There is nothing easier to maintain and uber-cool as a living room with an industrial interior design. It is no wonder that the high-low allure of industrial home-styled rooms has taken the interior design sector by storm.
However, a formal old warehouse can sound good in theory and give you a vast amount of room, however, no one wants an interior space that has an unfriendly cold visual aesthetic. The good news is that it's easy to add an industrial room design into your own home and make it feel warm and cosy.
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What is Industrial Style Interior Design?
Industrial interior design is a unique combination of ultra-modern aesthetics and an old-world charisma. This style takes its creativity from the lofty look of warehouses, factories as well as other industrial structures.
Often, industrial-styled fixtures are heavyweight and can be obtained from a reclaimed building yard.
The best part about coming up with industrial interior design ideas is that you will have the chance to modify the look using decor and furniture that is entirely distinct to your home.
Comfort should be king when you are planning an industrial-style living room, so consider using furnishings that have a simple design and natural textures to tie the whole theme together.
How to Create an Industrial Interior Look
Certain interior design elements are required, or at least should be hinted at, to create an industrial interior look.
Here are my top tips for creating this look...
Re-purpose and Recycle
Image credit: steelvintage.com
The most significant part of industrial interiors is re-purposing and recycling old furniture and decorative items made from wood and metal.
An imaginative industrial theme can allow those old factory pieces that were ultimately ready for the tip, to get a new lease of life.
For a more creative style, try to go for vintage items or those inspired by gears, old-fashioned appliances, or gadgets, creating the perfect steampunk industrial design.
Many times, a repurposed piece of industrial furniture serves as a model for new creations. For instance, there are very clever artists and metal workers who can re-assemble an old derelict item of factory machinery to create a truly unique repurposed piece of modern design.
Use a Neutral Colour Palette - Industrial Home Design
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In most industrial-style interiors, the bolder shades are saved for smaller areas of the room, while the bulk of the space radiates a more neutral vibe.
This industrial decor design style mainly depends on the combination of neutral tones to create a clean and simple symphonic look.
Blend Materials and Texture
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You might think that an industrial-styled room only uses stone, concrete, and steel, but that is not the case. You don’t have to go too heavy on metals. The decorative industrial design theme should be a variety of raw and distressed elements.
Regardless of the way that you choose to combine each part of the room design, make sure that you stick to a limited colour palette to achieve a ‘not too busy’ and subtly blended look.
Expose Brickwork - Industrial Design Interior
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One of the most commonly used architectural elements in industrial interior design is exposed brick. This type of wall finish can add character and texture to any industrial spaces, the rugged look stands out perfectly against an all-white or neutral surround. It can also be a great way to create a unique rustic look in your home or office.
Two negatives to consider with leaving bricks exposed, is firstly they can become a bit of an eyesore if it's not properly maintained, and if not cleaned regularly can start to look dirty and dusty.
Exposed brick walls can also be particularly cold in the winter (if sufficient insulation is not present) and hot in the summer.
If these issues turn you off the idea of exposing your brickwork, you can always fake the industrial feel by using faux brick wallpaper or adhesive panels.
Visible Pipes and Ducting - Industrial Home Decor
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Although people typically conceal exposed pipes and ducting, they are a popular, staple choice for an industrial interior design style.
One reason for this is that exposed pipes and ducting give the space an unfinished, raw look. This is an appealing look to people who appreciate industrial design because it looks like the space is still in the process of being built or renovated. Industrial design also has a trendy rustic and edgy feel to it.
However, if you aren’t comfortable with a look that’s too real in its rawness, these features can be replicated to look like the real thing. Decorative pipes, ducting, and wires can all be added as decorative features to mimic the real thing and give your industrial spaces the look that you crave.
Another reason why this look is popular is because it can be an affordable interior design option. Pipes and ducting are often left exposed during construction projects because it is cheaper to do so than to cover them up. This means that you can get the industrial look by doing less and without having to spend as much money on building materials!
Consider Loft Style Windows
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Loft-style windows add substance and character to any industrial spaces, whether it be a home, office, or retail store. In addition, due to them being typically made from reclaimed materials such as metal and wood, they also help to reduce your carbon footprint.
If you're considering adding some industrial loft-style windows to your space, make sure that the window frames are made from sturdy, high-quality raw materials.
Many industrial buildings have large unimpeded windows, so when dressing a window, you'll want to maximise the open feel that they bring to your space.
Some people opt to leave their industrial windows free of window coverings, but if you prefer to have some type of curtains or blinds for privacy, a large neutral-coloured blind will certainly fit the brief and not be too in your face.
Another possible solution to privacy is to consider adding window frosting or tinted glass, this will allow natural light to enter your space without sacrificing privacy.
If you still prefer a curtain that you can draw shut though, I suggest opting for a rustic metal curtain pole to hang them on, as it will look best in an industrial interior design space.
Use Bold Metal Lighting
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Whichever statement industrial lighting you decide on, such as these sleek metal pendant lights or some old rustic factory lampshades, all of these types of robust heavy duty light fittings continue to be heavily used in industrial style interiors.
Pendant lamps create a classy and elegant aesthetic in your home, whilst also being practical and adding the brightness required in a large space.
Other often used industrial lighting fixtures are those with exposed wires and bare bulbs and high bay LED lighting.
Create an Industrial Interior Open Plan Layout
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For an authentic industrial interior design look, It is useful if you are able to recreate the feeling of a lofty warehouse space, regardless of what you have to work with and your starting point. Always start with a blank canvas, as an open plan layout begins with an empty space.
You’ll need to clear out any furniture and clutter that you don’t need, to create the industrial look you are trying to achieve. With open spaces, it is also important to create defined areas. For instance, you may want to separate your dining area, living area, and workspace. To achieve this, use furniture and rugs to create these different open-plan areas.
Industrial homes have lots of negative space, resulting in clean lines and an uncluttered look and feel. Make sure you have plenty of space to move around also when buying furniture opt for pieces that offer double duty in terms of usage and aesthetic value.
Use natural light wisely. One of the best things about an open-plan layout is all the natural light that floods in.
Whether or not you have industrial interiors, open floor plans are a great way to make the most of the space you have, making your home feel more open and airy. They also have a relaxed feel and are a great entertaining space for guests.
Display Expressive Artwork
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Another excellent way to bring your industrial interior design style to life is by using artwork to express your creative aptitude. Gallant graphics, murals as well as painting bold symbols on exposed brick walls, are great ways to include an instant accent piece into your industrial look.
The interior design elements of an industrial aesthetic can combine different colours and textures, complement each other amicably, and create a distinct interior.
Try going for a loft-style ambience and use wall decor that you feel fits your space and personality, from large striking canvases to one-off wall art pieces.
Decorate the walls of your industrial interior using wallpapers of different textures and colours, to add plenty of contrast and interest.
Consider Polished Concrete Flooring
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Polished concrete floors are one of the best choices of flooring for open-plan family rooms if you want to highlight your overall industrial decor theme.
Although solid chunky wooden floors are an industrial interior design essential, polished concrete floors are an ultra-modern and affordable living room alternative, that certainly befits the industrial style.
Add Colour Using Plants
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An industrial look is often associated with the absence of colour and character, which can start to feel unyielding in a large open space.
Use plants and flowers to instil colour into your industrial look, strategically placing them so as not to overwhelm the space.
Plants will bring natural greenery and a sense of life and vibrancy back into your interior industrial design, but won't overtake the space with too much colour or clutter.
Consider Switching up Your Doors
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The interior doors that you choose to compliment your industrial interior style could make or break the overall look of your space. You’ll want to avoid typical white hollow panel doors, as these are simply not befitting of industrial-style homes.
When choosing your internal doors, you also need to think about whether you would prefer to go for a solid or glazed design and whether you opt for solid wood or a metal structure.
Metal-glazed doors will maximise the light that each room receives, whilst a non-glazed wooden door adds a solid and robust feel. Both would work well within any industrial interior design scheme.
Play With Pattern and Texture
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Industrial home decor design is all about a simple minimalist style; this means generally sticking with neutral colours and blends. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to stay away from patterns altogether.
Don’t be afraid to add a touch of liveliness by to industrial interiors by utilising patterned accents, such as pillows and rugs, but remember to ensure that your patterns are in a soft, neutral colour palette, to achieve an elegant industrial style.
Mix and Match Old and Modern Pieces
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Another benefit of having an industrial-style home is the ability to mix and match modern pieces with older, more rustic industrial living room furniture. For example, take your modern TV set and display it on an open shelf made of fashioned wood and iron.
Alternatively, make use of industrial-style furniture like a chunky reclaimed wood unit, and do your bit for recycling. Display and utilise these beautiful industrial-style furnishings to create the perfect industrial vibe.
Add Unique Industrial Design Furniture
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Add DIY industrial elements to your industrial interior design to create a unique impression and use DIY features to change the look of your industrial space. This is a good time to utilise any building and crafting skills you may have.
You can also go for DIY metal letters, a galvanised bucket sink, galvanised metal bar stools or a faux-worn industrial coffee table as finishing touches to your industrial space.
My Final Thoughts
Industrial spaces have numerous features which tie in with the industrial design style, however, there is still a lot of liberty to create your very own unique interior design ideas.
Use specific decorative items and industrial furniture that fit your lifestyle and personal preferences. Finally, look for materials that you can recycle and ultimately save money on if you are renovating your industrial space on a tight budget.
Credit for blog image: home-designing.com
Author: Matthew Chiappini