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Written By Laura Di Bartolo
If you’re interested in bathroom design trends for 2024, this is your sign to consider microcement — a cement and polymer-based coating that can be applied to many different surfaces.
In this article, we’ll give you plenty of microcement bathroom inspiration as we go through some of the reasons why our clients are specifying X-Bond in their bathrooms, from the seamless concrete aesthetic to easy maintenance and versatility.
The seamless aesthetic.
Because X-Bond Microcement is hand-trowelled as one continuous surface coating, it has no joint lines. This creates a seamless, uniform aesthetic that reflects the rising popularity of minimalism. But minimalism isn’t just a fad — it’s been one of the most enduring design trends for decades. We consider minimalist architecture to be truly timeless.
There are plenty of reasons why minimalism is a beloved design principle. The thing is, as the world gets busier, many people crave the uninterrupted simplicity of pared-back physical spaces
It feels more spacious.
The uniformity of a seamless joint-free coating creates endless continuity, giving the illusion of more space. That’s why microcement is a great way to make a smaller bathroom feel airy and open. This is especially effective when you choose a total microcement look on the walls, ceiling, and/or floor.
The concrete look is in — but it can be impractical
Industrial chic, urban elegance, raw sophistication… However you want to describe it, there’s no denying the rise of concrete in contemporary interior design. Once only used for building foundations and industrial settings, concrete now appears in residential projects, commercial spaces, retail design and more.
However, it can be difficult to achieve this aesthetic in the bathroom. Concrete is expensive to install and very heavy (which can be a problem for an upstairs bathroom).
Microcement is designed to look very similar to concrete, but is much more versatile in its application at only 2-3mm thick. It’s also cheaper and quicker to install. This makes X-Bond Microcement a more practical way to achieve the concrete look in your bathroom.
Microcement is waterproof.
Our X-Bond overlay system is perfected with Liquid Membrane, our liquid-based waterproofing membrane that prevents leaks and water damage. It prepares wet areas for microcement application in just two or three coats, and X-Bond is then applied directly on top.
With this advanced waterproofing membrane, your microcement bathroom will be the perfect balance of function and beauty.
Easy to maintain
Because of its seamless hand-trowelled application with no joints, microcement is grout-free. This makes your shower, floors, or walls much easier to clean compared to tiles, as you don’t need to scrub those stubborn grout lines.
Moreover, X-Bond Microcement is always finished with high-grade sealers. When installed and maintained according to our guidelines, this means the X-Bond is much more resistant to stains and mould or mildew.
Versatile applications
If this is the year of your big home renovation, microcement might be a very cost-effective and convenient way to remodel your old bathroom.
Because of its strong bonding properties, X-Bond can be applied over almost any existing substrate, from tiles to timber. It’s the perfect way to transform your space without the mess, cost, and time associated with demolition.
Due to its minimal thickness, you can also apply microcement in a wide range of areas. This includes bathroom joinery and shelves, curves or irregular shapes like bathtubs, and even sink basins.
Endless design possibilities
We offer X-Bond Microcement in a diverse selection of colours and finishes. Our shade range features grey, beige, and brown tones that will suit any interior design taste. You can choose warm neutrals, a light and bright palette, dark and moody hues, or even get a custom colour.
There are also different X-Bond finishes, each with a unique texture. However, their suitability for bathrooms does vary based on the area of application. For inside showers, we recommend the smooth Micro finish. For feature walls, you can also choose the Mineral finish or Natural Concrete.
Texture is trending
Minimalist design doesn’t have to be stark and sterile (unless you want it to!). Texture is a great way to go about creating warmth in your bathroom — and a modern way to introduce texture to a space is microcement.
As mentioned above, X-Bond comes in multiple different finishes. Micro is the smoothest, but it still features unique textural variations from the trowel marks. The Mineral finish is sprayed on for a bumpy, rocky texture inspired by geology. Natural concrete has rough patches that mimic the uneven surface of raw concrete, and Blade features ridged chatter marks (although it’s only an option in external areas).
So, if you hate blank white walls and hideous ‘90s sponge painting, microcement is a modern way to elevate your bathroom with textured finishes.
While some trends come and go, we’ve been suppling X-Bond Microcement around Australia since 1999 — so we believe it’s one design choice that won’t ever go out of style. This seamless surface material has plenty of visual and practical advantages, from mould and stain resistance to enhancing space.
Throughout this article we’ve provided microcement bathroom inspiration with photos from projects featuring X-Bond Microcement. For more of these highlights, follow Seamless Overlays on Instagram.
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Laura Di Bartolo
