The Kitchen Designer

My colleague, Laurie Laizure, founder of the Google+ Community: Interior Design Community sees products, talks to manufacturers, designers and others in the design community every day and one of those products is concrete, which we see used in so many different ways in home design. Laurie has shared with me that she has a "thing" for concrete, and here are her thoughts on this interesting material. Thanks for your insights on concrete, Laurie!

In Laurie's words.

I have a confession. Born and raised in New Hampshire (also known as The Granite State ), it feels a little wrong admitting this, but I am not a fan of granite countertops and never have been. Even though there are many colors and patterns available in granite, the look is often a bit busy. I ve recently been researching concrete countertops on Concrete Network. which has loads of amazing design ideas, and everything you need to know about concrete countertops.

Following the trends in Europe for some years now, engineered stone, tempered glass and concrete have been making their mark. With the popularity of granite beginning in the early 1990 s, it s no wonder that homeowners are now interested in finding something new. When you consider durability and affordability, concrete is a real winner.

What about color? Many people think of concrete as a dingy gray material with a rough texture that would not be appealing to prepare an evening meal on. This is not what concrete can be today. There are thousands of color options created by mixing different pigments, stains and aggregate colors to make your countertop completely customized and unique to you.

Let s take a look at some interesting concrete countertops to give you some ideas during your next kitchen remodel.

Customized shapes and features

Image Credit: Concrete Network, Design by Pourfolio Custom Concrete, San Diego, CA I love the space for soap and the architectural interest of this circular basin. These counters are sure to be a topic of conversation when entertaining.

Get the look of natural stone:

Image credit: Concrete Network. Design by Absolute ConcreteWorks in Poulsbo, WA

Concrete can replicate many stone products at a much more wallet-friendly price-point and it s easier to repair if damage occurs. Want to show off your artistic side? The countertop above is unusual and has the feel of gorgeous natural stone. You might be surprised to know that this option also passes LEED certification and features a terrazzo finish with an inlaid Brazilian agate and acid-stained borders. Anyone can appreciate this stylish look!

Image Credit: concrete-countertops.org Do you prefer a more traditional look?

Even though concrete may be considered a new and modern material for countertops, styles can be created for any taste profile. This is a more traditional style mold and the results on this island are simply stunning. I love the way the creamy ivory base contrasts with the warm beige that almost has a hint of copper that you see then repeated in the cabinets.

Why stop at a countertop?

Image credit: Concrete Network Design by: Eycon in Myersville MD

Creating a unique backsplash by adding embedded objects adds texture and style. Perhaps you have precious mementos you would like to incorporate? I think children s handprints would be a sweet reminder of afternoons baking with your little ones. If you are thinking of something more refined, perhaps a marble carving from a family vacation to the islands or even a few stones you picked up on a special trip through Europe? The options are really endless. Embedding these items into concrete is easy and can make your kitchen much more personal which is not an option you usually have.

Consider concrete, a new and cutting-edge material to use as a design option in your next remodel. It is an economical, sustainable, and easily repairable option with endless customizable finishes. Would you consider concrete countertops? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Laurie Laizure is the founder of the largest online community for design pros, Interior Design Community. Laurie s work has been featured on various cable networks such as Bravo and HGTV as well as top publications in the interior design world such as Country Living magazine.