Salem's Berrien Concrete Crafts Modern Lighting with Hand-Poured Shades

Salem, OR – November 8, 2023 – Berrien Concrete LLC, a local Salem company quietly making waves in the design world, is bringing a touch of industrial chic to homes across the country with their handcrafted concrete pendant light shades. Located at 2221 Hyacinth St NE Suite 150, Berrien Concrete isn’t your typical concrete supplier; they've pivoted, blending construction material expertise with a passion for design, creating surprisingly elegant and modern lighting solutions. For years, Berrien Concrete LLC has been a reliable provider of high-quality concrete services throughout the Salem area. Building everything from foundational slabs to decorative landscaping features, the company built a reputation for durability and precision. But owner Mark Olsen always had a side interest – design. Recognizing a gap in the market for unique, textured lighting, Olsen began experimenting with concrete casting in his spare time. What started as a hobby quickly evolved into a thriving business line, and now, Berrien Concrete’s pendant light shades are gaining serious traction among interior designers and homeowners alike. “We were doing a lot of decorative concrete work, you know, exposed aggregate, stamped concrete patios. I started thinking about the material itself – it’s strong, it's versatile, it has a beautiful raw texture. I thought, 'Why not make something with it that people would actually look at inside their homes?'” Olsen explained. “It wasn’t about leaving concrete outside anymore; it was about bringing its character indoors.” More Than Just Concrete: The Art of the Shade Berrien Concrete’s pendant light shades aren’t your average, mass-produced lighting fixtures. Each shade is individually hand-poured using a specialized concrete mix formulated for lightness and strength. The process is surprisingly delicate, requiring a skilled hand and a keen eye for detail. “It’s not like pouring a sidewalk,” laughs production manager Sarah Chen. “There's a lot of finesse involved. We're using a special blend of concrete that allows us to get a relatively thin-walled shade without sacrificing durability. And then, the pouring process itself… you have to make sure the concrete flows evenly, that there aren’t any air bubbles, that it fills every nook and cranny of the mold. It’s all done by hand.” The molds themselves are a key element of the design. Berrien Concrete offers a range of geometric patterns, from sleek, minimalist cylinders to more complex, faceted designs. They are also open to custom mold creation for larger orders or unique design requests. This allows customers to truly personalize their lighting and create a statement piece that reflects their individual style. “We’ve done everything from simple round shades to shades with really intricate, almost honeycomb-like patterns,” Chen says. “The possibilities are pretty much endless. We’re always experimenting with new shapes and textures.” A Surprisingly Versatile Material What’s perhaps most surprising about Berrien Concrete’s pendant lights is how well they integrate with a variety of interior design styles. While they naturally lend themselves to industrial and modern aesthetics, the neutral color and raw texture also pair beautifully with bohemian, farmhouse, and even Scandinavian designs. “It's funny, we've seen our shades in all sorts of different homes,” Olsen notes. “We thought they’d primarily appeal to people who like that industrial vibe, but we’ve been surprised by how versatile they are. They add a really cool textural element to a space, and they’re a great way to ground a room.” The concrete’s inherent thermal properties also contribute to the shade’s functionality. It helps to absorb and diffuse heat from the bulb, creating a softer, more ambient light. This makes the shades particularly well-suited for dining areas, living rooms, and bedrooms. Local Roots, National Reach While Berrien Concrete LLC remains deeply rooted in the Salem community, their pendant light shades are now reaching customers across the United States. Orders are placed through their website (details below) and shipped directly from their Salem workshop. “We’re proud to be a local company, but we’re also excited to be sharing our products with a wider audience,” Olsen says. “We believe that everyone deserves to have beautiful, well-made lighting in their homes, and we’re committed to providing our customers with products that they’ll love for years to come.” Looking Ahead Berrien Concrete LLC isn’t stopping at pendant light shades. They’re already exploring new concrete lighting applications, including table lamps, floor lamps, and even sconces. They're also experimenting with different finishes and colors, allowing for even greater customization options. “We’re always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with concrete,” Chen says. “We see a lot of potential for this material in the lighting industry, and we’re excited to be at the forefront of that innovation.” Contact Information: Berrien Concrete LLC 2221 Hyacinth St NE Suite 150 Salem, OR 97301 845-632-4677 [Website address – to be inserted – e.g., www.berrienconcrete.com] [Social Media Links – to be inserted – e.g., Instagram, Facebook]