For more information and inspiration for decorative concrete and design, visit the Geostone blog archive.

Holcim’s range of Geostone decorative concrete offers an endless array of applications, with exclusive regional colour and stone selections unique to each local area.

We have created this two-part mini-series to answer frequently asked questions about Geostone decorative concrete for both indoors and out.

In Part 1, we explore popular indoor uses for polished and honed Geostone decorative concrete, and explain the Geostone process.

What is Geostone?

Geostone is a decorative concrete range that combines the integrity of concrete with the uniqueness of Australian stone to create the perfect solution for contemporary yet classic driveways, pathways and pool surrounds, as well as indoor and outdoor spaces.

The range is designed to assist the homeowner, architect, designer and builder to create spaces that are both functional and beautiful.

With options in exposed aggregate, polished and honed concrete, and coloured concrete, Geostone’s aggregates are sourced from the local area of each supply region, and blended with decorative concrete in a wide and varied colour palette.

How can Geostone be used indoors?

Flooring

Geostone’s polished and honed concrete range is a popular choice for indoor flooring. With colour and stone selections to suit any interior, Geostone polished and honed concrete offers functionality and style with an easy to clean and durable surface.

Geostone can be laid as a foundational house slab, or potentially poured over an existing surface. Before deciding on the stone and colour combination that’s right for you, take some time to consider designing your floor plan.

Bathrooms

It is often assumed concrete floors are slippery when wet, but Geostone concrete floors can be prepared with a slip-resistant finish that makes them both safe and comfortable under foot.

Moisture prevention is imperative when installing Geostone in bathrooms and other wet areas. The concrete must be properly waterproofed to prevent water transfer and water retention in the sub floor and wall joints.

A grout-free polished concrete floor also offers easy maintenance, requiring only mopping to keep it clean and dry. Concrete floors are generally quick to install, provide beautiful visual appeal, and are highly durable and versatile, which may lead to greater returns on investment, and even increased resale value of a home in the long run.

Laundries

Modern laundries call for a sleek minimalist design, and easy-to-clean surface areas. Like bathrooms, laundries are another wet area perfectly suited to concrete flooring.

Not only will decorative concrete bring life and colour to your bathroom, ensuite or laundry, it can also absorb and release thermal energy, keeping the temperature of your home comfortable all year round.

Kitchens

Polished concrete floors can be a cost-effective flooring solution for any kitchen space. Geostone polished and honed concrete is available in a range of colours and natural stone selections to complement your home’s colour scheme.

And Geostone isn’t limited to just the floor. One of the applications you might not have thought of is the ability to create custom benchtops for the kitchen, laundry or bathroom.

Geostone polished concrete can be shaped and styled to your specifications, before being polished to reveal a stunning modern sheen. Finding the perfect look for your place is easy to achieve, while waterproof features ensure longevity, minimising repair and maintenance costs.

Living Areas

The living room is often a central hub for activity. Whether you’re entertaining guests or needing a family-friendly space, Geostone decorative concrete is designed to stand the test of time.

The sleek lines of polished concrete allow you to maximise your living space, while the durability and functionality makes it the perfect flooring solution for children and pets, being naturally allergy-friendly, skid and scratch resistant, and easy to clean.

Understanding the Geostone Process

So you think you’d like Geostone for your project, but you’re not sure where to start?

We’ve put together this handy guide to help.

1.Choose your Geostone finish

Firstly, select from Geostone’s Exposed Aggregate, Polished Concrete, Honed Concrete or Coloured Concrete options, which are unique to each region.

2. View the range available in your area

From the comfort and convenience of your home you can use the Regional Selector on our website, which displays the range of mixes and colours available in your local area.

3. Visit your nearest display centre

If you would like to see samples in person or to speak to one of our colour consultants, you can visit your nearest Geostone display centre, where you can discover the Geostone range.

4. Find an approved installer and finisher in your region

Once you’ve chosen your preferred Geostone mix, you can use our website to find an approved installer and finisher in your local area. Installers will first work to prepare the project site, then lay, spread and compact the concrete. Finishers prepare the concrete to your chosen finish.

5. Request a quote

To request a quote or learn more about Geostone, send your project details and postcode to our team. When you are ready to proceed with your project, the Geostone team will help to finalise your order and can assist with arranging trades for installation and finishing.

For more information and inspiration for decorative concrete and design, visit the Geostone blog archive.

Holcim’s range of Geostone decorative concrete offers an endless array of applications, with exclusive regional colour and stone selections unique to each local area.

We have created this two-part mini-series to answer frequently asked questions about Geostone decorative concrete for both indoors and out.

In Part 1, we explore popular indoor uses for polished and honed Geostone decorative concrete, and explain the Geostone process.

What is Geostone?

Geostone is a decorative concrete range that combines the integrity of concrete with the uniqueness of Australian stone to create the perfect solution for contemporary yet classic driveways, pathways and pool surrounds, as well as indoor and outdoor spaces.

The range is designed to assist the homeowner, architect, designer and builder to create spaces that are both functional and beautiful.

With options in exposed aggregate, polished and honed concrete, and coloured concrete, Geostone’s aggregates are sourced from the local area of each supply region, and blended with decorative concrete in a wide and varied colour palette.

How can Geostone be used indoors?

Flooring

Geostone’s polished and honed concrete range is a popular choice for indoor flooring. With colour and stone selections to suit any interior, Geostone polished and honed concrete offers functionality and style with an easy to clean and durable surface.

Geostone can be laid as a foundational house slab, or potentially poured over an existing surface. Before deciding on the stone and colour combination that’s right for you, take some time to consider designing your floor plan.

Bathrooms

It is often assumed concrete floors are slippery when wet, but Geostone concrete floors can be prepared with a slip-resistant finish that makes them both safe and comfortable under foot.

Moisture prevention is imperative when installing Geostone in bathrooms and other wet areas. The concrete must be properly waterproofed to prevent water transfer and water retention in the sub floor and wall joints.

A grout-free polished concrete floor also offers easy maintenance, requiring only mopping to keep it clean and dry. Concrete floors are generally quick to install, provide beautiful visual appeal, and are highly durable and versatile, which may lead to greater returns on investment, and even increased resale value of a home in the long run.

Laundries

Modern laundries call for a sleek minimalist design, and easy-to-clean surface areas. Like bathrooms, laundries are another wet area perfectly suited to concrete flooring.

Not only will decorative concrete bring life and colour to your bathroom, ensuite or laundry, it can also absorb and release thermal energy, keeping the temperature of your home comfortable all year round.

Kitchens

Polished concrete floors can be a cost-effective flooring solution for any kitchen space. Geostone polished and honed concrete is available in a range of colours and natural stone selections to complement your home’s colour scheme.

And Geostone isn’t limited to just the floor. One of the applications you might not have thought of is the ability to create custom benchtops for the kitchen, laundry or bathroom.

Geostone polished concrete can be shaped and styled to your specifications, before being polished to reveal a stunning modern sheen. Finding the perfect look for your place is easy to achieve, while waterproof features ensure longevity, minimising repair and maintenance costs.

Living Areas

The living room is often a central hub for activity. Whether you’re entertaining guests or needing a family-friendly space, Geostone decorative concrete is designed to stand the test of time.

The sleek lines of polished concrete allow you to maximise your living space, while the durability and functionality makes it the perfect flooring solution for children and pets, being naturally allergy-friendly, skid and scratch resistant, and easy to clean.

Understanding the Geostone Process

So you think you’d like Geostone for your project, but you’re not sure where to start?

We’ve put together this handy guide to help.

1.Choose your Geostone finish

Firstly, select from Geostone’s Exposed Aggregate, Polished Concrete, Honed Concrete or Coloured Concrete options, which are unique to each region.

2. View the range available in your area

From the comfort and convenience of your home you can use the Regional Selector on our website, which displays the range of mixes and colours available in your local area.

3. Visit your nearest display centre

If you would like to see samples in person or to speak to one of our colour consultants, you can visit your nearest Geostone display centre, where you can discover the Geostone range.

4. Find an approved installer and finisher in your region

Once you’ve chosen your preferred Geostone mix, you can use our website to find an approved installer and finisher in your local area. Installers will first work to prepare the project site, then lay, spread and compact the concrete. Finishers prepare the concrete to your chosen finish.

5. Request a quote

To request a quote or learn more about Geostone, send your project details and postcode to our team. When you are ready to proceed with your project, the Geostone team will help to finalise your order and can assist with arranging trades for installation and finishing.

With the warmer months fast approaching, it will soon be the perfect time to start preparing your pool for summer.

Draining the pool, pressure cleaning and tidying up outside are part and parcel of annual maintenance routines. But what if larger upgrades are needed?

Where do you start? And what needs to change?

To help you get the most of your backyard swimming pool while the summer sun is shining, we have some easy-to-follow guidelines for preparing your pool.

1.Plan the space

If you really want to make the most of your swimming pool and outdoor entertaining area, first you need to give some thought as to how it will be used.

While the pool itself may be the centerpiece of your great outdoors, the surrounding features will also impact on the functionality of the space.

If you plan on entertaining guests, for example, you may want to consider ways to maximise views, embrace indoor-outdoor living, and provide a welcoming area for cooking and dining.

Outdoor kitchens are a popular feature, with many homeowners desiring a space to cook and entertain without the need to go indoors. If you’re working with a smaller space, consider garden beds or greenery to bring an element of life and colour to the area.

Ideally, your pool area and outdoor space will also have adequate shade to protect you from the sun, as well as shelter from wind and rain during an unpredictable Aussie summer.

Additionally, you may want to consider safety precautions for children, providing a safe environment where they can run and play while parents enjoy the space as well. Geostone’s decorative concrete is stain and slip-resistant, making it the perfect surface for busy wet areas and pool surrounds.

2. Clean up and clear out

It’s highly likely the cold, wet months of winter have wreaked havoc on your outdoor area, or at the very least, left the swimming pool looking a little unloved.

Before the hot weather hits, set aside a couple of days for a backyard working bee. Bribe some helpers with a free barbecue lunch (and cold refreshments, perhaps) and attend to the general maintenance, like treating the water or emptying the pool, clearing out weeds and overgrown plants, and cleaning surfaces like walkways and pool surrounds.

This process might uncover areas needing more extensive repairs and maintenance, so it’s best to do it sooner rather than later.

3. Manage mould and mildew

Mould and mildew have a tendency to grow on damp surfaces – especially pool surrounds and outdoor areas that haven’t seen the sun in a while.

Mould can present a health hazard so it’s best to consult the professionals about appropriate removal and treatment if you come across it.

You might also choose to call in the experts to balance your swimming pool’s water pH levels and clean the filtration system.

If you have Geostone decorative concrete pathways or pool surrounds, your approved installer will be happy to provide personalised advice on the best methods of cleaning, maintenance and avoiding mould growth.

4. Is it time to upgrade your pool surrounds?

If your swimming pool and outdoor area are in need of some serious TLC, it might be time to consider installing new swimming pool surrounds.

Lifted and broken tiles, cracked concrete and uneven surfaces could create a safety hazard that good old fashioned elbow grease can’t shift.

Geostone’s decorative concrete range is available in both exposed aggregate and honed finishes, providing a wide range of options for customising your outdoor entertainment zone and pool area to suit your style.

It’s also advised to contact the appropriate authority in your local area to regularly assess the suitability and safety of pool fencing.

5. Have fun with furniture

If you’re faced with broken banana lounges, dirty umbrellas and broken plastic chairs, it might be time to think about freshening up your outdoor furniture.

Replace any tired old poolside and outdoor dining furniture with vibrant, functional pieces that encourage people to socialise, move about and deliver indoor comfort in an outdoor setting.

From tables and chairs to sunbeds and firepits, there are countless ways to add beauty and functionality to your poolside play area.

For furniture that lasts the test of time, you might like to consider creating with concrete. Geostone decorative concrete can be used to custom design concrete sinks and benchtops for outdoor kitchens, tables and chairs, garden planters, stairs, and more.

6. Be sunsmart – and plan for all seasons

The only thing that beats a backyard swimming pool in summer, is an outdoor area that’s functional all year round.

Shaded areas to protect against the sun are great for the warmer months, but weatherproofing your outdoor space to combat rain, wind and cold temperatures is just as important.

You can also use Mother Nature to your advantage. Consider the position of the sunrise and sunset, be aware of any strong breezeways or cross winds, and take advantage of natural shade from trees.

Preparing your pool for summer can be a rewarding experience, and a little forward planning could set you up for year-round enjoyment of your outdoor area.

Discover more information and inspiration from Geostone.

Designing an entertainer’s dream home can be a colourful and creative experience.

It’s a chance to design a space that reflects your personal style and celebrates your passion for entertaining friends and family – whether that’s with epic backyard barbecues, patio parties or fancy dining room dinners.

The possibilities extend far beyond renovating the kitchen or adding on an alfresco area. You could go big and bold, minimalist and understated, or somewhere in between.

To help you create the perfect space for your style, we’ve asked our experts for their top tips on designing an entertainer’s dream.

Driveways and Paths

It might not be the first area that springs to mind when you think of entertaining, but the first impression of your home starts at the driveway and path to the front door.

You can create a welcoming aesthetic with landscaping, gardening, curated greenery and florals, and driveway and pathway materials that complement your home’s colour scheme. Geostone’s Exposed Aggregate range is ideal for driveways and garden paths and is available in a range of colours and stone selections unique to each region and suited to a wide range of colour schemes while blending seamlessly with the natural surrounds.

Floors

Before deciding on your new two-door fridge or double oven combo, you’ll need to turn your eyes and thoughts to the floor.

Geostone’s Polished Concrete flooring is durable and ideal for spills, being easy to clean, resistant to stains, and requiring less maintenance over its lifetime compared to some other floor coverings. That means no restrictions on serving red wine or black coffee; your guests can enjoy their meals and drinks while you enjoy peace of mind.

Colour

Neutral and earthy tones are popular colour schemes for modern homes. But don’t be afraid of adding pops of colour to create a statement that wows your guests. Our Colour Consultants recommend finding a feature colour you love, then integrate it throughout your entertainment area in decor, appliances and surfaces such as bench tops and flooring.

Layout

The ideal entertainer’s home allows you to stay engaged with your guests while cooking for them. You might like to consider installing a concrete island bench top with forward facing cooktops. This will make the time you spend in the kitchen more of a social event, and won’t see you ducking back to the kitchen every few moments.

It’s easy to keep the party going with an open plan kitchen and dining space, which allows for conversations to drift between multiple areas of the home and can create a better sense of unity.

Outdoor Kitchens

The great outdoors provides a perfect backdrop for entertaining guests, so why not have a kitchen outside too? When it comes to appliances, pizza ovens and barbecues are always a hit, making the showmanship of cooking all part of the entertainment.

When installing appliances on a patio or deck, follow professional advice for placement and installation to allow for appropriate ventilation.

Alfresco Dining

Considering the comfort of your guests should take top priority when designing an outdoor dining space. If you have the room to move, you might like to create several seating areas such as a large dining table with a separate outdoor lounge. If you’re working with a smaller space, opt for a compact table and chair setting that’s suitable for both dining and relaxing, while accenting the area with plants and other greenery.

Fire pits and sunken lounges away from the main dining space are also popular features for entertainment areas.

Landscaping

Those with polished concrete floors indoors can continue the home’s aesthetic outside with an elegant indoor-outdoor flow for continuity and cohesion.

Geostone’s Exposed Aggregate, Coloured Concrete and Honed Concrete ranges are ideal for outdoor applications, designed specifically for outdoor use and built to last in most weather conditions.

Pool Surrounds

A swimming pool is a showcase feature of many Australian backyards and entertaining areas – so it shouldn’t be neglected. Stunning pool surrounds can be achieved with materials that compliment and enhance your home’s aesthetic. Geostone’s decorative concrete range is designed specifically to function in wet areas, so your pool area will remain slip-resistant and easy to clean, while maintaining great visual appeal for years to come.

Whether you entertain guests occasionally or often, consideration of the ways you plan to use the space will help you design a true entertainer’s dream.

For more information and inspiration about renovations, building and concrete installation, explore our article archive.

Preparing your home for sale may be a daunting prospect.

What you should bear in mind, however, is that the right presentation can pay off.

Ensuring that your property appeals to potential home buyers is the best way to optimise resale value.

But where do you start? Interior, exterior, kitchen, bathroom or backyard?

Just how much work is required? And what will it cost?

For some areas of the home, small changes can make a big difference, such as spring cleaning, some new artwork, or perhaps a lick of paint.

Larger updates can provide even greater returns, particularly in areas that are dated or worn like floors and kitchen benchtops.

To guide you through the sometimes painful pre-sales process, our experts have compiled their top tips.

Clear the Clutter

One of the cheapest and easiest ways to prepare your place for sale is to declutter your home.

Less is more when creating buyer appeal. So pack away family photos and other personal mementos, minimise the number of items on display on shelves and benchtops and aim for a minimalist style.

If you are preparing to move, now is also the perfect time to downsize and sell or donate any household items you won’t be taking with you. That might mean re-locating appliances and items of furniture for a more streamlined appearance.

Diversify the Space

Think about the current layout and use of your home. What has worked for you, might not offer the best functionality for a potential buyer.

For example, if your house has five bedrooms, you might consider staging one as a study or office to demonstrate the flexibility of the space. And the children’s rumpus room could easily be converted into a home theatre room by clearing away the toys, setting up a television or projector screen and strategically placing some comfy recliners.

You’ll be surprised at how many different ways you can update your space without much effort or expense.

Add Colour

Natural materials and neutral colours can create higher property value. So it might pay to think about different ways to introduce colour when renovating for profit.

It could be as simple as a fresh coat of paint, or you might like to get creative with colour in your outdoor space, kitchen benchtops, or indoor flooring.

Using too much of one colour can cause a ‘washed out’ look, and combining too many colours can overwhelm the eye. Instead, stick to a select few colours that both contrast and complement each other.

Geostone’s Exposed Aggregate and Polished Concrete ranges are popular materials for both indoor and outdoor renovations for this reason, available in a wide range of concrete colour and stone selections.

Floor Plan Flow

Open plan living has replaced the old trend of homes being separated into a collection of tiny rooms and closed spaces.

Modern design celebrates open layouts and multi-purpose spaces. But preparing your home for sale might not be the best time for knocking down walls.

One of the easiest ways to create cohesive design and flow is with a flooring solution that continues throughout your home.

Unlike some flooring materials that have restricted uses, Geostone’s polished concrete range is ideal for the entire house including wet areas.

As well as being a solid long-term investment, concrete floors are more affordable than you might think.

Before making any major changes, be sure to seek support for designing your floor plan.

Know when not to DIY

It’s tempting to head to your nearest hardware store and attempt a quick and cheap DIY makeover so you can get your property on the market sooner.

But experts warn rushing those all important preparations could cost you more in the long run.

Knowing when not to DIY is crucial for avoiding costly mistakes.

It’s important that only licenced professionals are engaged for the jobs that require professional skills.

While renovating on a budget has its challenges, there are plenty of ways to maximise your makeover without breaking the bank.

Choosing high quality materials along with professional support can help you to avoid spending too much on renovations.

Outdoor appeal

Pre-sale renovations often focus on the indoors, but did you know that property valuers can determine the price range of your home before walking in the front door?

And you may have just 10 seconds to capture the attention of potential home buyers, before they drive on to the next property on their open house list.

So it’s important to make a good first impression, starting with the exterior.

Adding value to your home from the outside might mean renovating the driveway, installing paths, updating the garden, or building a patio.

If that’s the case, the Geostone decorative concrete range can help you to maximise the return from your home in a number of ways.

For more advice on improving your home’s value, download our free ebook or explore the Geostone article archives for more design ideas and inspiration.“

Most kitchen makeovers start with flicking through Instagram, Pinterest and home decorating magazines looking for inspiration.

But mastering your kitchen makeover takes a little more work than creating vision boards.

While the visual appeal of an Insta-worthy kitchen might make your heart skip a beat, it takes functional consideration and technical knowledge to design a successful and practical kitchen.

As the heart of the home, the kitchen should accommodate your lifestyle and be able to adapt to the changing needs of your household over time.

But before jumping into the latest trends, consider the elements of timeless design to create a kitchen that will last the distance. Geostone decorative concrete can help you to achieve a beautiful finish for any kitchen makeover, is championed for its versatility and functionality and is suited to an array of applications from benchtops to polished concrete flooring.

We’ve compiled this list of some of the key focus areas to consider when planning your kitchen makeover.

Flooring

Thoughts of kitchen renovations probably conjure up images of sparkling new appliances, elaborate double ovens and high-tech refrigerators. But the first element to consider when renovating your kitchen should be the floor.

Whether you’re saying goodbye to ‘delightful’ 1960s vinyl, replacing chipped tiles or ripping up old floorboards, you’re probably ready to welcome a contemporary flooring surface that will last the test of time. Polished concrete floors provide a hard-wearing solution combining modern sophistication and timeless style with practical benefits for all lifestyles.

Not only are they easy to clean, but polished concrete floors can be a cost-effective flooring solution too, by reducing the need for maintenance over their lifespan. Geostone Polished Concrete is available in a range of colours and natural stone selections exclusive to your local region, allowing you to tailor the look to suit your home.

Bars and Benchtops

One of the practical concrete applications you might not have thought of is the ability to create custom kitchen benchtops. Geostone Polished Concrete can be shaped and styled to suit any kitchen design, and polished to reveal a stunning modern sheen.

The kitchen is often the most expensive room of any home renovation, and if you’re renovating on a budget, polished concrete can be an economical material choice. Professionally sealed polished concrete is suitable for wet areas ensuring long lasting longevity in the kitchen, and minimising repair and maintenance costs.

Outdoor Kitchens

While there can be too many cooks in a kitchen, there can never be too many kitchens for a great cook.

Homeowners are increasingly adding on outdoor kitchens for entertaining friends and family, and Geostone decorative concrete works just as effectively outside as it does indoors.

You can continue the indoor kitchen aesthetic by using the same or a similar mix outside, creating a seamless transition of indoor-outdoor flow. Designing your dream outdoor room could include polished concrete picnic tables, benchtops, pizza ovens and sinks.

As far as appliances are concerned, you will need to consider positioning of barbeques and outdoors ovens to ensure appropriate ventilation, and seek professional installation of electricals and plumbing.

Optimising the Space

Whether you’re planning a complete kitchen makeover or refurbishing an outdoor entertaining area, you’ll first want to consider how you plan to use the space.

Modern kitchens are more frequently combined with living and dining areas to create an open plan design, achieving a welcoming space that brings a sense of cohesion. Optimising space in your kitchen could mean incorporating more storage or bench space, removing non weight-bearing walls to increase the floor area, or rearranging key features of the kitchen to improve workability and accessibility.

Outdoor kitchens provide even more room to move, organically extending the indoor living and dining area when connected to the indoor kitchen with glass sliding doors. The polished concrete of the indoors can be organically extended outside with an honed or exposed aggregate finish, ideal for everything from patios and pool surrounds to driveways and paths.

Calling in the Professionals

The kitchen is one of the most common settings of DIY disasters. One recent report found Monday is the busiest day for Australian tradespeople, spent fixing up botched DIY jobs from the weekend.

By knowing when not to DIY, you can potentially save time and money by calling in the professionals and doing the job right the first time, everytime. It also means you can focus on the next area of the renovations, and get back to work sooner on other areas of the home.

If you need more support for mastering your kitchen makeover, contact the Geostone team for expert colour advice. For more information and inspiration about renovating and building with decorative concrete, visit our article archive.

Finding the right balance between comfort, style and functionality can be tricky when renovating a family home.

With a need for easy maintenance and durability, how can you also achieve a welcoming environment for the whole family to enjoy?

Geostone decorative concrete is suitable for all areas of the home, both indoors and out. And the wide range of decorative concrete colours and stone selections allow you to create a welcoming and practical family home without compromising on style.

The hard-wearing durability and low maintenance of decorative concrete makes Geostone suitable for renovating on a budget. And the fast-setting nature of concrete often means you can complete decorative concrete flooring and landscaping sooner, allowing you to fast-track your renovations.

To help you get the most out of your project, we’ve outlined some practical tips for using decorative concrete when renovating your family home.

Flooring

When thinking about ways to keep your home warm in winter, you may not immediately think of concrete floors. While rugging up with a blanket in front of the fire is one option to combat the cold, a Geostone polished concrete floor can help to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home all year round. And it’s all thanks to thermal mass, which helps to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. This is because concrete floors can absorb, store and release heat over a wide area to keep room temperatures stable.

Indoor and Outdoor Areas

Decorative concrete isn’t limited to indoor flooring. Geostone Exposed Aggregate, Honed Concrete and Coloured Concrete ranges are all suited to outdoor use, and a wide range of applications, including some that might surprise you. Geostone’s versatile Polished Concrete is a practical alternative to marble or stone, suitable for flooring and both kitchen and outdoor benchtops. Sinks and basins can also be crafted from decorative concrete for a durable and functional feature with a high-end finish.

Driveways and Pathways

Perhaps you’re considering decorative concrete for a more traditional and functional area such as renovating or installing a new driveway. The landscape of your project area will influence the amount of product required, and also the complexity of installation. A property valuer could determine the price range of your home before they walk through the front door, so if you’re renovating for profit or considering selling your home some time in the future, it pays to invest in the exterior of your home.

You can also use decorative concrete to connect the indoors and outdoors, creating a seamless transition between dining or living areas and outdoor entertaining areas. This achieves a seamless indoor-outdoor flow that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional for busy families.

Wet Areas

Wet areas such as bathrooms or laundries can also benefit from concrete flooring. Using concrete in these areas creates a durable and family-friendly surface with a slip-resistant finish. Honed concrete is ideal for the wet areas around swimming pools and decorative concrete patios can can be enjoyed all year round by weatherproofing your outdoor entertaining areas. Using materials specifically designed for outdoor use will extend their overall lifespan and help you avoid issues like mould growth and rot.

Low Maintenance

Another important aspect of any family home is using materials that are easy to clean and maintain. While some flooring options can become damaged and incur extra repair and replacements costs during their lifetime, Geostone decorative concrete provides a durable and easy to clean surface, with minimal maintenance requirements. A regular sweeping or damp mopping is all that’s needed to keep it clean, and wax or sealants can be used for extra protection. The key to achieving a long-lasting concrete surface is taking steps to prevent concrete cracking, which can be easily achieved with the expertise of an approved installer.

Contemporary Style

Are you worried concrete floors might look too industrial in your home? Rest assured, decorative concrete has come a long way in recent years. The Geostone range of polished and honed mixes is available in a wide array of organic and neutral colours and stone selections unique to your local region. This ensures you are able to tailor a look suited to your home, that blends seamlessly with the surrounding area. The end result is warm, welcoming, creative and contemporary style for your home.

Versatile

Whether you like the look of open plan living, minimalist home design, or a Scandinavian style aesthetic, the Geostone decorative concrete colour palette will work for you. Working with such a versatile material means you can create and complement almost any style with ease.

The versatility, durability and timeless appeal of Geostone decorative concrete can heighten the look and feel of your family home renovations. For more renovating information and inspiration visit our Article Archive

Summer is coming and Christmas is just around the corner – but is your home ready for the season?

Perhaps the bathroom has seen better days, the kitchen cupboards are in chaos, or you’re searching high and low just to find your favourite shirt?

Then it’s probably time for a spring clean!

Deep cleaning and decluttering your home doesn’t have to be daunting, but it should achieve more than your weekly maintenance routine.

As well as making your space more practical and productive, having an organised home can be emotionally rewarding as well.

The KonMari method of tidying made famous by Marie Kondo focuses heavily on the emotional and spiritual benefits of organisation, driven by keeping only those items that ‘spark joy’.

Even a simple decluttering can give you a greater appreciation for the belongings you have, and more enjoyment of the space you’re in.

So if you’ve been putting it off, we’ve put together some expert tips for getting your spring cleaning sorted in six easy steps.

1. Plan

The most important thing to do before embarking on your spring cleaning journey is having a clear action plan or a solid objective  – what are you trying to achieve? Is your home simply in need of a thorough clean? Do you need to create space and clear out items you no longer need?  Or are you preparing your home for sale?

2. Assess

A great process for deciding what you want to keep and what needs to go comes from utilising Marie Kondo’s philosophy for sparking joy. Consider what items actually bring you joy, while focussing on form and function. From clothing to crockery, ask if it enhances your space, or creates unnecessary clutter.

Humans are creatures of habit, so collecting material things can make us feel good. But physical clutter is a reflection of our mindset. Donating unwanted items to a local charity or op-shop is an effective way to clear out your home while helping others.

3. Attack

Once you’ve finalised your plan and assessed what can stay and what should go, it’s time to get moving! Sort everything into categories, for example, collect all of your books, and pile them up so you can see everything in one place. Then you can make a clear decision about what to keep before finding a designated space for them.

A great way to ensure you’re on the right track is embracing elements of minimalist home design. A minimalist home doesn’t have to mean settling for just one couch and a coffee table, or only a mattress on the floor. Instead, consider using a ‘catch all shelf’ or other functional furniture to display all your decorative objects in one place.

4. Clean it up

Once you’ve cleared the clutter and organised the space, you’re ready to start cleaning. Keep in mind that spring cleaning is a much bigger task than a weekly tidy-up. Ensure you have the time to clean thoroughly, and use it as an opportunity to analyse how you can keep your home cleaner for longer. If your carpet is dirty and stained, or your tiles are chipped, you might want to consider how Geostone’s decorative concrete can provide a low-maintenance flooring solution.

Decorative concrete floors are a solid long-term investment as they’re easy to clean and durable. Geostone only requires regular sweeping and occasional mopping to maintain its stunning look. It’s also perfect for pets and families, meaning you get to worry less about scratches, stains and marks.

5. Test it out

Before dubbing your spring clean a success, it’s best to test it out. Is it easier to find things in your new layout, and is the space more functional? Or are you feeling lost and searching for things in all the wrong places? Use this as an opportunity to refine and reset if you need it.

You might find your spring cleaning inspires a streamlined look for the rest of your home too. Perhaps it’s time for a splash of paint, new artwork, or updated flooring and benchtops. With a new aesthetic and layout, why not think outside the box and embrace the growing concrete trend.

6. Rest, relax and enjoy!

Once you’ve done the hard yards, decluttered, cleaned up and settled on your new layout, it’s finally time to enjoy the fresh space a deep spring clean has delivered for your home.