Posted 7/9/2025
Concrete doesn’t have to be gray and industrial. With the right color and finish, it will add beauty, value and function. Use it as a design element whether you’re creating a cozy backyard patio or a busy civic plaza.
At Solomon Colors, we specialize in integral pigments that provide consistent, fade-resistant color throughout the concrete. The decorative concrete projects below show how color can transform everyday flatwork in residential, commercial and public spaces.
See the full palette: View our color charts
A subtle, light-gray integral color finished with a seamless stamp lets the home’s stone, wood and surrounding greenery take center stage. It combines the strength of concrete with easy care for a cozy space that enhances the view instead of competing with it.
Pro tip: Apply a penetrating sealer to keep ash, grass clippings and beverage spills from staining light-gray surfaces.
Warm brown integral color and a seamless stamp echo the tones of the home’s veneer. The color suits driveways, entryways and walkways that need to match brick or masonry facades. Crisp saw-cut joints control shrinkage cracks and create a tidy grid, giving the surface a hand-laid look without extra labor.
Pro tip: Brown hues hide tire marks and oil stains better than lighter colors, keeping high-traffic surfaces looking fresh for years.
This warm buff color matches the stonework and adds to the pool’s resort feel. In addition, subtle texture adds slip resistance while staying gentle on bare feet. Finally, diamond-shaped saw-cut joints break up the slab while controlling cracks
Pro tip: Light-colored concrete reflects sunlight, helping it stay noticeably cooler in summer heat.
Muted taupe concrete with a light stone stamp help this winding zoo walkway disappear into the plantings and boulders. The durable surface stands up to heavy foot traffic and the color hides dirt, so visitors stay focused on the exhibits, not the pavement.
Pro tip: Choose low-reflectivity earth tones and seal with a matte or penetrating product. Glossy coatings can create glare and draw attention away from the surrounding habitat.
Warm earth-tone pigments laid out in a checkerboard of varied square sizes create an inviting plaza. The mix of rough exposed aggregate and smoother broom finishes guides shoppers naturally and adds visual punch.
Pro tip: Combine mid-tone pigments with slip-resistant textures to mask wear and keep busy plazas safe year-round.
Warm terra cotta bands wrap soft tan and brown panels in broad concentric rings. The design stands out when viewed from balconies or upper-floor windows. It is great for plazas at college campuses, civic centers, and amphitheaters. Integral pigments keep the colors sharp, and radial saw cuts control cracking without breaking the pattern.
Pro tip: View the layout from a rooftop, lift or drone before pouring to confirm the rings align just right.
Light beige and gray integral pigments stripe this courthouse plaza, turning one big slab into defined walkways, planting beds and seating zones. The subtle contrast gives the wide plaza an ordered feel rather than an overwhelming one.
Pro tip: Opt for light, solar-reflective pigments to cut heat buildup for large projects that must meet urban heat island or LEED guidelines.
Because the pigment is throughout the concrete, the color remains even after years of traffic and weather. Pair integral color with the right sealer and maintenance plan, and your concrete will perform every bit as well as it looks.
Whether you’re planning a driveway, patio, or municipal hardscape, integrally colored concrete is a smart, stylish choice. With thousands of custom shades and finish options, there’s a color for every project.
When color doesn’t match, especially when the mismatched slabs are side by side, panic often sets in.
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