Some are raw and organic, others sleek and refined, but the materials on this list all have at least one thing in common; they look fantastic paired with concrete or microcement surfaces.

Timber

Wood in any form is a safe bet when it comes to complimenting concrete, a contemporary collision between the natural world and the industrial. We’re particularly fond of exposed wood—that in its purest state, as untouched as possible—to evoke ‘the charm of the unfinished’ and create something unconventionally pared-back. A light timber and concrete combination is perfect for the playful Scandi look, or go rich and dark for something more suave and urbane. As it comes in a range of colours itself, X-Bond suits both.

Stone

Whether it’s used to build a feature wall, create a bathroom vanity, on the interior or on the exterior, stone adds rustic appeal to a space. When combined with concrete (or its good-looking cousin Microcement) it absolutely nails the rustic chic look. That’s why this pairing is often seen in boutique hotels and luxury homes, and projects where upscale sophistication is enhanced by the effortless beauty of raw materials. 

Linen

Paring a soft, beachy fabric with a material renowned for its industrialism is an example of how contrasting textures can work wonders when teamed up. Linen is casually bohemian and luxuriously classy all at once, the natural and earthly yin to concrete’s manmade yang. We’re loving the look of linen curtains in particular, serving us the vibes of a modern villa retreat somewhere in the Med—but don’t discount the power of a linen couch; inherently understated, it mirrors that raw stripped-back charm we attribute to concrete surfaces. 

Black Steel

Modern, striking, and seamless; black steel is just like X-Bond. Alongside a concrete or Microcement finish, it’s edgy and innovative without compromising sophistication. It can turn a simple wall, tap, or staircase into its own statement piece, an eye-catching standout. To match that signature X-Bond sensation of one contiguous space, going totally black-on-black for your room’s accessories is the way to go (see the VIPP Shelter for inspo).