What’s your style? Industrial?
DISCOVER YOU STYLE
Most people are aware that our country changed tremendously during the industrial revolution. Labor laws, advancements in technology, and great wealth creation are just a few of the things that came from this era. For many years the space that housed the progress went abandoned and neglected. In New York City for example, these buildings were converted into affordable housing for artists and students. Flash forward. Loft living became the in thing for the wealthy. In most modern cities throughout the world, these industrial spaces are some of the most expensive real estate to be found. Developers have even attempted to recreate these industrial “loft like” spaces. Some have done before jobs than others. Today the industrial style is a blend of the authentic industrial space of before and a reproduction now referred to as a “soft loft”. If you are a fan of raw materials, sweeping spaces, and simplicity; you may want to consider industrial interior design.
Let’s be totally honest. It is quite a challenge and expensive to recreate an authentic industrial space in the residential environment. If you are a fan of the elements that make it amazing, I will spend this blog post discussing the key elements that you can incorporate in your home today.
Materials. The materials used in industrial interior design are some of if not the most important components of this style. Most commonly you will find concrete used for counters, polished as floors, and exposed columns. Bricks typically used on the exterior walls are most likely left exposed and unpainted. The rawness of the brick always adds masculinity and is a stark contrast to the concrete. Unfinished raw wood in exposed rafters, beams, and columns are another common attribute. Finally, mixed metals like copper, steel and bronze are used in the lighting, exposed ductwork, hardware and fixtures.
Scale. The second most important element that helps to create great industrial design is scale. Open spaces with high ceilings. Oversized floor to ceilings, and oversized rooms are great places to start. Much of the scale is created by the fact that space is defined by the items in the space and their function not walls. This is achieved by using larger scale, art, lighting pieces, and furniture that don’t get lost in the openness of the space. In fact, larger furniture used in an open space compared to what you would traditionally use in a space defined by walls has the ability to create the space visually quite well. If you are looking to create an industrial feel in your home one of the biggest mistakes that you can make is to use the wrong scale of furnishings in an open space.
Pattern. In my design practice, I encourage my clients to keep patterns abstract. It is my belief that abstract patterns in fabric, art, and rugs in both bold and neutral colors work well in this style. Because the architecture is so stark and strong bold patterns and graphic images could create unneeded visual clutter and chaos.
To close, I wanted to provide a checklist of things you could do today to make your home more industrial. Everything may not work in your specific situation, but I am certain there are a few things that will make you say, “that’s it.”
Elements to include
Black and White Framed Photography if abstract art isn’t for you
Keep your floor plan open and free--think lofts and old factories
Think of the old for character more than new
When selecting new finishes make sure they complete the old
Keep your home free of clutter and unnecessary items
Storage should be behind
Polished finishes mixed with rough and raw are the way to go
Keep your color palette as simple as possible
Polished concrete is a great option for the floors. Mixing flooring can make the space feel disjointed.
Keep the windows as open as possible. If you must, consider shades over other window treatment options.
Think modular and minimalistic when selecting furniture. If it's not needed--don't’ put it there. In fact you may only have a bed, dresser and nightstands in your bedroom. Yes. Just that simple.
While it isn’t highly unlikely that most of you will have an entire home in an industrial style, you may opt to finish your basement or vacation home in this style. I do have clients that do build new custom homes that are ultra modern on the exterior and industrial in the interior. Consistency in materials, color, pattern, and scale are the foundation of design in a great industrial space.
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