Concrete is a deviation from traditional kitchen materials. But as lovers of contemporary spaces that push boundaries, we’re all about deviating from tradition. These five kitchens are examples of how the concrete aesthetic can elevate the modern kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary.

1.  Sussex, Mancini Made x Alt. Surfaces

PHOTO: SUSSEX ST, MANCINI MADE / X-BOND FLOOR BY ALT SURFACES

This project is sleek contemporary personified. It’s lustrous and futuristic, all about clean lines and sharp, simple silhouettes. The visible trowel marks of X-Bond Seamless Stone contrast the smooth counter tops to bring some textural variation to the space, and in greyish-charcoal hues it slightly softens and balances the room’s palette by uniting black with white. Paired with timber and warmer splash-back lighting, the result is a kitchen that still feels welcoming whilst nailing that minimalist aesthetic.

2. The Pawson House

PHOTO: ‘OPEN HOUSE’ BY GILBERT MCCARRAGHER, OPEN HOUSE MAGAZINE ISSUE 12

Each room in this converted 17th century farming complex is a marvel in itself—but one of its three (yes, three!) kitchens in particular has caught our eyes. Visible trowel marks create an organic look that compliments the project’s rural setting and its various wooden textures. Applied to both the walls and ceiling, the result is a seamless transition between two of the room’s faces for a soothing sense of spatial continuity. And in a building that spreads out over 42m, harmony across each room is super important. See how you can re-create the effect with X-Bond.

3.  The ‘Concrete House’

PHOTO: DEREK SWALWELL FOR MATT GIBSON ARCHITECTURE ‘CONCRETE HOUSE’

When the project is literally called ‘The Concrete House’, you know it’s going to deliver some top-notch concrete inspiration. If you’re going for ultra-modern—all high-gloss and sharp edge materials—polished concrete is the obvious candidate for flooring. With charcoal undertones, it complements the darker colour palette perfectly and enhances the super-luxe vibe of this high-end residential masterpiece.

4.  Californian Desert AirBnB

PHOTO: STEPHANIE WILEY

If your dream kitchen is a modern bohemian oasis inspired by the Mediterranean, this one should be on your vision board. Microcement (like X-Bond!) covers the countertops and cabinet-surround to get that concrete look, which evokes the smooth simplicity of a converted villa located somewhere on the Greek Islands. Paired with a rustic light fitting and some reclaimed wood—the designers’ ode to Morocco—this kitchen is the poster child for contemporary interiors that are still warm and homely.

5.  Sao Paolo Retreat

PHOTO: VICTOR AFFARO FOR MACRO ARCHITECTS

Nestled in the Brazilian forest, this stunning kitchen combines both raw and distressed finishes to achieve a quasi-industrial chic look. All in polished concrete, the floor, countertops, and island bench form one shining, seamless surface that marries sleek minimalism with the more rustic elements of stone and charred wood. The polished look also brings a little sophistication to a space—the ‘chic’ part of ‘industrial chic’—and lets your kitchen’s ‘statement’ features shine (like that stunning stone wall) whilst still being impressive on its own.