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.

A California cottage we renovated recently moved
from "traditional" to "transitional". A large concrete
curved wall/counter boldly separates the living room
from the kitchen. Meanwhile, a stainless steel integral
sink countertop straddles one wall— yet, by inlaying
glass tiles into the backsplash and inserting a
traditional plate holder in the cabinetry, enough
balance is achieved to avoid a conflict of styles.

Let’s take a turn-of-century "Craftsman" style kitchen
for a hypothetical example. The cabinets would most
likely be frame-and-panel with flush inlay doorframes.
There would be wood wainscoting in the dining area
and perhaps tile around a single porcelain sink. The
lighting fixtures might have beveled glass or echoes of
Tiffany lamps. What concrete application would be
appropriate in this situation? I would look into one or
more of the following ideas in combination:

1. Choose an earth tone color or natural gray. No bright colors.

2. Keep the front face, or thickness, of the countertop at a minimum of 2-1/2" up to 5".

3. Inset "panels" into the front face of the countertop to reflect the cabinet doors. These
panels would be no deeper than 3/8" and would measure approximately 1/3" to the
height of the front face, or

4. Recess the appropriately sized or proportioned ceramic tiles with some embossing
on them into the face of the countertop or into a cast backsplash. Allow the recess to be
at least 1/4" in depth.

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.)

6. Line the drain board into the sink with tile or marble.

Now I wouldn't want to use all of the above accents — just enough to carry a
complementary flavor to the Craftsman look and feel. The concrete itself is earthy
enough to carry that load. It's up to you as a homeowner or designer to add the touch
that personalizes and enhances the piece. In some cases, for instance, the
overwrought "traditional English manor" kitchen, usually full of elaborate detailing, can
use a touch of restraint — the concrete counter with a simple ogee edge detail and a
complementary white porcelain farm sink might just be perfect.

As they say, it's all in the details.
About The Author
Fu-Tung Cheng, the founder of Cheng Design and Cheng Concrete Exchange, is an
internationally known designer and author, who has pioneered the craft of making concrete
countertops.
He has published two books, Concrete Countertops (Taunton Press, 2002) and Concrete at
Home (Taunton Press, 2005).
To learn more about Fu-Tung's work and discover the endless possibilities of using concrete in
your home, visit http://www.ConcreteExchange.com.