Neutral. Flexible. Modern. Classic.
These are a few of the words that can be used to describe industrial interior design.
While many may associate exposed brick, lofts, metal finishes, and more to this interior design style, it’s more than that.
And, in this blog post, we’re digging into the details and sharing some tips so you can bring the industrial design to life in your home.
What is industrial design?
Industrial interior design plays to the raw building materials many people try to hide. Think brick, beams, and pipes. But with an industrial design, they’re on display to create an unfinished yet polished look in a home.
The inspiration for this interior design style comes from industrial structures such as factories and warehouses. It’s a flexible, bold, and unique way to decorate.
How to Bring Industrial Interior Design to Life in Your Home
1. When choosing a color palette, stick with a neutral base. This includes, black, white, and beige. To add depth and variety, build on your base color with varying hues. Some light and some dark. If you want to break up a monochromatic look, add pops of personality with bursts of color in accent pieces such as pillows and accessories.
2. Mixing and matching materials is a staple of the industrial design look. Metal and wood combinations are a great example and can be used in various pieces of furniture and accents. For example, a wooden table can be surrounded by cool, gray metal chairs or a coffee table can have a rich, wooden top with metal legs. Cotton, leather, and wool are common fabrics used in industrial design as they play to the rugged yet refined theme.
3. Accessorize but don’t go overdo it. Industrial interior design gives a nod to minimalism as it encourages homeowners to do more with less. Large abstract wall pieces, area rugs that blend with the surroundings, and quirky statement pieces that play to the use of raw materials such as leather, reclaimed wood, metals, and more, are all viable accessory options. When adding accouterments, keep clutter at bay.
4. Lighting plays an important role in this interior design style.To keep with the theme, choose pieces that mix metals and wood and accentuate sharp edges. Pendant lighting, tall vintage floor lamps, or caged pieces with Edison bulbs are all viable options. Custom wood shutters are the perfect window covering for an industrial design look and a great option for controlling how much or how little light shines into the space.
5. While other design styles focus on perfection, industrial design highlights imperfections. This design style encourages homeowners to expose unfinished areas and features with intention. Exposed brick and beams and unfinished concrete floors are examples that create a rustic yet cohesive feel.
Bringing industrial design to life in your home can be an exciting and unique challenge. But, with these tips and design basics you can infuse this interior design style in your home.
