*The Fiiinds Concrete Ideas Moodboard, Nov 2022*

When news emerged this autumn that Kim Kardashian was soon to launch a concrete home accessories range under her skincare brand, SKKN BY KIM, it was met with some scepticism in the mainstream media and its followers, who raised their eyebrows about paying premium prices for objects made from a material as commonplace as concrete. However, anybody who is aware of homeware trends should have recognised that she was onto something. Concrete has been emerging as a covetable material in recent years. Whether it is a finish (or lack of finish!) on walls (as seen in Philippe Starck’s work at Mob House in Paris in October) or a muted accent through a vase or larger statement piece, the earthiness of concrete has a calming, grounding effect on a space and after years of white and grey marble surfaces everywhere, it makes for a refreshing change.

SKKYN BY KIM’s concrete vanity collection consists of five concrete pieces, including a bin and a tissue holder. Everyday items created from an everyday natural material but there is a minimalist sculptural quality to these items, which are sure to elevate any bathroom. The full collection may be viewed here and please note the accompanying video of Kim’s beautiful zenlike home is also worth a look. Quite inspiring.

What is the appeal of concrete and why has it been growing in popularity? Perhaps it is an extension of the revival of the mid-nineteenth-century design aesthetic and our nostalgic longing for simpler times of post-war optimism and the utilitarian reassurance of Brutalist architecture. Large and imposing, Brutalism is not necessarily associated with beauty but its buildings do feel safe… And in a similar fashion, an object crafted from concrete is something solid.

Concrete, which forges the paths through the urban worlds we know, is something we have come to rely on without question. Much of the planet has been resurfaced with concrete, a hard-drying concoction of natural minerals and materials that feels simultaneously cold yet tactile. Concrete is earth reinterpreted by man, poured in straight, walkable lines to make our environment easier to navigate. It literally paves our way.

And while concrete is a utilitarian and ubiquitous material, it can provide our interior spaces with welcome airs of stability and practicality during the uncertain times we are living in. Its earthiness also has a soothing effect, subtly reminding us of the land we come from beyond the sealed-off comfort of our homes.

Aesthetically neutral, there is a contradictory softness to this hard, nature-derived material and its raw, understated surface can look quite striking when juxtaposed against more luxurious materials such as bouclé or thick woolen textiles. Grounding and reliable, concrete is the perfect blank canvas against which to showcase louder, more colourful items, plants or simply to add texture to a minimalist palette. Harbouring both warm brown tones and cooler greys, it is a truly gorgeous material and it is wonderful to see it celebrated through the beautiful work of several designers these days.

Here are a few more concrete fiiinds for the home:

*Dawn Floor Lamp by Nicolaj Nøddesbo & Tommy Hyldahl, €899 from 101 Copenhagan (101cph.com)*

*Kigali Coffee Table by AllModern, $1,280 from allmodern.com*

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