Coloured concrete floors bring grounded good looks and a practical panache home.
When Sydneysiders Sophie Bowers and Josh Climpson fell for the wild charms of Wānaka on their first visit, they put down roots and crafted a retreat that leant into the landscape.
Clad in lichen-toned corrugate, the exterior blends into the mountainous backdrop; inside the palette is honest and robust.
As founder of Strutt Studios, an interior architecture and design business, Sophie has a refined eye for materials that work together and, when it came to the flooring, she knew it could be a unifying force. “We chose concrete for its durability, timelessness and the way it can anchor a space with a grounded, textural quality,” she says.
Running through the spaces, from the open-plan living room to the bedrooms and dressing room, the polished floor, made from a local Hyland aggregate, provides an underfoot presence that has just enough movement and tonal variation to add interest without distraction.
In choosing a colour for the floor (one that was neither too cool nor too warm and would sit quietly beneath both shadow and light), the couple consulted the Peter Fell online design tool. “It helped us explore the options and understand how different sealers would influence the tone and finish,” says Sophie.
The colour selected, PFL-172, is a soft, mineral grey that pairs beautifully with the muted greens, earthy browns and golden hues that predominate in the interiors.
Not only does it look the business, but the concrete performs well year-round in this alpine climate, helping to regulate temperature through the seasons. “It’s a finish that ages gracefully and suits the way we live,” says Sophie. “It epitomises how we designed the house to feel: understated, comfortable and built to last.”
We have an extensive range of colour options available, plus you can order free samples to help you make your final decision.
