No home's complete without concrete

Concrete is suddenly appearing everywhere, in trendy new builds and refurbished apartments. But forget using concrete in the traditional way, as an exterior finish, it's now the latest thing in interior design. Whether it is used for walls or smooth, polished kitchen surfaces, it can add character and texture to a room - and that's why it's increasingly popular with interior designers.

Of course, concrete has been around for a while. The 2,000 year old Pantheon in Rome is an example of the oldest unreinforced concrete structure in the world. The material was also favoured by architects in the 1960's and 1970's, who used it to create iconic structures such as the Royal National Theatre building on the South Bank.

Now concrete has come in from the cold and is considered a luxurious interior finish. Architect and interior designer Shalini Misra believes that its industrial, utilitarian feel makes it an effective backdrop for contemporary art. She says "I like the mix of brick walls with concrete because they bring such different textures and colours."

If you are looking for a stunning contemporary home, we're happy to help. At Daniel Cobb we have a portfolio of stylish, central London properties for sale or rent, so call us today to book viewings. For tips on buying the right home for your family read Tips for buying a suitable family home in London. If you're a first time buyer, read Tips for first time buyers of London property.

"Concrete has been in vogue for some time. Architects through the ages have loved its flexibility and the ease with which it can be poured into moulds of any shape, to form anything from imposing tower blocks to sculptural curves."

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/bricks-mortar/concrete-is-coming-in-from-the-cold-k6tgxrkzx