If you pick up a shelter magazine these days or read an architecture or design website, you are likely to see tiles, sinks, countertops and maybe even lighting made from concrete. That’s because concrete-based architectural products are having a quiet renaissance.
Concrete, especially countertops, had a moment in the early aughts, when practitioners such as Buddy Rhodes and Fu-Tung Cheng made the material sing with innovative architectural products and even whole houses. Cheng still favors the material, but other companies continue to do exceptional work in the medium, such as Pro Concrete Countertops, OSO Industries and VerteX Concrete.
Manufacturers here and abroad are also getting in on the act, producing some of the most enticing products that architects, designers or homeowners might choose to use in their homes.
Here is a glimpse of some exceptional products to give you a little bit of inspiration:
Elm is a contemporary take on a traditional bucket sink, with pin stripes that enhance the vertical form and wrap around the curves. Designed for wall or surface mounting, it’s available in 28 colors. The sinks are made in the United Kingdom and delivered worldwide.
Strands is the company’s modern interpretation of encaustic tiles. It has been engineered to function in wet or high-traffic areas. Numerous colors are available.
This pendant light features a wood socket and a concrete shade. The brand says it is ideal for use with an LED or fluorescent bulb and is perfect for hanging in a variety of locations. Available in four colors, it measures 5 inches wide and 9 inches in height.
Concretti Designs Designed for small bathrooms or powder rooms, the Savannah sink offers a convenient small shelf that serves as an ideal spot for a soap dish or toothbrush holder, the company says. It measures 17.75 inches long, 8.5 inches wide and 5 inches thick. Various colors are available. The sink is paired here with the brand’s Atlanta Freestanding Console.
Inspired by traditional Moroccan zellige tiles, the Cantico collection of hand-laid mosaics cement pieces and waterjet-cut lava stone. The collection of matte-finish, mesh-back tiles is available in warm, neutral tones.