Exposed this & exposed that

A standout & highly sort after feature of mine is exposed wooden beams. They express the definition of functional necessity in the most expressive form. How does something so crucial to a build, so heavy and obtrusive still manage to present true elegance in a space?

Architecture in today's world is appreciated more than ever, exposed aggregate, off-form concrete, exposed internal brick walls and of course, exposed structural beams. I find it refreshing and exciting to be able to not only understand the building and construction process, but to be able to see it, both in the progressive stage and the end stage. Adding beauty and architectural interest to any space, try not to shy away from the foundations or support that assists in establishing the place you call home.

Here are 3 great examples of the beauty of the exposed wooden beam;

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Elle x

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concrete + colour

I did a post earlier in the week on the use of concrete flooring as an internal residential finish and I haven't stopped thinking about it since then. So I thought I would expand on it a little further and talk about designing with it instead of around it. You can't find the post here.

I have always lusted over the combination of concrete and colour. If you think about concrete in it's initial purpose it is the foundation of the home. I find true essence in using the foundation of the home as the final finish. I know the first thing that comes to mind when speaking about concrete is the cold gray colour and that is absolutely accurate, so why not bright things up with a pop of colour to liven up the space. In fact, there are often many spaces around the home that are dull and no family member enjoys being in, is it one section of the garden, the space under the stairs or the spare bedroom? These spaces can be brought to life with a hint of colour and the whole room is transformed, even if the floor is a cool gray. 

Whether you choose a warm paste colour to soften the look of concrete or a screaming bold one to draw the focus to it, the result is sure to be phenomenal.

Once an outdoor-only application, concrete has been permeating interior design with good reason. The list concrete benefits is quite extensive;

• It’s easy to clean, extremely durable, and mimics more expensive materials wonderfully. 
• Custom concrete can be poured in a precast mold, giving it limitless shape and design options. 
• The weight and sturdiness of concrete make it an excellent structural element with a lot of trendy aesthetic qualities. 

The versatility of concrete designs make it a material that’s perfect in any room, with or without the cold, hard, industrial look of a basic concrete pour. Concrete solutions are becoming the creative answer to many interior and exterior home design dilemmas.

Moral of the story, don't be scared of a concrete finish.

Would you do concrete in your home? If so, would you go even further by adding an accent colour to the room with the concrete touch?

*images via here

concrete floors

A trend which is appearing more everyday in interior design is concrete flooring. It is now being used in both commercial and residential environments. Using concrete as a finished product is both cost effective and durable. Wooden floor is very expensive and tiles, (not if) but when they crack are painful to replace.

There is a product called aggregate which is used in concrete flooring. Aggregate are small rocks which help bind the concrete together. You can either have revealed aggregate or hidden. I prefer the revealed look, I think it gives the flooring more personality. Another option to consider is polished concrete, this leaves the floors a little shiny, a great option for residential spaces.

With its neutral color, it will pair up well with many hues. Add some wood elements to warm up the space a bit.

When you think of concrete floors, your mind goes directly to industrial design. But you may take it in another direction. Using traditional and feminine decor and furniture will transcend the industrial and make it glamorous.

Lots of white and punches of colours looks great with these floors too.

Or take its macho character and go with it. Some industrial finishes and sleek vintage wood furniture would be great for a bachelor's pad.

Another thing that I like about it is I think it's so low maintenance. It's used in home depots and garages for a reason right?

Concrete + black + wood + tons of white = lovely

And for those who love it that much, take it up the wall.

So, love it or hate it?

Images from http://www.switcheroom.com/2012/07/love-it-or-hate-it-concrete-floors.html