Look Down: Floors that will transform your space and become your feature

For too long, floors have been the silent, downtrodden heroes of our homes. They've been walked all over (literally), covered up by rugs, and generally ignored in favour of flashy feature walls and statement ceilings. Well, no more. The floor is fighting back. It’s done being a doormat.

Here is a sneak peak of the gallery:

Welcome to the age of the feature floor, where the ground beneath your feet doesn't just support your furniture, it makes the room. We're talking about glorious, seamless expanses of polished concrete and micro-cement that demand attention. Forget boring orange carpets and high mantainance wood floors. It's time to give your space a foundation with attitude and it's own character.

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Case Study 1: Semi Polished, Sustainable Choice

Interiors: Simon de Burbure & Photo: Thomas De Bruyn

Let's start with minimalism. A seamless, cloud-like surface that flows through the space with uninterrupted grace - is this something you are interested in? Then, a soft, matte finish lime plaster creates a serene and unified look, blurring the lines between floor and wall, will do just the trick. This type of floor bounces light, making the space feel airy and open. It’s pure, clean, and utterly chic.

But what other reason will make you want to use plaster in your home?

"When designing this home, minimising the ecological footprint was the client's main focus. Every aspect, including the materials used, exudes a natural atmosphere. Inside, lime plaster was chosen for the walls as well as the ceilings and floors, adding an organic look and texture" - from YINJISPACE

Case Study 2: The Polished Surfaces

Image by Melissa DuBois. Polished Tinted concrete

Now we're talking drama! This high-gloss, polished concrete floor is the extrovert of the design world. Its liquid-like surface reflects light, silhouettes, and colours, creating a dynamic, ever-changing landscape. See how it mirrors the bed and the rich tones of the rug? This floor isn't just a surface; it's an active participant in the room's design. It has depth,character, and a raw, industrial edge that is unapologetically cool. This is how a floor says, "I have arrived."

Material Used: Polished Concrete

In this dining space, the highly polished concrete floor adds a layer of glamour and sophistication. It elevates the entire room, turning a simple meal into an event. The reflections of the pendant lights dance across the surface, adding warmth and movement. This floor refuses to be ignored.

Case Study 3: Pigmented Rebel

Who said floors have to be one colour? This is the floor's ultimate act of rebellion. It has shed the shackles of monochrome and exploded into a breathtaking, artistic masterpiece. With painterly swirls of terracotta, ochre, and sand,this floor is a large-scale abstract painting you get to live on. It’s a bold, fearless choice that serves as the undeniable focal point of the room. A floor like this isn't just a design choice; it's a declaration.

Terracotta-toned Microcement

For a slightly less abstract but equally characterful approach, look at this warm, terracotta-hued floor. It injects so much life and earthiness into this bright, modern space. It feels organic and inviting, proving that concrete-style floors can be cozy and warm, not just cool and industrial.

Case Study 4: Textured and Moody

Image from House Diamond | Home Decor Ideas 👑

Material Used: Textured Microcement

Embracing the Wabi-Sabi philosophy, this floor celebrates its imperfections. The distressed, weathered finish tells a story.It has history and soul. Instead of a uniform, sterile surface, you get a rich tapestry of texture that adds a raw, authentic,and soulful element to this minimalist room. This floor has lived a life, and it’s not afraid to show it.

Case Study 5: Silky and Reflective

Before Application

After Application

The Goal: To transform a standard gypsum board room into a modern space, removing the visual breaks between the walls and floor.

Our Process: We used Velluto Fiorentino, a specialty Italian plaster, applied continuously across all surfaces. This wall-to-floor technique creates a single, unified surface, often known as a monolithic finish.

The Result: A clean, architectural space with a unique silky, speckled texture. The seamless look feels high-end, minimalist, and adds a tangible sense of warmth and character.

Why These Floors Are Fighting Back: The Benefits of Plaster and Microcement!

You've seen the stunning visuals, now let's talk about the superpowers behind these revolutionary floor finishes. While polished concrete is a classic, plaster and microcement offer great advantages that make them true game-changers for your space.

Benefits & Features of Micro-cement on the floor:

• Thin but Strong: Applied in thin layers (typically 2-3mm), microcement adds minimal height, making it ideal for renovations without needing to adjust doors or thresholds. Don't let its thinness fool you; once sealed, it's remarkably hard-wearing and resistant to daily abuse.

  
  

• Waterproof: Once sealed, microcement becomes waterproof, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms, wet rooms, kitchens, and even pool surrounds. Say goodbye to soggy subfloors!

  
  

• Versatile: It can be applied over almost any existing solid surface – concrete, tiles, plasterboard, MDF,even furniture! This saves on demolition costs and time.

  
  

• Customisable Available in an almost infinite array of colours and textures, from ultra-smooth and polished to a more rustic, matte finish. You can achieve anything from a sleek, modern look to an organic, earthy feel.

  
  

• Underfloor Heating Friendly: Its thinness and excellent thermal conductivity make it perfectly suited for use with underfloor heating systems.

The Artistic Advantages of Plaster (Venetian/Decorative Plaster Floors)

While more commonly seen on walls, certain types of decorative plaster (like Venetian plaster or specific lime plasters) can be adapted for flooring, offering a distinct aesthetic:

• Organic Beauty: Plaster floors often have a softer, more nuanced appearance than cement-based finishes, with subtle variations in tone and texture and a pssibility for creativity and experimentation.

  
  

• Breathability: Lime-based plasters, in particular, are breathable, which can help regulate humidity and prevent dampness, contributing to healthier indoor environments.

  
  

• Warm to the Touch: Plaster floors tend to feel warmer underfoot than concrete or ceramic tiles, adding to the comfort of your home.

  
  

• Hypoallergenic: Natural plaster is excellent for allergy sufferers as it resists mould and mildew growth and doesn't harbour dust mites.

  
  

• Environmentally Friendly: Our decorative plasters are made from natural, sustainable materials, appealing to eco-conscious homeowners.

  
  

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So, the next time you're designing a space, don't make the floor an afterthought. Look down. Consider the potential waiting to be unleashed by microcement or decorative plaster. Give your floor the chance to be the hero it was always meant to be.

Let it be seamless, polished, colourful, or textured.

Let it be the feature, and watch your entire home transform.

Our team has experience with using microcement and venetian plaster for the floors. Please contact us to discuss your vision