We are. At Interior Living Room we love anything that looks sophisticated and grand. After all, concrete, it seems, is the new black. Where counter tops are concerned concrete looks heavy, it looks expensive, and it makes your kitchen feel it's been carved from a mountain, like you are walking into an ageless temple, designed for the worship of food.

What about granite, you may ask. Yes, yes, granite is everywhere these days. Granite has become that hit song on the radio that you've heard 10 000 times too many. It seems like everyone either has, or wants a granite counter top in their kitchen. Don't get me wrong, granite countertops are stunning, it's just "so 2008", and concrete is gaining in popularity. (plus it's slightly cheaper)

I recently took a tour at a local concrete/ marble specialist to find out some very interesting facts about concrete:

1. Concrete countertops can hold their own against hot pans and pots - just don't push it. If it's left to long it can burn the surface. Always err on the side of caution.
2. Concrete is almost as hard as granite. Why that would matter is a subject for the ages, but at least I can say I know this fact.
3. Having said how hard concrete is, it's also incredibly soft. Yep, that's right, I said it, and I'm not skitzophenic. There's no arguing with myself going on here. Being more specific, concrete countertops feel soft - as in babies bottom soft. It's so soft in fact, that some people have coined the nickname "rub stone" to concrete because once you start rubbing it you can't seem to stop. It's insane, really.

Now most of the horror stories you've likely heard about concrete are unfortunately true. It can warp, it can crack, and it is a tempermental choice. The easiest way to avoid these problems completely is to employ a good concrete contractor. To ensure you are getting the proper company for the job you need to know:

1. How long they have been doing the work?
2. Who have they done the work for? (You'll want testimonials)
3. What are their guarantees against cracking, staining, warping, e.t.c...?
4. Do they have a showroom? A showroom is the key really, as you will have an opportunity to scrutinize their work in detail.
5. Is their door open anytime for you to drop in and see their progress? This is also very important in coming to trust your contractor.

So if concrete is, in fact, the new black, what are the benefits of this surface that seems so tempermental?

• it's sterile.
• it's incredibly easy to maintain and clean
• if done correctly it's extremely functional and durable
• Quality contractors can easily do repairs, and most repairs are done on sight.
• It looks bloody cool!!

A few helpful do' and don't's: Do have your countertop pre-cast. Don't ask the contractor to come to your home to do the casting and work - it can be very messy and in most cases the machinery they require is not very portable. Do hit the portfolio books and pick something you can use as a starting point. Don't limit yourself to an existing design. Do work with the contractor. Get your design goals in mind and explain away, and then communicate these ideas to the contractor - using pre-existing photos - to decide on your best bet. Don't get the contractor drunk the night before he starts on your project.

Remember, concrete is a poured material, so you can get virtually any design you may want. If you think an integrated sink is an idea, they can do it. If you want soap dish depressions, they can do it. If you have something unique that you want to fit inside your countertop, (think knife holders, recessed lights, e.t.c...) give the suggestions to the contractor and he'll mold out a spot for it all. There's basically no limit to what can be done with a concrete countertop. (It won't bake your cakes however.)

So there's the skinny on concrete countertops. If you find a really good, very reputable contractor, you can have almost anything you wish for molded and fitted in your home. The key is research. Quality research will always leave you with awesome results. Now go forth and worship at your temple of food.