concrete

I found this today after being directed to a website about cast concrete countertops. (I am having fun working out a new kitchen at the moment)

they are tiles inset into the corner of a concrete counter. the bananas add a wonderful zany touch. you can inlay anything with a flat side, fossils which have been cut or polished, pieces of stone, coins … details all at  http://www.concreteexchange.com/index.jsp

I bought his book, and it is very inspirational. concrete countertops are very wabi-sabi too – the suggestion of natural process, a kind of simplicity and rustic warmth (though some of his designs are not that simple),   decorative elements can be recycled objects, like these broken tiles. they are heavy though, so probably the cupboards underneath will have to be reinforced.