When it comes to designing your home, there are lots of different styles to choose from – traditional, coastal, Hamptons, industrial, minimalist, and more. With so many options, it’s important to select a look that will be right for you now and in the future.
Riza Balbuena, Cemintel’s Segment Manager for Architecture and Design Specification, is privy to changing home design trends. “Currently, we’re seeing homes that are very modern, but in a way that’s also timeless,” she says.
So how do you make your home feel contemporary and unique, whilst also ensuring it will stand the test of time? The key is selecting colours, textures and materials that complement one another. No matter which style or look you choose, you want to create a consistent aesthetic – from your facade to your interiors – that reflects and facilitates your lifestyle.
Cemintel® Barestone is a great place to start. Versatile and contemporary, our prefinished Barestone Internal and External panels emulate the appearance of natural concrete and integrate seamlessly with their surroundings.
Each of the four stunning colours – Original, Ash, Lunar and Graphite – comes with subtle variations in tone and can be cut at various angles. From foyers and facades to feature walls, Barestone is the perfect design feature for modern homes.
Modern industrial
The modern industrial look first gained popularity in the 1960s and 70s, when old factories and warehouses were being reimagined and converted into homes. Today, industrial-inspired homes are widely adored for their raw, edgy aesthetic – wooden beams, concrete floors, exposed brick and visible metal piping are all hallmarks of this look.
Barestone is a great backdrop to an industrial-style home. With its earthy tones and sleek, concrete look, it looks beautiful when featured on walls, ceilings, and facades alongside elements of brick, metal and timber.
“If you’re looking to create an industrial feel in your home, you don’t want too much going on,” says Riza. “The industrial look is all about simplicity and simplified design, which is what makes Barestone such a good fit.”
You can also elect for the rivets in the Barestone panels to be visible and stand out – this will enhance your home’s rugged, natural look.
When it comes to choosing a colour scheme, industrial design lends itself to dark, gritty colours such as Barestone Lunar and Graphite. Clad your home in these striking hues and you’ll create a truly eye-catching industrial facade. For your interiors, try using Barestone Original or Ash – they’re bound to open your living spaces and introduce a bit of lightness and space.
Scandinavian
Originating from the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, Scandinavian design draws inspiration from the natural environment, with a focus on simplicity and functionality. Clean lines, light timber accents and muted, natural colours help to achieve a refined, uncluttered look.
Barestone Original is the perfect fit for a Scandinavian-style facade. Understated yet elegant, it blends seamlessly with its surroundings – especially when paired with natural, light-coloured materials such as timber or stone.
To continue this serene style throughout your home’s interior, sleek, modern furniture, light timber accents and Barestone walls are a great place to start. “I would definitely recommend Barestone Original for a Scandinavian-style interior,” Riza says. “It’s a lighter shade, which contributes to a crisp, airy aesthetic.”
Soft minimalism
A relatively new style, soft minimalism has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. It borrows elements from Scandinavian design, with an emphasis on simplicity and harmony.
One key difference is the use of texture – highly tactile elements are often incorporated to add warmth and depth to homes. Curved lines, gentle tones and natural materials create inviting facades and comfortable, liveable interiors.
Barestone External panels can be a wonderful design feature for soft minimalist homes. With their organic look and gently mottled surface, they can be used to create a subtle yet dynamic facade that serves as a warm welcome from the moment you arrive home.
Inside, Barestone Internal panels set the scene for comfortable, peaceful living. “I’ve seen them used particularly beautifully in townhouses and homes with high ceilings,” Riza says. “They’re also often installed without architraves and skirting boards, which helps to make spaces feel bigger, lighter and more inviting.”
Above all, soft minimalist designs prioritise comfort and effortlessness – so there shouldn’t be too many conflicting design elements. Riza explains, “If you buy a painting, you wouldn’t hang another painting right next to it. You’d want it to stand out and be admired. Choose a few hero elements to celebrate, and then the rest of the home should complement them.”
From industrial to Scandinavian, Barestone Internal and External panels can help you create a wide array of modern yet timeless looks.
