Concrete is all the rage in interiors at the moment and architects and designers are embracing a material that has been around since ancient times but is now back in fashion. Craig Bell of Osmo, provides some advice on how to maintain this most durable of building products.
Trends in interior design constantly change and it can be hard to keep up with what is the latest style, product or material that is currently on-trend. Interior designers and architects like to try new things, and one shift that is particularly noticeable, is the transition of concrete from a ‘hard’ building material used in all types of construction, to its current position as a contemporary and stylish finish for interior design elements such as flooring, furniture and surfaces.
Concrete in various forms has been around for centuries. However, it is only in the last few years that it has made this transition to an interiors product. It has an industrial heritage which makes it extremely durable, a quality that translates well to an interior environment. The benefits of concrete furniture go far beyond its strength and durability. The potential designs of concrete furniture can range from the very simple to ornate with each piece custom created to complement the surrounding decor.
Typical concrete pieces might be dining, coffee and side tables, kitchen worktops and even lighting fixtures. Its simple style and colour also make it a great contrast feature for monochrome interior features and is an ideal material to create an ‘industrial’ design aesthetic. It pairs extremely well with other materials and the unusual texture can really make an impact in any interior scheme.
Like many materials, concrete needs care and attention to maintain the qualities that make it an appealing product in the first place. Each concrete piece is usually uniquely designed to suit the application and to keep it in tip-top condition, it is important to look after it properly. A good way to treat interior concrete products is to use a good clear, satin impregnation oil. This type of oil uniquely combines the advantages of natural oils and waxes in one product. Importantly it will not form a film on the surface – particularly important with concrete – instead it penetrates the surface. Through this impregnation, the microporous surface (as concrete has) becomes water and dirt repellent as well as stain resistant. This action makes the oil especially suited to concrete wall panelling and flooring in kitchens and bathrooms as well as for tabletops, windows sills and kitchen worktops.
When undertaking maintenance with oil it is important to apply it very thinly and spread it well across the area. Any excess product (i.e. pooling or streaks) should be removed with a pad or a lint-free cloth. For larger areas, remove excess oil with a rubberscraper and polish with a buffing machine (whitepad). The oil must be absorbed into the surface. There must not be any oil left on the surface. The oil needs 8-10 hours to dry and the area should be well ventilated for best results. When ready, apply the second coat also very thinly and again, remove any excess. When renovating already oiled surface, normally one coat on a cleaned surface is perfectly sufficient.
Concrete is also a sustainable material. This is a major plus for many architects and interior designers working in today’s environmentally conscious marketplace, where sustainable sourcing is key. Should it be necessary, concrete pieces can be recycled at the end of their life. That said, with proper care and attention concrete products can last for centuries. Although it’s unlikely anyone has such grand ambitions for today’s interior pieces, it is reassuring for architects and designers to know there are products available that can maintain, preserve and enhance the concrete features they create today.
