Books praise concrete for its brawn and beauty

A flurry of new books praising the use of concrete in a domestic setting suggests that this most prosaic of materials – appreciated for its brawn but unsung for its beauty – may be on the verge of a mainstream image makeover.

One of them, “Concrete Architecture” by Catherine Croft, showcases the material in a variety of eye-catching projects that illustrate its unexpected versatility. What may surprise readers is seeing how natural and even ethereal it can seem.

California-based designer Fu-Tung Cheng, who specializes in kitchen remodels, approaches the subject of concrete with an almost evangelical zeal. He is the author (with Eric Olsen) of a new book, “Concrete at Home,” a follow-up to the 2002 book “Concrete Countertops.” Both emphasize concrete’s potential as a cool counterpoint to warm woods, especially in kitchen and living areas.