Why does the home décor trend of using industrial-inspired materials remain so popular? As people move back into urban areas and old spaces are converted, industrial design is as prominent as ever. Actually, this style works well in any raw or open space. Personally, I’ve always been a fan of the industrial style because it says, “Love me as I am.”
Industrial style is all about being simple and functional. Wood, concrete, and metal are the holy trinity of materials and instead of trying to hide functional features, industrial design flaunts them.
Contemporary design sometimes brings in elements of industrial design, balancing these harder features with natural materials for a softer feel. In other words, you can do a lot or you can do a little when you go industrial.
Exposed Rafters and Beams
Let’s call this look “rustic industrial.” I love the imperfection of the chipping paint on the beams. And the knobby, exposed wooden rafter gives the room a vaguely farmhouse feel.
However, you can definitely keep it sleek if you like.
Stained Concrete
Stained concrete floors have become widely popular since the death of carpet (yay!). The finish on stained concrete can range from rugged and random to completely polished and uniform.
With its exposed brick wall and metal stairway, this room doesn’t require much else in the way of design.
Furniture and Hardware
Not everyone has a sweeping space to build upon. To add industrial style to any room no matter the size, add furniture such as medical-inspired drawers or restaurant industry dish carts.
This storage chest is modeled after a library card catalog. Or bonus points if you can salvage and restore the real thing.
Metal kitchen shelving, metal hanging hooks for pots and pans, and metal baskets are also easy ways to give any space a utilitarian look.
Flea Market Finds
Reclaimed doors, window frames, or other finishings can make a great addition to your industrial-themed home.
These reclaimed pressed metal tiles feel like they came out of an old hotel and they are just heavenly.
Lighting
Giant pendants like this one are probably the most common example for an industrial-themed room.
But the “under the microscope” feeling of the laboratory light in this kitchen is just fantastic.
Exposed Pipes
The industrial style originated, as the name suggests, in the late 18th century during the Industrial Revolution. Exposed factory pipes are a long-standing example of the style.
These red pipes reject the style’s typical neutral colors and give this room more pop.
And with a little white paint exposed pipes work perfectly with the minimalist design in this room.
Rebecca Rosenberg is a freelance copywriter, digital media strategist and world traveler. After working in marketing for some of Austin’s most beloved brands, Rebecca started her own business and left Texas behind to travel the world. You can find her currently bumming around Europe. Often flying solo, she has visited over 35 countries and lived abroad in four. In addition to being a digital nomad, Rebecca is an avid hiker, design enthusiast and certified plant nerd. She speaks English, Spanish, German and Korean.
