Seven characteristics of industrial style in interior design
Industrial interior design is a popular and stylish way to decorate your home or office. It combines the classic industrial look of exposed brick and pipes with modern elements, such as furniture, lighting, and artwork. Whether you’re looking for inspiration on how to decorate an industrial room or just want to browse some ideas, there’s plenty of inspiration out there. From rustic-chic to modern minimalism, industrial interior design is sure to add a unique and inviting atmosphere to any space.
The industrial interior design style incorporates free-standing architectural elements such as pipes, bricks, and concrete, as well as a minimalist design philosophy, and is inspired by recycled factories from the industrial revolution. Along with Edison lamps, open floor plans, and cool, neutral color schemes, it’s also a signature interior design style.
The combination of rustic materials in furniture and lighting accessories allows homeowners to incorporate industrial interiors into any living space, even if the design focuses on simple, open spaces. In modern homes in particular, industrial, mid-century modern, and farmhouse design elements are used to create a cozy mix in the living room, dining room, or throughout the house.
A Brief History of Industrial Interior Design
Industrial interior design is thought to have a modern look, yet its origins date back to the Industrial Revolution. Industrial design was based on the construction of huge factories that could accommodate huge machinery and a large workforce.
First Industrial Revolution: mass production in Europe and in the major cities of the United States began during the Industrial Revolution, in the 1760s. The first examples of industrial architecture were factories, which featured high floors, open floor plans, exposed brick walls, large latticed windows that let in lots of natural light, and other features. Many of these features were designed for security. For example, the exposed brick design was created because the plaster that previously covered the brick walls was a fire hazard.
Second Industrial Revolution: In the 1870s, the second industrial revolution brought larger factories by bringing companies together under one roof. These required stronger building materials, such as concrete and steel, but still left walls free. The first Edison bulbs, a key feature of industrial lighting, were invented in 1879. And this period gave us the steampunk style.
Housing shortages of the 2000s: Although historic factories have been around for around 250 years, the industrial style really took off in the 2000s, when housing became scarce in New York and other urban areas. The former factories were transformed into open-plan, industrial loft apartments. The large windows and exposed materials that were a staple of the manufacturers’ construction were transformed into selling points.
Rise of minimalism and hygge: Because rustic and recycled elements complement the crisp, angular lines that define modern and minimalist style, industrial interior design has recently gained popularity. Even huge, open-concept suburban homes with big windows and neutral color schemes have evolved from urban layouts. The look is also common in Scandinavian design, where hygge, a cozier, minimalist aesthetic, blends nicely with the use of neutral tones, distressed leather, recycled wood, and other raw materials.
Seven traits of industrial interior architecture
Although the industrial concept favors simple lines and fewer decorations, the following seven traits help identify the look and may provide decorating ideas:
Neutral color palette: Unlike other minimalist designs, industrial spaces don’t just use more shades of white. Besides white, grey, and black, it also uses neutral shades of brown.
Embrace natural light: large, naturally lit windows with black panes, sometimes arranged in a grid pattern, are a common feature of industrial décor.
Highlight architectural materials: Common features of the industrial style are the open floor plan and high ceilings. Buildings feature brick, concrete floors, exposed ductwork, and industrial piping instead of drywall or wallpaper.
Repurposed materials: It’s a fundamental element of industrial design and a fantastic way to incorporate natural components into heavy metal materials, such as hardwood coffee tables with castors, recycled dining tables, and bookshelves built from salvaged materials.
Bare light bulbs: Edison bulbs are a common feature in industrial interiors, either on their own or as chandeliers, or hung in colorful groups. Large metal domes, pendant or floor lamps with the bulb visible are also popular industrial design options if you want something a little less austere.
Graphic lines: This design prefers crisp, geometric lines over sinuous lines and patterns, whether they are generated by a windowpane or an iron wheel on bar stools. This should not be mistaken with the art deco style, which is graphic and highly styled and emphasizes vibrant colors and metallics.
Create coziness with natural textiles: For furniture and decor, fabrics like aged leather or linen work well in these settings since they give the space a lived-in appearance.
