Industrial Interior Design and Style

Industrial Design
Industrial interior design takes inspiration from old factories and other industrial spaces like stables that have been converted into residential living spaces. A nod to the  industrial revolution, industrial design leans into the utilitarian, incorporating worn  textures and raw materials for interest.     

You don’t have to move into a downtown loft to add some industrial edge to your home  – here are some tips on capturing this Pinterest-worthy aesthetic.

Keep It Neutral 
The keys to an industrial look are simplicity and functionality.  Start with a neutral palette  – grays, whites, and blacks – then layer in warmer tones with wood and leather, but nothing too bright. Opting for a clean colour scheme will contribute a distinctly modern feel to your space, while still feeling relaxed and pared-back.

Exposed Pipes and Ducts
A signature feature of industrial interior design is embracing structural or functional  features that are usually hidden, like pipes and ducts. These pieces act as a reminder of  the space’s past life, and add grit to the room in the best possible way. Don’t have  exposed piping or ducts to work with? Fake it with furniture and lighting that mimic the  look. 

Raw Materials
Industrial interior design is all about the raw materials – think of it like the edgy cousin of Modern Farmhouse​. Mix grainy, earthy wood with smooth, sharp metal to nail the look.  Nothing should be too finished or polished; a little wear and tear adds to the authenticity  of the overall vibe. The beauty of industrial design lies in the pairing of form and function  to create a space that is rugged but refined. Bonus points for exposed brick walls and stripped floors!      

Vintage Look
Remember how we said industrial interior design is about looking at the past life of a  space and leaning into its quirks? You want to do the same with furniture. Look for  accent pieces that are modeled after early 20th century design, using wood and metal  to create clean lines. The trick here is to stick to simple silhouettes and materials –  anything too fussy or ornate will pull the design in a different direction.   

Keep it Simple
You will want to get rid of all the extras that crowd the space and stick to what actually  serves a function. The interest and depth of this design style comes from the textures  and materials used throughout the space, not from layers of accessories. Any easy way  to pare down accessories for a more industrial look  is to look at the purpose of the  object – if it doesn’t have one, toss it.