Concrete is trendy. Surfaces made of concrete have many forms. The most popular – paving stones and slabs – have an important advantage: they are extremely versatile. Therefore, we can use them to arrange the entire surrounding of the house. This will help us in a very important procedure – reducing chaos and maintaining the cohesion of the space within the property.
Concrete paving stones or slabs can be used on driveways, sidewalks, terraces or garden paths. When choosing them, however, we must pay attention to the thickness of elements.
Depending on the loads to be applied to the surface (pedestrian or vehicle traffic), we have to use products of different thickness (usually from 4 to 8 cm). All the rest – shape, color – can be the same or similar. This will help to smoothly move from one area of the house surroundings to another and to join them. In such a case, the concrete surface will constitute the composition frame for the arrangement around the house.
Trends continue to focus on modernity and minimalism. However, when planning the choice of surface, you should not be guided by fashion, but by the style of your house and garden. This is due to the fact that what fits modern designs will not fully fulfill its role in traditional spaces, and vice versa.
Simple, cubic surface elements with enlarged sizes are best suited to the surroundings of modern architecture. They are ideal for creating modern patterns, with straight lines, straight angles and geometric shapes.
Buildings and gardens maintained rather in the traditional spirit look best in the vicinity of the surfaces emphasizing their character. Aged elements, rounded paving stones, patterns formed in soft, arched, smoothly guided lines look good in all arrangements having manor house, rustic or vintage style.
The style of architecture and garden are not the only factors that we should take into account when planning the purchase of the new surface. The right coloring is also important. Concrete paving stones and slabs are available in a very wide range of colors and surface types. These include monochromatic elements and melanges, smooth, washed and aged textures. Such a great variety may lead to many arrangement mistakes, so remember: the color of the surface should be matched to the roof, facade of the house or some motif prevailing in its surroundings. Moderation and harmony are also important. Unskillful use of too many colors or types of products usually leads to aesthetic chaos. It is best to limit yourself to a maximum of 3 shades, which should be harmoniously combined with each other (unless you intentionally opt for clear contrasts!).
When choosing the types of concrete elements, you should put them together in such a way that they match each other in terms of style. Do not use too small paving stones on large areas – reserve them for small, narrow and hard to reach places. Bigger stones and slabs are not the best choice on small planes (they generate the necessity of numerous cuts). Large slabs are an ideal solution for terraces, and using them also in the garden will allow for combining these two spaces.
If you are not sure what colors or design of paving stones to use, it is worthwhile to seek advice from experts. You can also refer to the various inspirations available in the professional press or on the Internet – in such a case, always pay attention to houses and gardens decorated in the same style and colors as yours! The pavement around the house and in the garden should constitute rather an arrangement background, so as not to distract attention from the building or garden. It often happens that the floor becomes the main character of the terrace space. It is a bold solution that will allow to distinguish the arrangement from many others.
Paving stones and concrete slabs are not only fashionable, but also very practical. They are ideal for hardening frequently used traffic routes and the surfaces around the house. Good quality concrete products are usually impregnated already at the production stage, which means that they do not require any complicated maintenance procedures during their useful life. They are frost-resistant, regular sweeping and temporary rinsing with water is enough to make them look beautiful for a long time.
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