2020-05-01_Australian_Home_Beautiful

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One of the hottest trends in bathrooms

right now is concrete. With its raw

organic patina, clean lines, and

extensive colour and textural options,

it offers incredible scope. “Concrete can

look quite minimalist and industrial or

exude bold style, depending how you

personalise the bathroom with tapware,

tiles and accessories,” explains Linda

CHannah of Caesarstone.

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THE REAL DEAL

Whether you decide to go white, classic grey

or choose a custom tint, rendered concrete

walls and floors create a sleek wet-room

vibe. “Beyond its functionality, concrete

makes a statement, with bespoke options

ranging from concrete baths to basins,

freestanding vessels and vanity tops,”

says Kate Lett of Concrete Nation.

In wet areas, concrete walls and floors

need to be waterproofed and sealed, while

slip resistance should be considered when

choosing how floors are finished. Aside

from its good looks, a major consideration

is concrete’s sheer weight. “If your bathroom

is on an upper level, check with your builder

or architect to see if any extra reinforcing

is required to support the load,” says Kate.

Caring for concrete finishes is similar to

natural stone. “Use a mild spray and wipe

with a soft cloth and avoid harsh and

abrasive cleaners, which can break down

sealants and leave scratches,” advises Kate.

Pricing for custom concrete varies based

on thickness, size and shape of the area or

surface chosen, but you can expect to pay

upwards of $1100/sqm for a basic benchtop.

“People are using concrete on the floors, walls, vanities, basins and baths.

When done right, it adds a real warmth to the space” ~ Kate Lett, Concrete Nation

SHOPPING: real & engineered

‘Topus

Concrete’,

from $900/sqm

installed,

Caesarstone.

Stockists,

page 212

‘Rugged

Concrete’,

from $900/sqm

installed,

Caesarstone.

X-Bond polished stone in

Smoke, from $180/sqm

(supplied and installed),

Alternative Surfaces.

X-Bond polished

stone in Dust, from

$180/sqm (supplied

and installed),

Alternative Surfaces.

Custom concrete

benchtop, from

$1100/sqm,

Concrete Nation.

‘Airy Concrete’,

from $900/sqm installed,

Caesarstone.

130 HOMEBEAUTIFUL.COM.AU I MAY 2020