Have you ever walked into a space that blends rough textures with sophistication in perfect harmony?
If yes, then you are experiencing the essence of industrial style interior design: Raw Elegance.
In this blog post, we will discover the fascinating features of Industrial style interior design Style. You will learn how to define it, what elements to use, what colors to choose, and more! Ready to explore? Let’s go!
What is industrial interior design style?
Industrial style is an aesthetic movement that draws inspiration from old industrial spaces such as factories, lofts, and warehouses.
It emerged in the late 20th century when people transformed these abandoned old industrial buildings into living spaces. However, Instead of hiding the original features of these buildings, they embraced them. For example, you will notice many bare brick walls, concrete floors, and exposed mechanical systems.
The Industrial style interior design style celebrates the raw and authentic beauty of the materials and never hides it.
Now that we have a basic understanding of industrial style, Let’s explore: What are the elements of industrial interior design style?
What are the elements of industrial interior design style?
Industrial style characteristics are distinctive and easy to identify when you see them. Here is how to define the industrial style elements:
💡 Personal Insight: One of the things that I admire the most about industrial style is the striking contrast. For example, the blend of old and new elements or the Mix of modern furniture with exposed structures and reclaimed materials. This blend adds much character to this style, creating a rich and surprisingly harmonious appearance.
1️⃣ Open Floor Plans
Open floor plans are common in industrial spaces. They resemble a warehouse or a factory, where there are no walls or partitions between different areas.
How to create open floor plans?
To Achieve Open Floor Plans, you can:
- Remove unnecessary walls and partitions that divide the space.
- Create seamless transitions between different areas. For example, you can use rugs, furniture, or lighting to define different zones.
💡 Personal Insight: Open floor plans are also good for your well-being. They allow natural light to fill the space, creating a sense of airiness and spaciousness. As a result, you feel more relaxed and comfortable in your home.
2️⃣ Exposed Structures
One of the defining characteristics of industrial interior design is the exposed structure.
Instead of hiding mechanical systems and your home’s structure, celebrate them! For example, Show the beams, pipes, and ductwork that make up the space.
💡 Personal Insight: You can paint the exposed mechanical systems into a contrasting color to add visual interest
3️⃣ Warehouse Windows
Large windows or glass walls are often used in industrial style as they resemble factory or warehouse spaces.
💡 Personal Insight: I’d recommend using large windows whenever possible, as they let in plenty of natural light and create sense of openness. Natural light can improve your mood, energy, and productivity. It can also make your space look bigger and more inviting.
4️⃣ Decorative Accessories
Industrial style loves to use industrial-themed accessories. You can find these accessories in retail stores or thrift shops. You can also find them in your old items. Examples of Industrial-Themed accessories:
- Vintage Maps
- Wheels
- Exposed Gears
- Old Tools
- Metal Signs
- Industrial Style wall art
These items are unique and eye-catching, and they reinforce the industrial theme.
5️⃣ Metal Accents
Metal Accents are a key feature of industrial style. These are metal elements that you can use throughout the space, such as metal light fixtures, metal frames, etc.
💡 Personal insight: use metal colors that match the overall industrial theme. For example, you can use black, silver, copper, or bronze metals.
What color is industrial style?
Industrial interior design favors a neutral palette with hints of warmth. Some commonly used colors in industrial style include:
- Neutral Shades: The industrial style typically uses neutral shades such as beige, grey, and white as base colors. These colors serve as a blank canvas to showcase the raw materials and architectural elements.
- Warm Accents: soften the harshness of industrial design by adding warm accents. Earthy hues like brown, rust, and burnt orange can create a cozy and welcoming vibe. These colors contrast nicely with the industrial elements and make them more appealing.
💡 Personal Insight: The base color is the main color that dominates most of the space — The Primary color. You can learn more about primary colors from this article:
The 60 30 10 Color Rule: How To Use It In Your Home?
Industrial style materials
As mentioned above, industrial design emphasizes using raw and natural materials to create a genuine and rustic atmosphere. Some examples of these materials are:
- Exposed Brick: One of the most common features in industrial interior design style is Exposed brick walls. They offer a rustic and textured backdrop that adds character and history to the space.
- Concrete: Another material that industrial design often uses is concrete. Whether you use polished concrete floors or exposed concrete walls, it adds a touch of urban sophistication to your space.
- Metal: In industrial spaces, furniture, light fixtures, and decorations often incorporate metal elements such as steel, iron, and aluminum.
Industrial Style Furniture
Industrial style interior design favors functional furniture that has aesthetic appeal. Some of the main characteristics of industrial style furniture are:
- Minimalistic design: Straight lines and no decorations or any unnecessary details
- Rough materials: use furniture made of materials that reflect the industrial theme, such as metal, leather, and reclaimed wood.
Types of Industrial Interior Design
There are different types of industrial interior design (Substyles that combines industrial style with another style), each with its distinct personality. Below are some of the most popular ones.
- Rustic Industrial: This type of industrial style mixes the rawness of industrial design with the warmth of rustic elements. It features exposed brick walls, wooden beams, leather sofas, and vintage accessories. It creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere that contrasts with the industrial background.
- Modern Industrial: A more contemporary take on industrial design. This type incorporates sleek lines, minimalistic furniture, and a monochromatic color palette. It highlights the harmony between industrial and modern aesthetics, creating a sophisticated and elegant space.
- Scandinavian Industrial: This fusion embraces the simplicity and coziness of Scandinavian design. It features clean lines, light wood, and neutral colors. It uses natural materials such as wool, cotton, and plants to add warmth and texture to the space. It creates a bright and airy space that feels comfortable and relaxing.
Is Industrial Interior Design Still Popular?
Yes, industrial style is a timeless trend in interior design. (Despite the ever-changing trends)
Design enthusiasts love the industrial style for its timeless appeal and versatility, as it easily blends seamlessly with different decor styles and trends.
The industrial design makes a statement in residential and commercial spaces, from urban lofts to trendy cafes and chic boutiques.
Design Days Extras
1️⃣ Actionable Tips to Apply Industrial style interior design:
To Achieve an industrial style interior design look, here are some actionable tips to get you started:
- Opt for an open floor plan that mimics a warehouse or a factory.
- Highlight the structural components such as exposed bricks, beams, ducts, and pipes.
- Select a flooring finish of concrete, cement, or reclaimed wooden planks.
- Look for furniture pieces that combine galvanized metals with reclaimed wood.
- Consider incorporating modern and mid-century furniture pieces to add some diversity to the area.
- Keep your space clutter-free. Focus on functional items or conversation-starters that fit the industrial style.
- Add a mezzanine to create a lofty and spacious look if the ceiling height allows.
2️⃣ Mid-Century Modern Industrial Design Tour
Watch a tour to Mid-Century Modern Industrial Design covered by ABI Interiors
