subject: Accessorizing the Outdoor Living Space [print this page] Accessorizing the Outdoor Living Space Accessorizing the Outdoor Living Space
Mix together some cement, rock, sand and water and you get a mess that can become anything your imagination can spawn. Picture frames, mirrors, side tables, coffee tables and countertops are some of the more practical pieces of art that are gaining ground in the home decorating world. Concrete furniture is very durable and can include water resistant properties that may outlast the house in which it resides. This really appeals to the outdoor living space, which trend is returning to our modern lifestyle. Another advantage of these products is the broad range of colors and finishes.
With open floor plans and more natural light being incorporated into new buildings, it is not surprising to find that many have simply created more living space out of doors. Concrete tables, chairs, and such have been found to enhance these living areas with little maintenance. Some elaborate kitchens, fireplaces, and dining tables have moved outside to be enjoyed beside the shade tree and the squirrel. With such living space moving outside, it only seems reasonable that other household items will follow. Art and mirrors framed in concrete can be left outside in the sun and the rain. Side tables are always useful beside the lounge chair or pool. Every good fireplace needs a coffee table to rest your feet in the warmth.
Outdoor "rooms" can be very diverse depending on the owner's tastes. Concrete furniture can match that diversity with a color palate as wide as a paint store. The natural look of gray concrete appeals to some, while colorful, embedded and shiny colors appeals to others. Concrete has a natural look when ground down to expose the aggregate. The plain look could highlight the artwork found within the frame or emphasize a particular them found in its surroundings. It can have a strong feel to its simple form; a clean, crisp look. On the other hand, we can't stop trying out different ideas and colors. Deep sea blue, forest green, terracotta brown, bone white and so on can be achieved in concrete creations.
Unfortunately, when you talk about concrete with others, they visualize old, grotesque industrial buildings. As a structural engineer, I must boast that those buildings have probably outlasted anyone's expectations and served their purpose well, but not many people want to hang that old look on their wall or eat your popcorn from its pitted top. In reality, concrete can be as refined as marble and as colorful as any sunset. It truly is up to the artist when working with this very diverse material.
