Look around you in any restaurant deemed cool by online lists; any bar worth being seen in; and music video backdrop by an artist set to break into the big time; and one design consistent will stand out. Yes, we’re talking about industrial chic. And the key to achieving that much sought after look is all about proudly displaying that which is usually concealed.
Pipes, brickwork, wiring – all the aspects which go into building the foundations of a space celebrated; a reverence of function and style. The journey, as much as the end result, as it were. This unique, but now ubiquitous, style was born from old factories being converted into apartments, while still trying to keep the feel and identity of the original design. And we should be thankful; it is now the look for interior design. So with this in mind, here are 6 IDEAL interior design tips for achieving that industrial look.
WOODEN IS A GOOD’N
The look of weather-beaten wood is essential for most industrial-led design ideas. Picture the floor of a factory that’s been around for years; that’s exactly the worn out, distressed style you should go for – but consider it for everywhere, not just the ground!
You might worry about where to find such a characteristic, years-to-attain style. But remember, garage sales, second hand websites and charity shops all provide the perfect setting for finding a cheap, vintage bargain that can be upcycled to your needs. They are, after all, specialists in the used.
LIGHTING WITH ITS GUTS HANGING OUT
Though this style can be quite, erm, raw, it’s not to be confused with something that hasn’t had any thought put into it. Quite the opposite infact; designers who adhere to this style are quite meticulous in their planning to make sure form complements function – everything has a purpose… or maybe even two or three!
The trick to industrial lighting design is showing off all the bits and pieces that go into powering it; metallic shades and cages for bulbs are also a winner. There are plenty of industrial lighting options available on the market today, so have a look around online for what inspires you.
BRING THE UNSEEN BACK INTO THE LIMELIGHT
Exposing the inner workings of your home – you can’t get more industrial than that. Pipes, ducts and brickwork are all fair game when it comes to designing in this style. The best designs tend to expose the utilitarian elements of a room to create quirky and functional accessories for the home, for instance, like a shelf attached to your pipes.
ACCESSORISE, PERSONALISE
There’s nothing worse than a house that doesn’t feel like a home, so make sure that you include accessories that makes your industrial style feel a bit more like yours. You wouldn’t want to feel like you’ve come home to every high street steakhouse or new cocktail concept, now would you? Go for some art that expresses your unique interests; if you’re into Vietnamese or Russian history, then why not go for some vintage propaganda posters.Or if film’s your thing, old school movie posters could look great! This choice of illustration suits the industrial style brilliant, as exposed brickwork frames it extremely well. While we’re on the subject, an old record player and collection of vinyl on display certainly wouldn’t go amiss!
MIX UP STYLES
If you want to combine a rustic interior with an industrial one, that’s perfectly alright too. There’s no need to be too rigid with design when it’s your own, personal canvas. After all, it’s going to be you that’s seeing it everyday. The beauty of the industrial style is that it is typically quite minimalist so it’s fairly easily to combine a blend of styles that can actually look rather fetching if done correctly. So, experiment and see what fits.
DIY DECOR
Although at times frustrating, who doesn’t love a bit of Do It Yourself when it comes to designing your own home? There’s a whole lot of satisfaction to be earned, the feeling of reward once a job’s complete unbeatable. The industrial style is the darling of those who love to upcycle old furniture and turn the old into something completely new and exciting, so get stuck in and get your hands dirty!