Updated November 2025

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.

Plot twist — not all of them feature real concrete! Some of these spaces actually use X-Bond Microcement to achieve the concrete look, but without the structural limitations of pouring a slab. X-Bond is our hand-applied microcement render, which can be installed over existing substrates (including old concrete) to create a seamless new surface with that same raw, organic texture and the strength to hold up in high-traffic spaces.

If this interests you, we have a guide on choosing Concrete Look Flooring or Real Concrete: What’s Right for Your Space? But first, here are five kitchens nailing the concrete look.

1. Sussex, Mancini Made

This project is sleek contemporary personified. It’s lustrous and futuristic, all about clean lines and sharp, simple silhouettes. On the flooring, Mancini Made specified X-Bond instead of concrete as: “it suited the clients brief of having a a clean concrete look finish which would be highly trafficable and easy to clean” but “we were looking for a low sheen/matte finish with more of a light/grey neutral tone”. Read the full interview here.

The visible trowel marks of X-Bond contrast the smooth counter tops to bring some textural variation to the space, and with the tonal variations of light grey and charcoal hues, it slightly softens and balances the room’s palette by uniting black with white. Paired with timber, sharp geometric architecture, and warm accent lighting, the result is a kitchen that still feels welcoming whilst nailing that hyper-minimalist aesthetic.

2. The Pawson House

PHOTO CREDITS: OPEN HOUSE MAGAZINE ISSUE 12

Each room in this converted 17th century farming complex is a minimalist’s dream—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 for a soothing sense of spatial continuity, helped by simplistic furnishing. And in a building that spreads out over 42m, harmony across each room is super important.

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-edged materials—polished concrete is a great 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. Câlin Luxury Guesthouse

An abandoned farmhouse turned into luxurious lodgings for visitors to the French countryside: at Câlin, heritage and landscape meets contemporary hospitality. Across seven suites designed by Studio Contekst, this elegant yet rustic guesthouse features X-Bond Microcement flooring as a polished concrete alternative, flowing from the kitchens to living and dining spaces.

It perfectly matches a palette of organic textures and earthy tones, in a custom sandy finish tinted to match the stone walls, timber ceiling beams, and off-form concrete island bench.

X-Bond flooring was installed by Indico Painting from the Netherlands.

calin guesthouse kitchen with microcement flooring

5. 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.

6. 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.

Learn more about Microcement Kitchens or enquire about a free quote for yours.

Five Kitchens Nailing the Concrete Look