Industrialism has been making waves in the world of interior design of late and encapsulates the core of raw, authentic design like no other. However, given the plethora of modern accessories, sleek, smooth gadgets and clean, minimalist designs, it’s brave to even attempt such a powerful look. That said, fortune favours the brave, and that is certainly the case when it comes to industrial-styled interiors. Below, we’ve taken a look at just some of the ways you can achieve the oh-so sought-after look in your home, for an interior to make family and friends envious!
Open up your spaces for an old warehouse vibe
Those lucky enough to benefit from large open spaces such as urban-esque kitchen/diners can make the most of the existing warehouse feel by leaving things as open as possible. Minimise your clutter, instead of making sure the furniture and accessories you do feature is of great quality, and significant to the overall theme. Vintage accessories such as old school sewing machines and retro record players will help to confirm the aesthetic.
Opt for cool, neutral colours
The colours of industrialism could easily be mistaken for being at the muted, monotone end of the spectrum, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Think of the retro copper plumbing pipes, worn leather, and exposed brickwork that is present at every hip, trendy coffee shop or bar you’ve ever been in! Colours like black provide an instant interior update, and makes for the perfect way to create contrast.
Embrace the vintage
Upcycling has never been more on trend. Whether you search second-hand shops in search of hidden gems, or you make the most of hand-me-downs and inherited furniture; restoring older pieces gives you the chance to make it your own, without losing the character, personality and historical context of the original piece.
Go mad for metallic
Furniture, lighting, accessories, household appliances; there’s no limit to incorporating a little metallic into your home! From retro stools to edgy tables, shades including copper, brass, and steel are the most sought-after when seeking an industrial interior. This style doesn’t always have to signify discomfort, with many chairs, stools and sofas coming with worn-leather, both to further the industrial vibes and provide a spot of comfort for visitors.
Industrial-style lights
The lighting can make or break the interior design of a room. Antique sconce wall lights, wired cage lights and pendants from the past are all fabulous ways to encompass industrial-style lighting. Kill two birds with one stone by opting for a shade or holder in your preferred metallic colour. The more original the light, the better, with handcrafted, brush-finished fixtures trumping their mass-produced counterparts every time.
Originality is key
As with many things, the quest for originality is a constant one, with each and every home décor enthusiast scouring Pinterest for inventive ideas. Don’t be afraid to convey your personality through your interiors through your choice of artwork, with the odd splash of colour providing a welcomed contrast. Those fully committed to all things industrial might look towards paintings from the past to pay homage to the factory-based theme. Either way, the devil is in the detail, so pay attention to the little things, all of which will all add up to set yourself aside from the crowds.
Embrace your inner minimalist
Less is most definitely more when it comes to interior design, and with Scandinavian trends such as Hygge and Lagom taking the Western world by storm, the statement has never been more applicable than in 2018. Remember, there’s no bad time for a spring clean, and you never need an excuse to de-clutter. Industrialism is based on a stripped-down infrastructure, and it’s important to honour this as much as possible.
Say ‘yes’ to budget-friendly options
One bonus of this trend is that you don’t need an eye-watering budget to accomplish the look in the first place. In fact, financial limitations can often mean you have to get creative with the means available, resulting in a more original, inventive décor. It’s worth spending some extra time researching and sourcing companies, and investing your time in finding the best possible options for your requirements.
Au Natural
Finally, it’s the opportunity to incorporate natural materials within design schemes that makes the style of industrialism so appealing to interior designers. Earthy colours, wood and stone, will all complement industrial-esque interiors, while potted plants and driftwood features are the ideal way of further increasing impact. The real joy of this trend is that much of the time, the success lies in imperfections, giving you a much wider choice of what to include.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about some of the best ways to incorporate industrialism, and we have given you some ideas and inspirations for your own home! Do you have any tips of your own? Share them with us in the comments!
