What Is Industrial Style?
How Industrial Style Started
The Origins of the Industrial Style House & Industrial Style Apartment
With the lack of affordable housing in large cities, enterprising people found a way to turn abandoned industrial spaces into apartments. This trend is thought to have started in Lower Manhattan, in the late 1960s when artistic types rented the spaces as studios and then turned them into their homes.
Because they were working from scratch in what was a large skeleton of a building, the usual methods of creating living spaces didn't apply. They used this blank canvas to chop the big areas into lofts – large, open apartments with few (if any) internal walls, high ceilings and, often, floor-to-ceiling windows. They kept the industrial bones of the buildings by incorporating their functional features: exposed piping, ventilator tubes, support beams and poles, and wood or concrete floors.
Key Elements of Industrial Style
Industrial Home Design
Open layout
Industrial Style's Evolution
The Aesthetics of the Industrial Style House
Introducing Industrial Style to Your Home
Industrial Decor Ideas
By adding a few of the signature features of industrial style, you can easily bring this decor into your home:
- Because industrial style works best in wide-open spaces, remove all the nonessential elements.
- If you're renovating, consider using materials in the industrial style, such as exposed brick walls, concrete floors and exposed beams. Let the unrefined, raw edges speak for themselves.
- Your furniture and accessories should emphasize the primary materials of this style: wood and metal with clean, uncluttered lines. Look for furniture and accessories that combine these materials in unique ways.
Industrial's simple-yet-edgy vibe that doesn't sacrifice comfort is ideal for our modern world. Even with small things like industrial-style lighting fixtures, wall art and metal accents on distressed wood furniture, you can emulate this decor wherever you live.
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Common Questions About Industrial Design Style
What are the key elements that define the industrial design aesthetic?
Industrial design style is characterized by its raw, unfinished look, celebrating the utilitarian and structural aspects of a space. Think exposed brick walls, raw concrete floors, metal accents like pipes and ductwork, and natural wood elements. The focus is on functionality and a sense of history, often mimicking old factories or warehouses.
How can I incorporate industrial touches into a smaller living space without it feeling too stark?
To soften the industrial look in a smaller home, balance its raw elements with warmer textures and materials. Consider a plush rug, comfortable upholstered seating, and strategic use of wood tones to add coziness. You can also introduce softer lighting and decorative items like plants to create a more inviting atmosphere.
What types of furniture and materials are best suited for an industrial-inspired room?
Opt for furniture with clean lines and materials like distressed wood, metal (iron, steel, copper), and leather. Think reclaimed wood tables, metal-framed shelving units, and sofas with leather or distressed fabric upholstery. These materials evoke the authentic, hardworking spirit of industrial spaces.
Is the industrial design style practical for families with children or pets?
Absolutely! The durability of industrial materials like metal, concrete, and sturdy wood makes them very forgiving with kids and pets. Many industrial-style pieces are designed for longevity and can withstand daily wear and tear, making them a practical choice for busy households.
What's the best way to achieve an authentic industrial feel without it looking like a construction site?
Achieving authenticity lies in thoughtful curation and balance; avoid overdoing the raw elements. Mix exposed brick or metal with comfortable, well-designed furniture and personal decor to create a lived-in feel. The key is to blend the industrial foundation with elements that speak to your personal style and comfort.