Unusual and daring combinations – in landscape design, fashion design and interior design – are an avant-garde source of inspiration in pushing the boundaries. Opposites attract. By cleverly juxtaposing contrasting elements, you will create a captivating visual harmony with a little unexpected wow factor. One such intriguing combination – for indoor and outdoor spaces – is the fusion of concrete and crystal.
The raw masculinity and brutalism of concrete benches, urns, busts or obelisks paired with the sparkling femininity and delicateness of a crystal chandelier is nothing short of decor genius.
This ‘marriage’ of stark earthy concrete elements with decorative heavenly crystal details is simply sublime and no space in your home is off limits.
The art of pairing such disparate elements highlights how contrasting materials work beautifully together; boldly transforming any decor narrative.
Embracing eclecticism
Living in spaces that reflect your personality and showcase the things you love is always the first rule when it comes to curating furniture and accessories in your home. This is where experimenting with a mix-and-match philosophy – pairing antique elements and modern pieces – allows you to play with design.
Fusing modernist concrete items with antique crystal chandeliers is an easy starting point to add a little history and contemporary flair to a space. It’s all about having a little fun with materials and shapes, and the interplay of contrasting pieces illustrates the powerful influence of the law of opposites.
Surprising harmony
Design cohesiveness is the foundation of any design – no matter how you mix and match pieces. Even though combining concrete elements with antique crystal chandeliers creates an intriguing contrast that captivates the eye, there still needs to be visual harmony.
Here’s how it works:
- Texture: The rough, tactile feel of concrete against the ornate fragility of crystals of an antique chandelier creates a visually stimulating contrast
- Colour: if you are looking for a dramatic and striking composition, then the cool, neutral tones of concrete are a beautiful balance to the opulence and reflectiveness of antique chandeliers.
- Style fusion: The design collaboration of minimalist industrial concrete with timeless crystal chandeliers combines contemporary and classic aesthetics, resulting in a one-of-a-kind design.
Bringing the look to life
Although mixing and matching concrete and crystal pieces may seem like you are breaking the rules, there are still some functional design principles that need to be at work to successfully pull off the look.
- Placement: Strategically position your concrete elements – busts, urns or obelisks – within visual distance of your antique crystal chandelier to create a cohesive look. (For example, place a concrete bust on a pedestal beneath the chandelier to draw the eye upward).
- Lighting: The overall effect of pairing concrete items with antique chandeliers is amplified when you consider the lighting effects. The soft, warm glow of the crystal chandelier light contrasts beautifully with the cold, matte finish of concrete, creating a cosy yet sophisticated ambience. (Ensure that your antique chandelier is well-lit to emphasize its intricate details).
- Balance: Maintain a balance between the number and size of concrete pieces and the chandelier. Too much contrast can overwhelm the space. If you have a grand, ornate chandelier, opt for larger concrete urns or busts to match the scale. Conversely, if your chandelier is more petite, smaller concrete pieces can maintain the equilibrium of the room. (Due to the visual weight and commanding presence of concrete pieces, they can become overwhelming if overdone).
- Versatility: Concrete pieces, such as urns, busts, and obelisks, are incredibly versatile, fitting into various design styles – from rustic and industrial to contemporary and minimalist. This adaptability allows you to experiment with different aesthetics while keeping the crystal chandelier as the central focal point.
Concrete and crystal at The Crown Collection
A trip to The Crown Collection emporium is a one-of-a-kind antique store experience. The design choice to mix concrete and crystal elements will always invite conversation.
So, we invite you to wander around – online or in-store – where you will be introduced to our concrete and crystal chandelier collections. By boldly embracing the contrast between the raw and the refined, you can confidently create an aesthetic that is both visually alluring and deeply engaging.