour/furniture scheme for a raw and rustic feel but what I’ve been noticing lately – and which has got me really excited – is concrete used in unexpected and unusual ways such as in furniture and lighting.
'Stitching Concrete' by Florian Schmid
Not just a pretty seat
German industrial designer Florian Schmid uses concrete canvas (a flexible cement-impregnated fabric that hardens on hydration) to make these innovative stools, suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Visit designboom.com for information on the manufacturing process, it’s fascinating.
From 'Unpolished', by Dik Scheepers (image © Kristof Vrancken)
Stool with papercrete seat (image © Kristof Vrancken)
And then there’s Dutch designer Dik Scheeper’s awe-inspiring and economically sustainable range of furniture entitled ‘Unpolished’. The furniture is made out of wood and lightweight papercrete, a low-cost construction material made from re-pulped paper fibre and cement. To view the whole collection, go to dikscheepers.nl.
Concrete Wallpaper 1 by Piet Boon
Concrete Wallpaper 2 by Piet Boon
I’m a real sucker for a great roll of wallpaper and love Dutch designer Piet Boon’s Concrete Wallpaper range. Sleek, sophisticated and ideal for those of us who are not yet ready or able to commit to the expense and schlepp of replastering or indoor concrete shuttering.
'Heavy' pendant light by Benjamin Hubert
'Heavy' desk light by Benjamin Hubert
The ‘Heavy’ range of lights by UK designer Benjamin Hubert are phenomenal. I am unashamed to say that I covet these works of art, made from thin walled cast concrete, with all my heart. Visit this talented designer’s website at benjaminhubert.co.uk for more inspiration.
Later, Julia
