Perfect in its imperfections, one of the world’s oldest materials brings elegance to today’s decor.

The earliest examples of concrete floors and structures date back to 6500 B.C. in regions of Syria and Jordan. Fast forward to 3000 B.C., when formulations of cement were employed in the both the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Great Wall of China. Over millennia, the basic recipe has become more refined, and concrete is still a vital component of home decor. 

“Works in concrete are artisanal and the story of their creation is written into them,” says interior designer Leslie Campbell. “Even when new, they can have a refined, handcrafted, heirloom quality. Its physical and aesthetic properties make it particularly effective and long-lasting indoors or out, and it can add warmth, drama, luxury, grounding, uniqueness and humor to a space.”

Here, we showcase today’s take on this enduring building material.

TAKE YOUR SEAT

A reinterpretation of the classic Adirondack chair, the Modern Muskoka Chair and Ottoman’s angular aesthetic adds a soupçon of contemporary style indoors or out. Your choice of gray or limestone with a variety of base color options. Chair: 39.5″H by 34.5″W by 28.5″D. $2,650; ottoman: 11″H by 15″W by 20.5″D. $1,505 (shopboxhill.com)

Interior designer Leslie Campbell channeled a textural industrial vibe for a client’s kitchen with “Fortify” gray concrete block wallpaper mural, which also comes in pink. From $4.40/sq. ft. (hovia.com)

LIGHT TOUCH

The Palos Table Lamp’s gray-flecked concrete body and polished nickel accents radiate a dash of ’60s-retro élan. 19.25″H by 7″D. $239 (copenhagenliving.com)

ON THE BENCH

Graced with the imprint of eucalyptus fossils, the Leaf Rush Bench combines precast concrete and brushed stainless steel with the softness of Mother Nature’s delicate touch. Available in nine color combinations. 17″H by 54″L by 18″W. $2,410 (kornegaydesign.com)

Rubber Duckie Optional

Handcrafted from a composite of concrete and jute fiber, Native Trail’s Avalon 62 bath tub’s thick walls ensure a hot, deep, relaxing soak. Available in Ash (shown), Slate, Pearl and Earth. 21″H by 62″L by 36″W. $8,290 (centralazsupply.com)

MAKE MINE MID-MOD

Create a multidimensional masterpiece with single-sided, individually cast breezeblocks against a bright background accent. Choose from a trio of midcentury-inspired designs, including “Eclipse” (shown). 12″ and 16″ square. Manufactured in Phoenix. $15-$35 each (ourblockco.com)

TIE BREAKER

An homage to men’s neckwear, the Windsor Pendant in cast concrete has a dapper silhouette. 18″H by 4.5″W. $524 (thingzcontemporary.com) 

GEOMETRY LESSON

Phoenix artisan Brandon Boetto used a traffic cone to form the base of the Trafik Side Table, a master class in circles, lines and angles. 21″H by 22″W by 12″D. $1,199 (slabhaus.com)

COOL STUDY

Influenced by the work of French architect Jean Pouvé, the minimalist Otto Grey Concrete Desk can also serve as a dining table where space is limited. 29″H by 63″W by 30″D. $899 (cb2.com)

PALM-SIZE PALACES

Embodying an elegantly simple design language, SPACES concrete homes by Material Immaterial Studio are a collection of nine exquisitely detailed diminutive dwellings for desk, coffee table or shelf. Approximately 2″H by 2.5″W by 2.5″D. $55 each (intoconcrete.com)