Hi, I'm building a home with polished concrete throughout. I've noticed this post is a month old, so have you decided yet? I didnt' go with the usual aggregate as I felt it was too "busy". The concrete had charcoal dye added to the mix. I've seen pictures of it done with light colours as well and it looks good.

I like industrial but the domination of concrete and timber needs to be balanced For one the bench is too blocky almost looking like an open tomb. Balance with a natural stone (granite ?) bench top. Then the timber choice is gorgeous but there is too much Consider adding warmth and softness with Porters liquid copper and patina green as a feature wall decorated with tallish leafy plants The timber ceiling is good. Lightly coloured clear glass pendants over the kitchen bench will create an inviting atmosphere and finally brightly coloured stools to accent the space colours of red green etc With compliments Pat 4 Interior Design Canberra

we have decided to go with concrete floors in our new build. the foundations have just been done, and the team came through and power floated the floor. It rained the next day, which showed us the full effect of what the floor will look like (the builder said its good for it to rain too as means less likely to crack) and we LOVE it! so much so that i rang the builder and asked him to be careful on the hallway floor too as we want to continue the concrete finish up there as well. We arnt going for a ground floor as i find it a bit too busy and we are wanting a more relaxed industrial look. This is the photo i supplied the builder and it looks pretty much the same. The finish is achieved as soon as concrete foundation is poured. they "buff" the concrete, which "burns" the top, giving it quite a organic look. once this is done, the floor needs to be protected from chips etc while they build, then all that needs to be done is sealing once the build is finished. it came in alot cheaper than tile, or wood, but more expensive than carpet. our house is north facing with a lot of glass on that wall. the architect told us that the thermal mass from the flooring will be awesome! keep us updated on what you choose. :)

Thanks @philippawright. Our concrete will be full exposure of the aggregate, so lots of movement and interest. We would definitely use a rug in this room if we did not have carpet. No messy hobbies in here. The room will be used as a study for my husband and I and will double up as a small sitting room (library and TV) with two armchairs. We have four bedrooms in our house so don't anticipate using this room as a bedroom. But you never know. Our style is modern, not industrial, but a touch of luxe with hand blown glass feature pendants, and timber accents. It was always going to be carpet. But the levels have left me confused. If the concrete polishers can grind the concrete down so that is is recessed, and there will be minimal step up from hallway to carpet, then I'll probably stick with carpet. Do you think this is a good plan?