Concrete effect: tips for using cement in decoration

Maybe you don’t know, but your property probably has concrete beams and pillars – hidden under layers of plaster, mortar and paint. After all, they are the ones that make up the structure of most Brazilian buildings.

beauty revealed
For those willing to renovate, exposing these elements can be one of the best ways to obtain the modern and uncluttered look that concrete adds. That’s what architect Nathália Favaro, from the São Paulo office Vitrô, did in the apartment itself.

She warns, however, that the solution takes work and requires a good mason. “But the result is worth it. I always prefer to remove material than add it, as the environment is lighter, ”she says. Now, if the idea is not to face a work at home, bet on elements that reproduce the effect with care: it is worth assembling a new partition with ready-made hollow blocks or placing different concrete objects around the house.

Look down
Composed of sand and water, in addition to cement, cemented is a very common floor. However, it only really looks beautiful with careful preparation.

To make things easier, many brands offer ready-made mixes, like the one chosen by architect Diego Revollo, from São Paulo, to cover the floor, walls and ceiling of the apartment below. “An advantage of this resin mass is the homogeneous result, with a velvety texture and a less rustic appearance”, he says. There are also options that simulate the appearance of cement and hydraulic tiles, which add an interesting graphic design.

Read too: 5 decorating tricks to make your apartment look bigger

Custom-made forniture
Countertops, shelves and tables molded with concrete have an irresistible modernist appeal. Trendy architects like Ruy Ohtake love the idea, which is also more accessible – it costs less to make a concrete top than to provide good granite. To do so, a professional is needed to design the piece of furniture, defining heights and thicknesses, and meticulous labor to execute it. There are also ready-made pieces for sale.

Read too: 9 simple rules to decorate without mistake

climbing the walls
The cement on the wall is also beautiful and you don’t even need to cover the entire surface: a little corner already makes all the difference. Architect from São Paulo Décio Navarro used a mixture of white and common cement. “The contrast with the blue enhances the effect”, he observes.

In order not to have to deal with a construction site at home, prefer panels and wallpapers that reproduce the look of cement and are easy to apply. Works of art or photos can also bring this urban atmosphere to the environment.