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Concrete Blocks Give Homes an Edge
Durable, dramatic and sophisticated – here we make the case for exposed blocks inside and out
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Commonly known for their efficiency and versatility as a building material, concrete blocks are also making a name for themselves as decorative surfaces, both inside and outside the home. Not convinced? Then you only have to look at some chic, architecturally-designed Australian homes to see how concrete blocks have instantly injected unique style and character into contemporary spaces.
We teamed up with the designers at Brickworks to discover why this relatively mundane material is in fact an incredibly innovative product that will impact the look and feel of your home in many ways. Get ready to be wowed by some super-stylish block work!
We teamed up with the designers at Brickworks to discover why this relatively mundane material is in fact an incredibly innovative product that will impact the look and feel of your home in many ways. Get ready to be wowed by some super-stylish block work!
The Versatility of Blocks
The construction industry relies on durable concrete blocks for their sustainability, efficiency and ease of use, so it’s no surprise that architects and interior designers have realised the versatility of this product in offering decorative solutions, as well as practical ones.
Combining innovative colourways with an array of shapes and laying formations, there’s a huge range of concrete blocks to suit all types of schemes, from raw industrial-inspired spaces, to calm and soothing Scandi-style rooms. The key is to pick a tone, finish and pattern that will complement your home and work with other materials in the space.
See concrete blocks as the ideal teammate. Thanks to the organic nature of concrete blocks, they pair easily with many other natural materials, such as warm timber, rattan or bamboo, which, in turn, brings a softness to the raw brick finish. Similarly, concrete blocks work well with cool metal, as it helps to emphasise the clean, crisp feel of the stone.
The construction industry relies on durable concrete blocks for their sustainability, efficiency and ease of use, so it’s no surprise that architects and interior designers have realised the versatility of this product in offering decorative solutions, as well as practical ones.
Combining innovative colourways with an array of shapes and laying formations, there’s a huge range of concrete blocks to suit all types of schemes, from raw industrial-inspired spaces, to calm and soothing Scandi-style rooms. The key is to pick a tone, finish and pattern that will complement your home and work with other materials in the space.
See concrete blocks as the ideal teammate. Thanks to the organic nature of concrete blocks, they pair easily with many other natural materials, such as warm timber, rattan or bamboo, which, in turn, brings a softness to the raw brick finish. Similarly, concrete blocks work well with cool metal, as it helps to emphasise the clean, crisp feel of the stone.
Cool, Calm and Collected
Just imagine never having to wallpaper or paint again! This is precisely the dream when you opt for stunning concrete blocks throughout your interior spaces. Offering a subtle, yet fascinating textured backdrop, blocks are the perfect pairing for interior schemes that feature bold colour or eye-catching furniture, as they add impact without distracting from the furnishings.
Their reliability as a timeless, durable and versatile background surface means you can change up your interior scheme, or even the function of the room, knowing that your concrete block walls will adapt effortlessly to any look or style, making decorating a thing of the past!
Create a seamless flow. Consider using the same concrete blocks both inside and out, such as on the walls of an internal courtyard, and you’ll create an appealing connection between the different spaces.
Just imagine never having to wallpaper or paint again! This is precisely the dream when you opt for stunning concrete blocks throughout your interior spaces. Offering a subtle, yet fascinating textured backdrop, blocks are the perfect pairing for interior schemes that feature bold colour or eye-catching furniture, as they add impact without distracting from the furnishings.
Their reliability as a timeless, durable and versatile background surface means you can change up your interior scheme, or even the function of the room, knowing that your concrete block walls will adapt effortlessly to any look or style, making decorating a thing of the past!
Create a seamless flow. Consider using the same concrete blocks both inside and out, such as on the walls of an internal courtyard, and you’ll create an appealing connection between the different spaces.
Add Drama With a Feature Wall
If you’re not yet convinced on using exposed concrete blocks in every space, but you still love the impact they create, consider adding a statement wall in a prominent spot, such as behind a sofa or bed. This way, you can still enjoy the drama while introducing other surfaces and textures into the mix, such as painted or wallpapered walls.
When it comes to choosing the tone and formation of concrete blocks for bedrooms, stick to calm, simple patterns for a restful feel, while busier living spaces can deal with more varied block tones and interesting laying formations.
Ramp up the drama. Team blocks with complementing materials depending on what look you are going for. For example, modern metallics, such as brass or stainless steel, will keep the room slick and minimal.
If you’re not yet convinced on using exposed concrete blocks in every space, but you still love the impact they create, consider adding a statement wall in a prominent spot, such as behind a sofa or bed. This way, you can still enjoy the drama while introducing other surfaces and textures into the mix, such as painted or wallpapered walls.
When it comes to choosing the tone and formation of concrete blocks for bedrooms, stick to calm, simple patterns for a restful feel, while busier living spaces can deal with more varied block tones and interesting laying formations.
Ramp up the drama. Team blocks with complementing materials depending on what look you are going for. For example, modern metallics, such as brass or stainless steel, will keep the room slick and minimal.
Bring Interest to an Outdoor Space
For a simple, efficient and sustainable solution for livening up your exterior space, concrete blocks are ideal as they will stand firm against the harsh weather conditions without the constant need for maintenance, while also adding interest and impact.
Opt for a tone that will encourage a laid-back, welcoming ambience, as it will be the backbone to your outdoor scheme.
Style up your outdoor space. Consider the exterior as an extension of your home and continue the mix of materials in the outdoor area too, such as concrete blocks and rich-coloured decking.
More: For more internal concrete block inspiration, visit Brickworks.
Your turn: How have you incorporated concrete blocks into your home?
For a simple, efficient and sustainable solution for livening up your exterior space, concrete blocks are ideal as they will stand firm against the harsh weather conditions without the constant need for maintenance, while also adding interest and impact.
Opt for a tone that will encourage a laid-back, welcoming ambience, as it will be the backbone to your outdoor scheme.
Style up your outdoor space. Consider the exterior as an extension of your home and continue the mix of materials in the outdoor area too, such as concrete blocks and rich-coloured decking.
More: For more internal concrete block inspiration, visit Brickworks.
Your turn: How have you incorporated concrete blocks into your home?
- This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Brickworks Building Products is one of Australia’s largest and most diverse building material manufacturers.... Read More
Brickworks Building Products is one of Australia’s largest and most diverse building material manufacturers.... Read More
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