Decorative concrete: an Industrial coating with multiple facets

While the word "concrete" might not sound particularly appealing on its own, what comes to mind when we mention decorative concrete? If you’re thinking of those characteristic gray surfaces typical of robust, cementitious materials, let us tell you: you’re far off the mark…

Yes, it’s robust and hard, no doubt about that, but the idea of decorative concrete as something cold, monotonous, and boring is outdated. Industrial materials are now the height of fashion, not just for the performance they’ve delivered since their inception, but also for their aesthetics, which have an irresistible appeal.

Decorative concrete became a defining material of New York architecture in the 1950s. It was the best ally for flooring that needed extra protection, resistance, and durability, such as in shops and office spaces. Its unmistakable style was especially impactful when paired with brick walls and metal or leather accents – the epitome of industrial aesthetics.

During the economic crisis, when many businesses closed and were transformed into charming lofts or apartments, decorative concrete didn’t fade away. It continued to be used up to the present day, confirming what we already knew: its resistance and durability can only be matched by very few materials.

Today, thanks to its evolution into the contemporary world, decorative concrete is no longer just an essential element of industrial design. With advances in its features and aesthetic characteristics – such as its ability to customize colors – it can now evoke a variety of styles, including minimalist, Nordic, or, when combined with the right elements, rustic or bohemian.

Discover in this article everything you need to know about decorative concrete, and let its advantages make it one of the stars of your living spaces.

Decorative concrete: how do we define it?

Analyzing its name, one might deduce that it’s a material made of cement or cement-based compounds used to decorate surfaces. And while this deduction isn’t incorrect, decorative concrete offers much more.

It’s a coating that stands out thanks to its many benefits. Its thin application – up to a maximum of 3 mm – enables fast, convenient, and clean renovations. It can be applied directly over existing surfaces and is compatible with the most common materials.

But that’s not all that makes it special. Decorative concrete is exceptionally resistant to foot and vehicle traffic, wear over time, running water, and sunlight. These features make it the ideal candidate for floors and walls, both indoors and outdoors. On top of that, it’s easy to clean and maintain – a quality that few materials can claim. Truly a super material.

And if you already knew all of this, let us tell you more. Its surfaces can be customized with a wide range of colors, shattering the preconceived (and incorrect) notion that decorative concrete is only for industrial spaces, garages, shops, or offices. Instead, it introduces a renewed image that includes all these spaces and more, gradually becoming a leading choice in residential homes.

The fact that decorative concrete is increasingly present in personal spaces is far from coincidental. If it has conquered so many households, it’s because of its functional and practical properties, while also offering a modern, avant-garde, and exclusive aesthetic. Timeless in character, it adapts to any style, taste, or intention – everything that truly matters in interior design.

What can decorative concrete really offer you? 5 key benefits

You may already have an idea of what decorative concrete is, but do you truly know how it can enhance your spaces and, let’s be honest, make your life easier? Here are five reasons why it works so well.

1. One for all, and all for one: the versatility of decorative concrete

What surface would you like to renovate? Whether it’s your bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, living room, or outdoor spaces, decorative concrete is a perfect fit. The same goes for the materials it covers – it works with virtually anything.

2. Decorative concrete optimizes resources

When planning a renovation, it’s natural to think first about the time and cost involved. The good news is that decorative concrete helps save resources by optimizing time and labor, something that isn’t possible with other coatings.

Its simple application, without the need to remove the base layer, creates harmonious and unique modern surfaces without the hassle of costly or demanding construction work. It’s a huge step toward realizing renovations we often avoided out of laziness.

3. Not just for industrial style: decorative concrete fits any ambiance

Choosing the color and accessories to complement decorative concrete is essential, as this is where its ability to adapt to your desired ambiance truly shines. While we’re often (wrongly) accustomed to associating it exclusively with industrial style, decorative concrete can evoke any atmosphere, no matter how different.

Its appearance in neutral or light tones can create minimalist environments thanks to its seamless surface. It can also suit a rustic style by incorporating elements like natural fibers or accents in wood, raffia, or wicker.

The beauty of continuous surfaces lies in their timelessness and their ability to blend seamlessly with any decorative style – all you need to do is select the color that best matches your vision.

A completely customizable and versatile material, decorative concrete has long been considered a key ally of industrial design. However, it has proven that it can evoke virtually any type of ambiance with ease.

4. Its added value: resistance to water, traffic, and high temperatures

And to anything you throw at it, because let’s be honest, decorative concrete is as tough as it gets. Its resistance, strength, and durability stand the test of time without losing their intensity or being affected, no matter how long it’s been in use.

5. Decorative concrete is perfect for creating spaciousness

Among the many benefits of continuous coatings like decorative concrete, one stands out as a consumer favorite: its ability to create an automatic sense of spaciousness.

Surfaces without joints or interruptions are essential for making spaces feel larger, even if only visually. When rooms feel more spacious, they also appear brighter, which elevates the aesthetic appeal of any area.

For this reason, decorative concrete is often used as a coating for floors and walls in kitchens and bathrooms, which are usually smaller than other areas in a home.

Many people take advantage of this seamless look by pairing it with white, beige, or gray tones, further enhancing the sense of spaciousness and brightness. These colors, in addition, work well with any style of furniture. Pastel blues, earthy browns, or natural greens are also excellent options (in case you’re already looking for ideas ;)).

And let’s not forget the ease of cleaning. The absence of joints makes cleaning much simpler and prevents the accumulation of dirt and bacteria.

Thinking about using decorative concrete in your spaces? Here are some ideas to inspire you

You can apply decorative concrete almost anywhere – that much is clear. But understanding where and how it’s most commonly used might just spark the inspiration you need to get started. These are the most frequent surfaces where decorative concrete shines.

1. Decorative concrete on floors: a Key player

Floors are some of the most essential surfaces in our daily lives. Constantly exposed to wear and tear, they are more prone to deterioration than other surfaces. Protecting them is now easier than ever with decorative concrete. It provides extra resistance to traffic and wear while also offering anti-slip finishes. A complete renovation with an updated style and a fresh, modern look.
Interior Designer’s Tip: If you choose colors like white, earthy tones, or blue, you’ll add a sense of freshness and a harmonious, pleasant touch to your décor.

2. Decorative concrete on walls: say goodbye to monotony

Walls often seem like the forgotten element of a room, but decorative concrete ensures they won’t be. Vertical surfaces don’t face the same challenges as floors, which can lead to neglect in their design, making them dull, monotonous, or uninspired.
Eventually, though, they’ll beg for a refresh – and what better option than a coating that adds style while guaranteeing durability? Decorative concrete offers all of this, ensuring that your walls remain stylish and intact for years to come.

3. Decorative concrete on terraces: unmatched beauty

The functionality of decorative concrete on terraces is undeniable, but its aesthetic appeal takes it to an entirely new level. It visually extends the dimensions of the space, creating a sense of seamless continuity throughout.

What’s the winter trend and how to achieve it with decorative concrete?

While this goal has always been sought after, this season more than ever focuses on creating tranquility and special comfort. Harmony, balance, and peace – what beautiful concepts! And how easy they are to achieve with decorative concrete.

Colors that create harmony

Neutral and cream tones, in addition to being timeless, pair well with any decorative style. They convey harmony by reflecting light, calmness, and balance. A naturalist trend is also gaining momentum, emphasizing textures and shapes that evoke nature.

If there’s one thing decorative concrete excels at, it’s its ability to adapt to any situation and offer a wide range of colors that can be combined in interesting and creative ways.

Warm minimalism: easy with decorative concrete

Although minimalism has been around for a while, it seems here to stay. The current trend of warm minimalism embraces spaces that are simple and feature minimal details and elements, while still managing to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

The fine, clean lines and perfectly smooth finishes of decorative concrete help bring this concept to life. They create open, airy spaces that are both visually appealing and genuinely original.

Multifunctionality: here and now

The kitchen has long ceased to be just a place for cooking, and the living room is no longer just for watching TV. Today, the most sought-after trend in interior design is creating spaces that, while serving multiple purposes, seamlessly merge into one unified area.

It’s now common to find open-plan kitchens connected to the living room or even spaces where one room flows directly into the other. This approach allows for more than just sharing culinary creations or leisure time – it creates multifunctional spaces where a variety of activities can take place simultaneously.

As a result, these designs produce larger, brighter, and more open spaces that feel interconnected and inviting. Decorative concrete perfectly fulfills this function. As a continuous coating, it maximizes 100% of the available space without reducing its dimensions, creating a seamless flow and enhancing spatial continuity. This allows each area to truly shine and function at its best.

Microcement: the decorative concrete for avant-garde creations

If you’re already familiar with microcement, the earlier descriptions might have sounded familiar, right? The truth is, microcement is the cutting-edge version of decorative concrete.

It’s one of the most successful, innovative, and revolutionary materials on the market, developed using the latest technologies and advanced techniques. That’s what microcement is all about.

With Smartcret® ready-to-use microcement, this concept takes on even more significance by introducing a truly revolutionary idea: the ability to renovate your spaces yourself. While decorative concrete has already made renovation processes far easier, more convenient, and quicker compared to traditional coatings, microcement goes even further. Now, you’re in charge – you choose the timing, the deadlines, the pace, and the final appearance of your project. This puts the power of a personalized renovation entirely in your hands.