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The Casual Side of Concrete

In our previous blog “The Luxurious Side of Concrete”, we looked at concrete’s ability to pair well with a luxurious decor aesthetic.  Full of plush fabrics, and glamorous gold and brass accents, the concrete helped to ground the space and keep it from going ‘over the top glam’.

Continuing with our exploration of concrete’s versatility and thinking ‘outside the box’ when using concrete in various interior design styles, we now move on to the popular Modern Farmhouse decor style, typically consisting of shiplap, industrial lighting and fixtures, a neutral colour palette, and salvaged materials like barn board and antiques.  And while ‘concrete’ and ‘farmhouse’ may seem contradictory in terms, you will see that they actually pair together with beautiful results.

Concrete & The Modern Farmhouse

 

Modern Farmhouse Blog Concrete Kitchen Countertops Magnolia Homes - Anthony Concrete Design
Photo Source: Magnolia Homes

 

Made popular by the successful home reno show “Fixer Upper” by Chip & Joanna Gaines of Magnolia Homes, Modern Farmhouse style presents an updated, modern twist on traditional country decor.  Gone are the roosters adorning everything from curtains and tea towels to plates and kettles!  What remains is the relaxed and welcoming feel of the space, inviting family and friends to gather around and make themselves at home.  While maintaining the comfortable and casual feel of country decor, Modern Farmhouse style also incorporates the sleek, clean lines of contemporary design and an uncluttered aesthetic commonly found in minimalist style. Therefore, with its natural place in contemporary and minimalist design, concrete fits in well with Modern Farmhouse decor and is typically used for floors, kitchen/bathroom countertops and sinks, and fireplaces.

This concrete bathroom trough sink combines well with the rustic wood planks on the wall and the darker gray tones found in the wood are highlighted by the deep charcoal colour of the concrete.  The minimal accessories, wrought iron fixtures and industrial hanging light sconces finish the overall Modern Farmhouse look.

Concrete & Modern Farmhouse Blog - Anthony Concrete Design
Architect: Samsel Architects
Photo Credit: Todd Crawford

 

This kitchen by Magnolia Homes is a quintessential Modern Farmhouse design with shiplap on the island, industrial-style stools, black wrought iron accents, and a neutral black & white colour palette.  The stone-look of the concrete countertop lends an organic element and matches well with the grey cabinetry and the grey metal bar stools.

Concrete & Modern Farmhouse Blog Concrete Kitchen Countertop - Anthony Concrete Design
Photo Source: magnolia.com

 

With a wood beam mantel and shiplap on the upper fireplace surround, this fireplace with precast concrete panels on the lower surround meets all the required criteria for a Modern Farmhouse look.  The horizontal shape of the concrete panels matches the horizontal direction of the shiplap, while the wood beam mantel, wood flooring and accompanying furniture warm up the overall look.  Note again the minimal accessories on the mantel and the industrial feel of the left shelving unit’s caster wheels.

Concrete & Modern Farmhouse Blog Concrete Fireplace Surround - Anthony Concrete Design
Photo Source: onekindesign.com

 

Utilizing antique or salvaged items is another key element of the Modern Farmhouse aesthetic and for this kitchen, the light fixtures are old factory lights, the sink is a re-purposed antique water fountain, and all of the rustic wood is salvaged Oregon wood.  The worn, distressed look of the concrete countertops blends well with the rough-hewn texture of the wood cabinets and floor.  The black and white colour scheme, wrought-iron accents and shiplap walls complete the Modern Farmhouse look.

Concrete & Modern Farmhouse Blog Concrete Countetops - Anthony Concrete Design
Designers: Leah Atkins & David Gleeson
Photo Credit: Brigid Arnott

 

Once again, as with the luxurious decor aesthetic, using concrete in a Modern Farmhouse design creates balance–this time between casual comfort and modern edginess.  Each of the rustic design elements of the Modern Farmhouse style warm up and give character to the concrete while the concrete itself prevents the overall look from feeling too ‘precious’ or too ‘shabby chic’ and lends a sophistication to the space.

To compliment your Modern Farmhouse home design, board-formed concrete panels from Anthony Concrete Design are a great fit.

With the look of wood, including wood grain and knot marks, board-formed concrete panels lend a modern, yet rustic feel to a wall or a fireplace surround.

  • The Casual Side of Concrete Blog Board-Formed Fireplace Surround 1 - Anthony Concrete Design
  • The Casual Side of Concrete Blog Board-Formed Fireplace Surround 2 - Anthony Concrete Design
  • The Casual Side of Concrete Blog Board-Formed Fireplace Surround with Concrete Mantel Hearth - Anthony Concrete Design
  • The Casual Side of Concrete Blog Board-Formed Fireplace Surround with Concrete Mantel Hearth 2 - Anthony Concrete Design
  • The Casual Side of Concrete Blog Board-Formed Concrete Wall - Anthony Concrete Design
  • The Casual Side of Concrete Blog Board-Formed Concrete Wall 2 - Anthony Concrete Design
  • The Casual Side of Concrete Blog Board-Formed Concrete Wall 3 - Anthony Concrete Design

Let’s Work Together

At Anthony Concrete Design, we love the versatility of concrete and the limitless options it offers our clients. Get in touch with us to learn how you can incorporate concrete into your interior or exterior design plans for your home, retail space, workspace, or gallery setting.

Anthony Concrete Design services commercial and residential clients across Canada and Ontario including Toronto, Ontario; Hamilton, Ontario; Burlington, Ontario; Mississauga, Ontario; London, Ontario and the GTA.  We also ship our concrete panels worldwide.