Photo by Ramona Balaban on Unsplash
Industrial interior design is all about raw, unfinished beauty. It takes cues from converted warehouses and factory-like commercial buildings, where the architectural and structural elements are left on display. This look is generally achieved by combining exposed metalwork, concrete, bricks, and wood with industrial-style lighting and furniture. The result is a space that feels both edgy and stylish.
If you’re considering incorporating industrial interior design for your home, this article will showcase the key elements that make up industrial style and how to incorporate it into your own space. With a bit of creativity, you can achieve an industrial chic design too!
When did industrial interior design become popular, and why?
This style gained most of its popularity in the early 2000s, as people began to appreciate industrial architecture’s clean lines and unadorned surfaces. Industrial design is still going strong today, and it’s easy to see why. This style is incredibly versatile and can be tailored to suit any taste. Whether you’re a fan of mid-century modern furniture or exposed building materials, there are plenty of ways to incorporate industrial elements into your space.
The appeal of industrial-style interiors lies in its ability to repurpose existing spaces and transform them into something new and unique. For instance, many loft apartments have been converted into industrial-style homes with exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and even some exposed ductwork. This industrial vibe has a distinctly urban feel that appeals to many people who want to repurpose their own unique living space. In addition, industrial-style interiors can be very affordable, as they require little in the way of expensive materials or finishes to complete the look. As a result, the industrial interior design trend is likely here to stay.
What are common elements of industrial design?
When it comes to industrial interior design, a few key characteristics are typically seen. This style is often found in lofts and converted warehouses, where the original industrial elements remain intact. Modern industrial design takes these characteristics and adds a bit of refinement. The result is a stylish and one-of-a-kind space that celebrates function and form. If you’re considering giving your home an industrial makeover, here are some key characteristics to keep in mind.
Open Layout
One of the most significant aspects of modern industrial interior design is its open layout. This design style emphasizes utility and function over form, resulting in a stripped-down aesthetic that can sometimes feel cold and unforgiving. However, the open layout is one of the primary characteristics that give industrial spaces their unique charm. By eliminating walls and barriers, the industrial-style interior design encourages a sense of community and collaboration. It also allows for greater flexibility, making it easy to reconfigure a space to suit changing needs. In an age where more people work from home, the appeal of an open and adaptable interior design style is clear.
Concrete
Another one of the defining characteristics of industrial interior design is the use of concrete. This building material was once everywhere in former industrial spaces and has become a popular choice for modern homes and businesses alike. Concrete is prized for its durability, clean lines, and ability to take on a variety of finishes. Generally thought of as a cold, hard material, polished concrete floors actually add a lot of warmth and character to a space. Concrete helps emphasize this style’s rustic, utilitarian aesthetic when used in industrial interiors. In addition, concrete can be utilized in many ways, either through furniture or in the home’s actual finishings, adding visual interest to otherwise simple spaces. As a result, concrete is an essential element of industrial interior design.
Exposed metal beams, pipes, ducts, and brick
With the conversion of older warehouses, industrial homes are characterized by exposed building materials and architectural elements such as metal beams, exposed pipes, brick, and visible ductwork. This raw and unfinished look has been co-opted by many different design styles, including modern, minimalist, and even rustic. While the industrial look may not be for everyone, there is no denying that it lends a particular cool factor to any space. Industrial elements can also be very functional, as they are often quite durable and easy to maintain. Additionally, industrial design often uses recycled or repurposed materials, which appeal to those looking for sustainable design options.
How to achieve this style in your apartment or home
Industrial style has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to its mix of rugged simplicity and modern sophistication. Fortunately, industrial style is not limited to those with expansive loft apartments or converted warehouses. With a few industrial interior design ideas, even the smallest home or apartment can enjoy the benefits of this stylish aesthetic. This style can be achieved through clean lines, minimal furnishings, and a dark and moody or neutral color palette.
Use a Silver and Metallic Finishes
Incorporating silver and metallic finishes can be a great way to do it if you’re looking to add a touch of industrial style to your home. Furniture items with metal accents such as metal-legged coffee tables or polished metal lamps can help create the modern industrial look you’re going for. And don’t forget about accessories! Incorporating industrial-style decor like metal picture frames or mirrors with metallic accents can really help tie the whole look together. So, if you’re hoping to achieve a modern industrial design style in your home, don’t forget to incorporate some silver and other various metallic elements.
Find Distressed leather
When it comes to industrial style design, many people focus on incorporating hard elements like metal and concrete. However, it’s important to remember that a little bit of softness can go a long way in creating an inviting and rustic space. Distressed leather furniture is a great way to add warmth to an industrial room. The rich leather texture will help balance out the room’s colder elements, and the furniture’s vintage look will add a touch of sophistication. In addition, distressed leather furniture is very durable, making it an excellent choice for areas with a lot of wear and tear. So, if you’re looking to add a touch of rustic industrial style to your home, don’t forget about distressed leather furniture. It’s the perfect way to add some warmth and sophistication to your space.
Bring in natural elements and textures
Industrial interior design uses concrete, metal, and wood to create a raw, edgy look. But sometimes, all that hardness can make a space feel cold and uninviting. To combat this, try bringing in some natural elements and textures to make your industrial space feel more like home. A wood coffee table or floor lamp will add warmth to the room, while an oversized plush rug or throws will make it feel cozier. You can also mix and match different fabrics to create an eclectic look. Mixing in some greenery is always a good idea, too. Industrial spaces can feel very cold and uninviting but adding some natural elements can make the space feel more like home.
Add a touch of vintage & antique pieces
Industrial-style homes are often lacking in warmth and character. By incorporating some vintage and antique pieces of furniture, you can instantly transform the space and add a lot of visual interest. Antique furniture often has a unique patina that can’t be replicated with new pieces. It also adds a touch of luxury to an industrial space. Vintage furniture can also be a great way to add some pops of color to a room. If your industrial home is full of neutral colors, adding a brightly colored piece of furniture can really liven up the space. A vintage green sofa or brightly colored armchair will make the living area more comfortable and stylish. And if you’re on a budget, don’t worry – there are plenty of places to find affordable vintage furniture. With a little bit of effort, you can quickly transform your industrial home into a warm and inviting space.
Kayio can help
So, you’re officially in love with the industrial interior design style, but you don’t want to spend a fortune on your furniture and decor. Luckily, Kaiyo has the perfect solution for you! We offer a unique mix of modern and vintage furniture and decor items that will help create the industrial look you desire for your home – all at up to 90% off retail prices. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece like a vintage couch or a more subtle touch like an antique mirror, Kaiyo has what you need to capture the industrial aesthetic perfectly. Plus, our high-end brands guarantee you’ll get quality items that will last for years. Don’t wait any longer. Head to Kaiyo today and start shopping for the perfect industrial pieces for your home!
