The Beauty of Burnished Concrete
Why It’s the Hottest Trend in Interior Design
If you’re a fan of modern interior design, then you’ve probably come across the latest trend in flooring – burnished concrete. This unique finish has quickly become a favorite among homeowners and designers alike, as it offers a raw, industrial look that’s both stylish and functional. With its sleek, polished surface, burnished concrete adds a touch of elegance to any space and can be customized to fit a wide range of decor styles. But what exactly is burnished concrete, and why is it so popular? In this article, we’ll explore the beauty of burnished concrete and take a closer look at why it’s quickly becoming the hottest trend in interior design. So, whether you’re planning a home renovation or simply looking for some design inspiration, read on to discover the beauty of burnished concrete and why it’s a must-have for any modern home.
What is Burnished Concrete and How is it Made?
Burnished concrete is a type of concrete finish that is created by polishing the surface of the concrete until it becomes smooth and glossy. The process involves using a specialized polishing machine that grinds the surface of the concrete to remove any uneven or rough spots. The machine is equipped with diamond-tipped abrasive pads that gradually smooth out the surface of the concrete, resulting in a glossy, polished finish.
One of the key benefits of burnished concrete is that it is incredibly durable and long-lasting. Unlike other flooring options, which can scratch, chip, or fade over time, burnished concrete is resistant to wear and tear and can withstand heavy foot traffic. Additionally, burnished concrete is an eco-friendly flooring option, as it is made from natural materials and does not require any harmful chemicals or sealers.
Another advantage of burnished concrete is that it is highly customizable. The finish can be tinted with a range of colors to match any decor style, and it can be further enhanced with decorative saw cuts, stencils, or acid stains. This makes it a versatile flooring option that can be used in any room of the house, from the living room to the kitchen to the bathroom.
Benefits of Using Burnished Concrete in Interior Design
Burnished concrete is a popular choice for modern interior design for several reasons. Firstly, it is extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of settings, from residential homes to commercial spaces. Secondly, it is highly durable and requires minimal maintenance, making it a practical and cost-effective flooring option. Lastly, it offers a unique, industrial look that is both stylish and functional.
One of the main benefits of burnished concrete is its durability. Unlike other flooring options, such as carpet or hardwood, burnished concrete is resistant to scratches, stains, and wear and tear. It can also withstand heavy foot traffic and is easy to clean and maintain. This makes it a great choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens, living rooms, and entryways.
Another advantage of burnished concrete is its versatility. The finish can be customized to fit any decor style, from modern to traditional to rustic. It can also be combined with other materials, such as wood or tile, to create a unique and personalized look. Additionally, burnished concrete can be used both indoors and outdoors, making it a great option for patios, walkways, and pool decks.
Lastly, burnished concrete offers a unique, industrial look that is both stylish and functional. It adds a touch of sophistication to any space and can be combined with a variety of decor styles. Whether you’re going for a modern, minimalist look or a rustic, industrial vibe, burnished concrete can help you achieve your desired aesthetic.
If you’re considering burnished concrete for your home, there are a variety of ways to incorporate it into your decor. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
**1. Use burnished concrete as a statement piece in your living room.** A polished concrete floor can be a beautiful and unique addition to any living room. Combine it with other elements such as a plush rug, a cozy couch, and a statement coffee table to create a welcoming and comfortable space.
**2. Add a touch of industrial style to your kitchen.** Burnished concrete countertops or backsplashes can add a touch of industrial style to your kitchen. Pair them with stainless steel appliances, open shelving, and sleek lighting fixtures for a modern, minimalist look.
**3. Create a spa-like bathroom.** A burnished concrete floor or shower can create a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom. Pair it with natural wood accents, soft lighting, and lush greenery for a calming and relaxing space.
**4. Create an outdoor oasis.** Burnished concrete can be used outside to create a durable and low-maintenance patio or deck. Pair it with outdoor furniture, string lights, and plants to create a relaxing and inviting outdoor oasis.
Maintenance and Care for Burnished Concrete
One of the benefits of burnished concrete is that it requires minimal maintenance. However, there are a few things you should do to keep it looking its best. Here are some tips for maintaining and caring for your burnished concrete floor:
**1. Clean up spills promptly.** While burnished concrete is resistant to stains, it’s still a good idea to clean up spills promptly to prevent any potential damage. Use a damp cloth or mop to clean up spills, and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
**2. Sweep or vacuum regularly.** Dirt and debris can scratch the surface of burnished concrete, so it’s important to sweep or vacuum regularly to keep it clean. Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with a hard floor attachment to remove any dirt or dust.
**3. Use a neutral cleaner.** When cleaning your burnished concrete floor, use a neutral cleaner that is specifically designed for polished concrete. Avoid using acidic or alkaline cleaners, as they can damage the surface of the concrete.
**4. Schedule regular maintenance.** While burnished concrete is durable and long-lasting, it may require occasional maintenance to keep it looking its best. Schedule regular maintenance with a professional concrete contractor to ensure that your floor remains in top condition.
Different Finishes and Textures for Burnished Concrete
Burnished concrete is a versatile flooring option that can be customized to fit a wide range of styles. Here are some of the different finishes and textures that are available:
**1. Matte finish.** A matte finish is a popular choice for modern interiors. It gives the concrete a soft, subtle sheen that is both elegant and understated.
**2. High-gloss finish.** A high-gloss finish is a dramatic and eye-catching choice. It gives the concrete a mirror-like shine that reflects light and adds depth to the space.
**3. Textured finish.** A textured finish is a great way to add interest and dimension to your concrete floor. It can be achieved through stamping, engraving, or using a specialized overlay.
**4. Colored finish.** A colored finish is a great way to customize your concrete floor to fit your decor style. It can be achieved through staining, tinting, or using a colored overlay.
The Versatility of Burnished Concrete in Different Interior Design Styles
Burnished concrete is a versatile flooring option that can be used in a variety of interior design styles. Here are a few examples of how it can be incorporated into different decor styles:
**1. Modern.** Burnished concrete is a popular choice for modern interiors. Pair it with sleek furniture, minimalist decor, and bold colors for a stylish and sophisticated space.
**2. Industrial.** Burnished concrete is a natural fit for industrial interiors. Pair it with exposed brick, metal accents, and vintage lighting for a rustic and edgy look.
**3. Traditional.** Burnished concrete can also be used in traditional interiors. Pair it with warm wood accents, plush furniture, and classic decor for a timeless and elegant space.
**4. Rustic.** Burnished concrete can also be used in rustic interiors. Pair it with natural wood accents, cozy textiles, and organic decor for a warm and inviting space.
Cost Comparison of Burnished Concrete Versus Other Flooring Options
The cost of burnished concrete varies depending on several factors, such as the size of the space, the complexity of the design, and the location of the project. However, in general, burnished concrete is a cost-effective flooring option when compared to other materials such as hardwood or tile.
The cost of burnished concrete typically ranges from R60 to R250 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the design. This is significantly less expensive than hardwood flooring, which can cost anywhere from R100 to R500 per square foot, or tile flooring, which can cost between R100 and R300 per square foot.
Additionally, burnished concrete requires minimal maintenance and is highly durable, which can save you money in the long run. While other flooring options may require frequent repairs or replacement, burnished concrete can last for decades with minimal upkeep.
Finding a Professional for Installation and Design Assistance
If you’re interested in using burnished concrete in your home, it’s important to find a professional concrete contractor who is experienced in installing and designing this type of flooring. Here are a few tips for finding a qualified professional:
**1. Ask for referrals.** Ask friends, family members, or colleagues if they have any recommendations for a concrete contractor who specializes in burnished concrete.
**2. Check online reviews.** Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients to get a sense of the contractor’s experience and quality of work.
**3. Ask for a portfolio.** Ask the contractor to provide a portfolio of previous projects to get an idea of their design style and capabilities.
**4. Request a quote.** Request a quote from the contractor to get an idea of the cost and timeline for your project.
Burnished Concrete Design Ideas
If you’re tired of the same old carpet and tiles in your home, you may want to consider patterned flooring as an alternative. Concrete flooring has come a long way since covering pavements and multi-storey car parks. Today, concrete flooring finds itself in a variety of properties, and has actually become somewhat of an interior décor trend. Concrete is a very versatile flooring option – you can install it in your kitchen, bathroom, dining room or hallway, as well as outside your home in the garden or on your balcony.
Create a Distinctive Mood
Cool and timeless grey concrete colour scheme. The colour of natural stone and clay. Grey is the colour that will never go out of fashion and will complement any colour on the colour wheel. A grey or stone effect floor will perfectly match any accessories that you have – and will still match should you change your colour scheme. Grey is a neutral colour that needs a dominant colour to work with – else it can be quite boring in the way that concrete is. Grey works in a similar way to black without being harsh – it is a perfect base for other, more vibrant colours to work against.
Areas of use: Throughout the home. Patterned concrete floors are an interior design trend and this range of textures is highly popular. Patterned floors can make an entrance hall striking or provide texture to the smallest room in the house.
Use Decorative Elements To Brighten The Room
Especially yellow! Yellow decorative elements with a burnished cement floor make any room welcoming. This will add a cheery, optimistic colour vibe that is welcoming and summery. Think daffodils, canaries and sunshine. Yellow is a perfect complementary colour to red or blue and can be argued that it is better suited as a secondary colour because of how important it is to get the colour right, as too much and too vibrant can be quite oppressive.
Areas of use: Yellow works well in a hallway as it is the perfect place to put yourself in a positive mood – making sure you leave the house with a smile on your face and come home and instantly feel relaxed.
Go For Colour
This is a particularly strong and vibrant colour. It’s warm and welcoming and with a burnished concrete or screed floor, it catches the eye better than any other colour (this is why warning signs and traffic lights are red). However red can also invoke feelings of hunger and appetite (which is why restaurants use it)The right polishing agent is essential. Be sure to find out what you need before deciding on your colour scheme. Failure to do so could mean problems once you start laying your tiles. Many well-known DIY retailers now stock specialist products designed for creating your own concrete floors that complement a variety of designs – even if they don’t sell tiling themselves.
For example, ask them about floor polish such as Novus Plastic Polish . This special formula isn’t just for practical purposes; it also plays a vital role in achieving true contrast between floor and wall patterns. It enhances shine as well as texture on all kinds of concrete surfaces but especially burnished floors for an attractive result guaranteed to satisfy your inner decorator instinct.
Areas of use: Red is perfect in the kitchen which is a positive, warm and busy room in which appetites can be met!
Update An Old Tile With A New Design
Out with the porcelain tiles and in with concrete cement slab tiles! It’s no secret how popular cement tiles are for floors and walls in stylish homes and trendy commercial spaces. They’ve taken the tile industry and home decorating space by storm with their impressive durability and nearly unending design options. One particular space where cement tiles shine is the bathroom. When used only on the floor, they add a pop of texture and pattern while breaking up an otherwise plain space. And when used in multiple areas in a bathroom, they create a wow-factor room you’ll love walking into every day.
We love cement tiles for bathrooms for a number of reasons but just in vision this – A custom floating vanity made of reclaimed wood, and a concrete composite vessel sink and concrete cement slab tile flooring!
Add Texture And Dimension To A Plain Surface
Outdoor Patterned Concrete Flooring. Concrete flooring works exceptionally well outside, as evidenced by this design. This floor design offers a fragmented pattern style which is both smart and durable, meaning it will be able to survive the colder, wetter months. It’s a fantastic alternative to wooden decking and will outlive it by a number of years.
Areas of use: Outside patio with stone/fragment pattern concrete floor design.
Complete A Trendy Look With An Eye-Catching Contrast
The charcoal and white pentagon design is quirky and unique. These types of designs work well in corporate businesses as well as – The Black and White Colour Scheme. Both Absolute classics. Both of these colour schemes are best when using the black and charcoal as accent colours – although white can be used as a secondary colour when needed. These colours are used best to enhance other colours within the scheme. Obviously white creates the image of lightness and enhances the impression of space in the room whereas black adds depth and can make the space appear a lot smaller.
Areas of use: Throughout the office , screed flooring has proven its versatility, but it’s most popular in areas where hygiene is key such as kitchens, bathrooms and corridors. Screed flooring makes cleaning quick and easy by providing an impervious surface that minimises dirt accumulation, trapping debris on top of the surface rather than allowing it to sink into or under the materia
Final Thoughts
Burnished concrete is a beautiful and versatile flooring option that is well-suited for modern interiors. Whether you’re looking to create a stylish living room, a spa-like bathroom, or an outdoor oasis, burnished concrete can help you achieve your desired aesthetic. With its durability, low maintenance, and customizable design options, it’s no wonder why burnished concrete is quickly becoming the hottest trend in interior design.
Reasons To Choose Polished Concrete Flooring
The Polished Concrete Flooring Guide
