How to Use Polished Concrete in Your Interior Design

Polished concrete may have its roots in industrial design but it’s so versatile that it can be used across many interior design schemes.

From enhancing furniture across modern minimalist to antique grandeur, to being used in modern new builds to farmhouse extensions the flexibility of this flooring is fantastic.  It’s also practical and so is perfect for a family home.  It keeps you cool in summer and with under floor heating nice and toasty in winter.

I’ve already explored the pros and cons of using it as a flooring – you can check this out here.  If you’re reading this blog you must already be considering installing a polished concrete floor in your home.  Let me help you see how easy it is it to incorporate a polished concrete floor into your existing interior decorating style.

My polished concrete in my kitchen

Regardless of your interior décor style here are some ideas for creating an interior scheme that will enhance your floor:

The floor

Take your time deciding what finish of floor you want.  Colour wise, do you want the steel grey, bright white or more neutral tones like mine.  Do you want the aggregate exposed and if so, which aggregate?  Finally what level of sheen do you want?  Matt, satin or high shine?  The type of finish you go with will dictate the final look of your room.

Create Contrast

Pair polished concrete flooring with contrasting elements like warm wood tones, soft textiles and vibrant accents to create visual interest and balance.  These should complement the concrete you have chosen.  For instance, if you’ve selected a white polished concrete floor you might want to add pops of bright colours whereas, if you prefer a more muted palette, maybe grey or neutral is the way you should go.  Experiment with which tone of wood looks best with your floor.  I’m lucky that the aggregate I chose is full of different toned stones so I am able to choose from any medium to dark toned woods, like reclaimed oak, mahogany or walnut.  Alternatively, the lighter wood tones like maple or light oak would look fantastic with grey floors.

My polished concrete is a neutral base colour with coloured aggregate which contrasts with the oak and stained pine units.

Add Texture

Incorporate texture into your design scheme with area rugs and tactile accessories to soften the look of polished concrete flooring.  You can get rugs to suit any style and budget so adding texture can a simple addition project.  Soft furnishings can also help with the acoustics in a room with a polished concrete floor.

Enhance Lighting

Maximise natural light and illuminate your space with strategically placed lighting fixtures to enhance the reflective properties of polished concrete flooring.  Floor to ceiling windows are wonderful for showing off the sheen of a polished concrete floor – they are also great for capturing the heat from the sun!  Strategically placed spotlights or floor lamps can also make an impact for evening ambience.

Bring the Outdoors In

Plants look brilliant against polished concrete and large ones in contrasting plant pots can add another dimension to the room.  Consider grouping a collection near a window and enjoy the shadows cast throughout the day on your polished concrete floor.

You can’t beat natural light hitting a polished concrete floor

Have negative space

Don’t cover your floor in areas where is can be the most dramatic.  For instance most people would put a runner in their hallway.  I’ve chosen not to as I want the polished concrete to be a wow factor when people come through my front door.

Frame your floor

Consider the finish of your skirting boards in your room – essentially they will frame your floor so go for a wood/paint colour that complements your polished concrete.

Conclusion

Polished concrete flooring offers a winning combination of style, sustainability and durability that makes it a standout choice for modern homes. Whether you're drawn to its sleek aesthetic or its eco-friendly properties, polished concrete flooring is sure to make a lasting impression in your home. As you can see from the above list, it is so versatile and can work with any interior design style.  So will you consider polished concrete for a flooring option?