"Had a similar experience—one client joked it looked like we forgot the flooring altogether."
Haha, that's exactly what crossed my mind the first time I saw polished concrete in a friend's home. At first glance, it felt a bit unfinished to me too, but after spending some time there, I started appreciating how versatile it can be. You're right about pairing it with warmer elements like wood or greenery—it really does make a huge difference.
Still, I wonder if polished concrete might feel a bit too industrial or cold for certain spaces, especially bedrooms or cozy living areas? I've seen some stunning examples in kitchens and open-plan living rooms, but I'm curious if anyone has successfully used it in more intimate spaces without losing that sense of warmth and comfort.
Also, totally agree on the rugs point. Cold feet are definitely not something I'd willingly sign up for...especially first thing in the morning. I guess radiant heating could be an option, but then again, wouldn't that defeat the purpose of keeping construction costs down?
Speaking of cost-saving measures, has anyone experimented with other flooring alternatives that strike a good balance between aesthetics and budget? I've heard mixed things about luxury vinyl plank flooring—some swear by its durability and look, while others feel it's just not quite there yet in terms of authenticity. Curious to hear some firsthand experiences on that front.
Anyway, polished concrete definitely seems like one of those love-it-or-hate-it design choices. It's always interesting to see how different people react to unconventional materials.
I felt the same way about polished concrete at first—thought it looked a bit too warehouse-y for my taste. But after seeing it done well in a friend's loft, I changed my mind. They used lots of textured fabrics, warm lighting, and some vintage furniture pieces, and honestly, it felt surprisingly cozy. Still not sure I'd want it in my bedroom though...cold feet in the morning are a definite no-go for me.
