How to Use Decorative Concrete in a Traditional Kitchen

Concrete's use in kitchens and bathrooms may still be considered relatively "modern" design-wise by the standard homeowner. But while concrete can be used to create a modern or minimal look, it's also perfectly adaptable to a more traditional setting � where it was so extensively used in the first place.

Concrete can act as a substitute for more traditional materials. Rather than just using concrete to explicitly re-create something from the past, you can also combine it with other elements to suggest a timeless quality. In my work, I always strive to strike a balance between innovation and emotion, between spare contemporary and warm traditional. Adding mosaic tile along the front edge of a concrete surface, inlaying bits of tile along a backsplash, or even embedding a fossil in a countertop all connect us to the past.Lansing2. Add glass in the bathroom. It creates a look of more space by opening up the tub/shower area."With SketchUp(R) you can literally walk right through the new design, open the drawers and sit at the island," he says."The Food Network has inspired a lot of people with great ideas, but it's important that a kitchen designer understands the work flow of a kitchen, such as moving from the dishwasher to the cabinets to the food prep areas. Convenience is important," Hagerman says.5. Mosaic tiles in groups of four separated by 1/8"-1/4" spacing could be placed on the countertop surface as inlaid "trivets" next to the stove burners. (In the mold, they would be placed face down on the bottom of the form.)4. Add or change lighting. A lighting professional can give some great ideas here."Fortunately our workload has been very steady. Obviously there has been a shift to remodel projects away from new home installations, but a particular strength for us has been the northern Michigan vacation home market," Hagerman says.Hagerman Kitchens also offers custom crafted furniture."People love traditional but with some embellishments. Across the rest of the state we are seeing more of a refined traditional with some contemporary design work. It's a softer look with less of a high tech feel," Hagerman says.

As they say, it's all in the details.

Author: Fu-Tung Cheng