Solid discovery: a surprisingly elegant steel and concrete vase

Concrete walls and flooring lend homes a contemporary, minimalist feel — as do concrete countertops, sinks, chairs and tables. More traditional-leaning decorators may find the material too bare or industrial looking (at least in large doses), but a recent interior-design trend is to incorporate concrete in subtler ways. Think accent pieces: planters, candelabra, trays and trivets.

Such items can be found via IntoConcrete, a Chicago-area designer, manufacturer and e-tailer of finely made concrete home goods. The online shop includes everything from concrete lamps to coasters to one very chic toilet-paper stand made of soft concrete and birch. (It’s apparently a best-seller.)

We’re especially obsessed with the weight vase collection, designed by Decha Archjananun in collaboration with IntoConcrete and Specimen Editions-Paris, featuring four vases in different sizes to accommodate various arrangements, including long stems and single stems. Sold separately (starting at $150), each mineral gray vase is composed of a sturdy concrete base and simple steel stand to hold flowers aloft. It’s contemporary and minimalist, but also surprisingly elegant. A small item like this is a low-commitment way to introduce concrete into your home — or someone else’s; IntoConcrete decor also makes for a solid gift.

For more information, go to www.intoconcrete.com.