Industrial-themed home decor typically features plenty of open spaces and metals—to some it may appear cold and rugged—but the aesthetic incorporates several elements of the cozy, hygge Scandinavian interior design.
This unique home decor style draws inspiration from the noble appeal of industrial spaces, warehouses, and factories. The decor embraces stripped-down, bare architectural details—such as the use of wood, bare bricks, and metals—alongside recycled materials. The interior design of the industrial aesthetic incorporates Edison light bulbs, a neutral color palette and open floor plans. In addition, industrial-style furniture is usually impervious to deterioration.
While the design of industrial decor focuses on minimalism, the mix of several rustic materials in lighting accents and furniture offers homeowners the chance to incorporate this interior design into any space. Many contemporary homes use an amalgamation of the mid-century modern, farmhouse and industrial style to produce a cozy space—and if you want to learn more about the key elements that characterize the industrial-style home decor, read on!
Thinking of traditional building material that renders an industrial look? Look no further than brick for your walls. Bare brick walls offer warmth and texture to the industrial style. It has become a sought-after trend amongst the industrial design enthusiasts. Exposed brick walls allow occupants to admire the original construction and honor its historical value.
Adaptive reuse transforms an old structure into something modern while conserving the feel and visual appeal of the building’s industrial style. This styling approach helps keep the core aesthetic intact, maintains historical value, and honors the industrial past of the property. Some common features include large windows, plenty of open spaces and very high ceilings supported by exposed steel beams, bricks, and concrete.
One of the most common elements of this aesthetic involves the replete use of Edison bulbs hanging from fixtures, solo or clustered in a chandelier. If you want to achieve a less bare look, opt for a pendant light, floor lamps or large metal domes to light up your space.
Whether it’s a bar stool or a windowpane, the industrial style characterizes neat and defined graphic lines—specifically rendered by black metals—and not sinuous patterns and lines. Do not confuse this element with the highly stylized and graphic appearance of Art Deco, which is characterized by metallics and bold colors.
Exposed steel beams flaunt the functional power of the Industrial Revolution—and ceilings supported by steel beams add charm to the space. This element of the industrial aesthetic is not overpowering but can be admired when it comes to notice. You can leave the steel beams of your space exposed to embrace the industrial appeal, and it will also save you money.
Just like steel beams, pipe fixtures are already present in most homes. Modern designs commonly cover or camouflage pipes. However, the industrial style calls for elevating the appeal of your room by leaving the pipes exposed.
Large windows were typically found in old warehouses to light up the space. Allowing the entry of natural light into your space will improve the hues and textures that you may have used in the interior, elevating the visual appeal of your home.
Warehouses have high ceilings to ensure adequate storage space and to sustain anticipated growth in the future. For your home, high ceilings can offer a calming sense of liberation. High ceilings can make a space appear larger than it is. But high ceilings also call for large walls—and it may seem challenging to fill so much space. However, you can incorporate some rugged industrial elements or decor items to maintain the character of the space.
Influenced by repurposed warehouses and factories from the time of the Industrial Revolution, the industrial-style home design stands out with its minimalist design philosophy and exposed architectural elements.
