Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Design Ideas”
Curve Appeal Don Welsh owner of eleven39.com and everydaySolutions contracting in Leucadia CA designed and created the Webster Chair, a unity of concrete, steel and teak. The design is an adult version of his wooden chair he made for his nephew. The “Webster Chair” is available in either CX Pro-Formula All-Weather mix or SureCrete D-FRC. The curved concrete combined with …
New Kind of “Charcoal” for Green Egg Smoker Bruce Sullivan founded Sullivan Custom Stoneworks in 1999 and has since crafted hundreds of works of art in stone to enhance the beauty and functionality of Maine homes and landscapes.The clients of this outdoor kitchen project, located amidst the majestic backdrop of lush forest, wanted a stone grill, smoker, and a burner …
A Perfect Balance of Materials Project Location: Solana Beach, CA Project Turnaround: 2 weeks Made with: CX Pro-Formula All-Weather + Recycled Steel Tubing Color: Platinum, 2.5 cu.ft. ($90) Project Dimensions: 4’4″L x 12″W x 20″H Kudos: Honorable Mention, Circle of Distinction Design Challenge Project by: Ron Haratyk + Brett Haydn Designs Ron Haratyk, a 40-year veteran of concrete and owner …
Bathrooms: Going Beyond Countertops and Into the Shower Q: What is the feasibility of casting a concrete shower pan? Is concrete too porous to be cast in a concrete shower; can it be sufficiently sealed and stabilized against cracking? We think it would look fantastic, but have come up empty-handed as to whether it would work. A: I do not recommend …
Custom Concrete Edge Treatments and Simulated Rock Details Q: How can I successfully integrate a “chipped” edge or “torn paper concrete” drainboard effect into the overall look of my concrete countertop? As with any “look” we wish to achieve with concrete counters — or any other medium, for that matter — it helps to understand why we like the look …
Q: What are some suggestions for building a concrete wall in a shower and how can I achieve a smooth curved piece? Building a concrete bathroom shower can be a tremendously creative endeavor, especially when you have ample space at hand. However, as mentioned in my article Bathrooms: Going Beyond Countertops and Into the Shower, concrete has its limitations when …
Curved Concrete Pieces: Drafting and Design Considerations Q: How do you smoothly draw out curves for islands, countertops, and curved walls? What are the main functional considerations when designing curved pieces? If you are referring to simply outlining the perimeter of a random curve-shaped countertop, you can do that in numerous ways: Rough out the shape you want by drafting …
A kitchen island stands alone. It is a gathering spot. It commands attention, it is usually the functional and aesthetic center of a kitchen. An island countertop, by necessity, is the “star” of the kitchen and demands an understanding of what constitutes good design in the context of the whole environment. When approaching the design of an entire kitchen, for …
The Work of Skilled Artisans is Rooted in the Art of Design More Than Just a Countertop In the early 2000s, the craft of concrete countertops began gaining momentum in workshops and training programs around the country. What started as specialized instruction on shaping sculptural countertops soon evolved into a broader movement—one that embraces design excellence, creativity, and craftsmanship for …
Calm Inspiration in Contemporary Times Across Europe and Asia, art and architecture often merge seamlessly into buildings and homes. There is a sensibility in craftsmanship and design—rich in detail and cultural resonance—that draws admiration and emotional connection. This appreciation for the past, however, need not result in imitation. Instead, the opportunity lies in creating new details that speak to the …
Balancing Your Statement with Nature’s Timelessness Color shapes the way spaces feel. It influences mood, adds complexity, and brings life to materials. Yet, it is often the final—and most challenging—choice in design. Many find it easier to first establish space, shape, and detail in a neutral framework before layering in color. Much like casting actors in a play, colors bring …
A Monolithic Sculpture and Functional Concrete Kitchen Island A monolithic pour of a wall and countertop is an exciting and completely rewarding undertaking. There is an undeniable impact when the wall and the counter it supports are fused into an integral, sculptural form. Working with concrete from a sculptural, rather than just functional, perspective elevates the value and emotional appeal …
One Material Has You Covered From Traditional to Modern Quick Tour of Concrete Concrete has been a cornerstone of construction for centuries, shaping everything from monumental bridges and skyscrapers to sidewalks and roads. Beyond its structural role, concrete has long been valued as a decorative material in architecture. In the 1920s and 1930s, it filled many of the sculptural roles …
Concrete is a remarkable material—practical, expressive, and aesthetic all at once. From a primal, formless slurry, it can be shaped into virtually any form and transformed into a solid, lasting mass. The creative possibilities are nearly endless. It can be ground, polished, stamped, stained, or embedded with meaningful objects, becoming both functional and deeply personal. Concrete bridges the gap between …
