How to Emulate Industrial Interior Design In Your Home
Industrial interior design is one of the most sought-after looks in the design world, especially in places like urban commercial spaces and high-end homes. The first thing that might come to mind when you think of industrial interior design is a large, open floor plan with floor-to-ceiling windows. Already, it seems it be would impossible to make the average living space look industrial- especially if you live in a small apartment/rental! However, with the right tools and concepts, it could be easier than you think to achieve the look. Read on to learn how you can emulate industrial interior design in your own space!
Photo by: linux1987 https://depositphotos.com/79371728/stock-photo-abandoned-industrial-buildings.html
THE HISTORY BEHIND INDUSTRIAL INTERIOR DESIGN
First things first- it’s important to have some background knowledge on how Industrial interior design came to fruition. When you know why this style of interior design looks the way it looks, it makes it much easier to identify what you need in your space.
Many claim that the style emerged in the early to mid-20th century, towards the end of the second industrial revolution. During this time, many local factories shut down as global production of goods became more common. With emptied factories and warehouses all around, architects eventually began to utilize these buildings for residential use. What’s interesting is that the architects did not try to cover the exposed industrial materials consisting of air ducts, pipes, brick, steel beams, etc- they, in fact, boldly leaned in to the aesthetic. Not only was it a new style, but it was also cost-effective and sustainable! According to masterclass.com, “…in the 1960’s, architecture firms in New York City began turning obsolete industrial buildings into upscale apartments. This started a wave of adaptive reuse projects…that seek to preserve the history of industrial buildings and bring new life to previously abandoned spaces.” Now it should be pretty obvious why we use certain elements to achieve the industrial look.
COMMON ELEMENTS OF INDUSTRIAL INTERIOR DESIGN
OPEN FLOOR PLAN
Factories and warehouses have open floor plans to accommodate to equipment, machinery and general efficiency. In order to achieve this look and still maintain a “homey” feel in your space, section off each “room” by utilizing your furniture to create boundaries. Larger area rugs in each section help to separate the spaces as well.
http://www.home-designing.com/2012/10/industrial-lofts/3-open-plan-loft-design
How to achieve this in a smaller space: De-clutter your apartment by donating or selling anything that is not actually utilized in the space. Industrial interiors are all about utility- function over form- so use as little furniture as possible. Tip: Keep an open entryway- especially if you live in an apartment. Unlike a larger space where you could use your sofa to block off a section of the room, avoid having the back of your sofa/furniture towards the entryways.
AMPLE LIGHTING
Factories and warehouses commonly have large windows to let in natural light. Consider installing floor-to-ceiling windows to bring in as much light into the space as possible. If you can, paneled and gridded windows look especially industrial. Curtains are not necessary and will only reduce natural lighting. However, if you’re looking to add the warmth of textiles to the space, try to use lighter fabrics for your curtains to avoid darkening the room.
https://www.homedit.com/loft-apartment-in-a-reconstructed/
How to achieve this in a smaller space: When you live in an apartment, you’re stuck with the windows! Check with your landlord to see if you can remove the blinds without losing your deposit. Taking out the blinds or curtains will obviously bring the most amount of light in. However, you will most likely want to maintain your privacy in such close quarters. Consider using sheer curtains in white or earthy tones, so that as much light as possible can come in, while still keeping your place private!
EXPOSED MATERIALS
Industrial style is all about function and utility. Don’t worry about hiding anything- keep the elements and utilities exposed! The common exposed materials include air ducts, pipes, bricks, steel beams, and wood. If your home already has these exposed, keep them as is. If it doesn’t- there are ways to achieve the look! Read on to find out.
https://fontanarchitecture.com/exposed-brick-interior-ideas/
How to achieve this in a smaller space: If you don’t have anything exposed, you can find ways to add exposed items. For pipes and air ducts, you can either scour your local thrift stores or online market places to find some for cheap. If you’d rather have new you can of course buy some at the hardware store! With some careful installation, these can both be mounted into the walls and ceilings. Warning: Do proper research on safety measures beforehand to ensure none of your projects become a safety hazard. If you are not up for touching your walls with an installation, you could always research industrial-inspired furniture that incorporates these elements- such as wooden bookshelves with piping on the sides, for example.
Brick, wood, and cement are all textures which can be imitated through wallpaper and floor decals. You could DIY to save money or hire a wallpaper installer for peace of mind!
Lastly, beams can be DIY as well. If you are able to scour out a large wooden beam, great! However, you will most likely want to consult a professional for this one to get the perfect cut for your ceiling. If you can’t install into the ceiling without losing your deposit- try adding wooden or steel beams into the walls or through furniture as mentioned above.
Neutral Color Palette
Keep your color palette soft to the eye. Neutral is key to set the industrial tone and to keep things from looking too busy. Think whites, grays, and blacks for the main pieces and surfaces. For pops of color- try to stick to earthy, natural tones for a true industrial vibe. Play around with shades like cognac, olive green, rust, etc.
https://www.decorilla.com/online-decorating/industrial-interior-design-10-best-tips-for-mastering-your-rustic-industrial-decor-style/
Conclusion
Although industrial interior design can seem like an intimidating aesthetic to achieve- with a little planning, it is totally doable in many different kinds of homes! Remember the main elements- big, open spaces, plenty of natural light, exposed materials, and a neutral color palette. Happy designing!