An antidote to overly pretty spaces and an evolution of minimalist style, the industrial chic design aesthetic looks set to stay. Here’s how to bring it into your home.
The beauty of any decor style is that you can choose how much or how little you’d like to lean into it. Taking its inspiration from spaces that were once considered devoid of any style (think factories, warehouses and mills) or built purely for practical reasons, the industrial chic trend is able to give spaces a truly modern interpretation.
Another great aspect is that these details can easily be combined with other aesthetics. Simply put, it’s your choice to embrace as much or as little of the industrial interiors trend as you have an appetite for. Think concrete or screeded floors, but with some plush Persians or oversized, paned metal doors in a rustic space; sometimes the addition of just a few industrial elements is all you need. Of course, you could also go the whole hog and lean right into a look inspired by New York city loft living. The choice is yours – and the options are endless.
Greys matter
When it comes to any specific aesthetic, it’s always a good idea to start with the colour palette. With more industrial-influenced interiors, we’re talking neutrals – expect plenty of greys, from light to deep charcoal, offset with white.
Other shades on this side of the colour wheel that are integral to achieving this aesthetic include solid black and browns, preferably seen in either real timber or leather elements. If a pop of colour is on your preference list, think jewel-coloured green or deep blue for a little visual surprise.
Open plan
We have the gentrification of the New York meatpacking district and the transformation of old warehouses and factories into massive lofts to thank for the birth of open-plan living spaces. These lofts often left their structural pillars in place and removed ceilings to expose the original features – elements such as extraction ducts, once considered eyesores, became key design focal points.
The concept of open plan living, complete with the likes of oversized windows and foldaway doors that help create even more space, remains one of the primary components of an industrial chic space. Throw in a skylight for extra light and the feeling of spaciousness increases even more.
Texture talk
Raw materials and tactile surfaces are at the heart of the industrial look – think exposed brick walls, repurposed timber beams, metal beams and structural elements (often with a more distressed finish), off-shutter concrete surfacing and polished cement floors.
Wrought iron details and the likes of utilitarian brass bathroom fixtures help evoke a sense of reimagined industrial authenticity.
Light works
Good lighting that sets the mood is a pivotal aspect of getting the liveable utilitarian look just right. Invest in industrial-style, domed pendant lighting over task areas like kitchen prep or dining zones – and don’t forget that exposed vintage ‘Edison’ bulbs on coloured cords are another lighting nice-to-have. Vintage sconces that have been given a new lease on life are also a perfect addition to this kind of space.
Rough luxe life
This is where much of the magic happens with the industrial chic look. Once you have your foundation and framework in place, you can get to work on creating dimension and visual interest in your space. Make yours infinitely liveable with luxurious contrasting finishes to all those highly utilitarian textures – think shiny metro tiles, slubby heavyweight cotton slipcovers, plush velvet scatter feather cushions as well as luxurious wool rugs underfoot. Similarly, paint can revive old original brickwork or make new structures look the perfect part.
The magic of minimalism
While collecting decorative objects and key furniture pieces is part of the fun of fitting out an industrially influenced space, minimalism still remains one of the core principles of this aesthetic – after all, industrial spaces were centred on the practical use of space and efficient processes. Choose lean-lined statement pieces like a modular sofa or an oversized table to set the tone and create a sense of modern drama.
Upcycled style
Industrial chic embraces a love for all things vintage and repurposed – whether the items were sourced from junkshops, or social media or at public auctions. Central to this notion of finding new love for old things is a hint of quirky cool – think old signage, salvaged doors and machinery transformed into useful decor or the likes of old school lockers from factories for storage. Paint can play a major part in your upcycling endeavours – sometimes an old timeworn piece can be brought right up to date with a lick of glossy paint.
Words by: Vicki Sleet
Photography: Bureaux, Future, Unsplash
