Latest Trends
What is the industrial décor trend?
You might be forgiven for thinking that the industrial interior décor style sounds a little like living in the middle of a building site, but this couldn't be further from the truth. While the trend utilises a raw aesthetic in the form of repurposed items and furnishings combined with an open and even skeletal space, it is enduringly popular and has become a staple of homes and office spaces in need of modern revitalisation across the world.
Reminiscent of spare but functional Scandinavian interiors, this is a style that is as much about displaying functionality as it is about the way a piece looks, with minimalism a key aspect of the majority of industrial designs. Industrial is, perhaps, one of the most unlikely styles of interior décor to explode into the public consciousness, but its endless possibilities and juxtaposition of the modern with the vintage means that it's here to stay.
What are the key features of industrial décor?
Exposed pipes and brickwork
One of the key aspects of industrial style is the exposure of building features such as water pipes, brickwork and air vents. This gives the room an air of being unfinished and slapdash, which conceals the fact that everything has been carefully selected and positioned for maximum impact on the eye. Combined with a predominantly sharp wall and/or floor finish, the presence of these pipes and bricks and other original building features provide a striking contrast to the overall look.
Lots of wood and metal
Woods and metals are the natural materials that the building is made out of, therefore continuing the industrial theme in a coherent, understated way. Their various shades of grey and brown also fit in with the neutral style – they contrast effectively and also help to balance each other out. Although you'll want some padding on the floors and sofas for practical comfort and visual contrast, this should be free of fuss and frills so as not to distract from the main aesthetic.
Wide open space
Stemming from industrial's origins in warehouse conversion, wide open spaces are key aspects of any industrial interior design. It's important not to make the room feel too cavernous, though, so furnishings must be carefully positioned to maintain the feel of space without leaving too much of an open area – one way to do this is to create separate rooms (for instance: living room; dining room; kitchen) that flow into each other within the same space.
Vintage basic furniture
Reclaimed furniture (or factory/laboratory/other industrial pieces that can be used as furniture) plays a significant part in the industrial décor scheme. Turning old tea chests into coffee tables or cinder block piles into shelving units is just the start – anything in wood or metal that looks functional but doesn't have much in the way of style or colour could work in the right space. Don't be afraid to try a piece that doesn't look conventionally attractive or even particularly useful, because it might turn out to be the perfect addition to your space. Similarly, don't rule out conventional pieces if they work within the space – this Arc 2 Seat Sofa in faux leather would be ideal in any industrial-themed living room.
