The Industrial Chic Cheat Sheet

Although the popularity of industrial interior design is not an altogether new phenomena (think the warehouse and loft apartments so en vogue during the late 1980s), it is certainly a look which has been enduring and is currently one enjoying huge popularity.

Industrial interior design comes in lots of different forms, from very severe, minimalist schemes to those that manage to look both homely and industrial at the same time. So, whether you like your creature comforts or are after something super sleek, this is a look that can work for you. You don’t have to live in a former warehouse or industrial building for this look either — using just key elements of the style will add a raw, earthy quality to almost any style of home.

Furnishing the Space

This is a look that celebrates materials in their original, raw state and makes a point of proudly displaying the functional qualities of everything used to put it together. There is no one material or colour that makes the look, but showcasing the bare bones of the overall scheme is important.

When it comes to furniture, functionality is as important as looks — although thankfully, due to the popularity of this look, fans of industrial chic are able to have both.

It is thoughtful design that counts, be that a modern tv stand with a useful shelf beneath, or a simple modern coffee table with an easy to keep clean surface.

Furniture should be unfussy and free of unnecessary frills. Avoid anything stuck in the past and aim for simple clean lines. Both super contemporary pieces, as well as those with mid-century modern undertones work beautifully. The modern tv stands from Zespoke are a good example of the type of furniture that sits well within industrial spaces — unfussy yet eye catching, practical and completely customisable. Likewise, large dining tables fashioned from unfinished wood or a material such as OSB or plywood combine a rustic look with huge amounts of functionality.

Getting the Look

There are certain elements that, when combined, work towards an industrial look. Exposed metal pipework and brick, for example. Timber, concrete and stone should feature highly too — basically natural materials that haven’t been meddled with too much.

Sheets of timber on the walls, metal lightshades, polished concrete floors, chunky wooden or metal staircases — you get the idea.

But you don’t have to include all these elements for the look to work. Introducing just a few touches will help you on the way. For example, furniture that features metal pipework in its construction, pale, unpolished wooden flooring, one brick wall left exposed. Choosing everyday items of furniture in simplistic, yet statement design will work too — modern tv stands with crisp lines but free of bells and whistles, wall-hung shelving with galvanised metal brackets, for example.

Industrial NOT Clinical

The concern for many people toying with the idea of an industrial chic space is that the look will be too harsh, cold or sterile. Happily this most certainly does not have to be the case — in fact many industrial interior schemes benefit from the warmth and character brought about by salvaged and well-worn pieces of furniture and accessories.

Make sure you mix in vintage finds and retro-inspired pieces with more modern looks. Furniture and fittings rescued from old factories, offices or labs are ideal and add to the sense of reuse and utilitarianism that are so important to this look.

Finally, don’t be afraid to include personal touches to make the space a welcoming one — a gallery of photographs on an otherwise bare wall, a display of vintage glassware on stainless steel shelves, a woodburner and a tactile rug are all examples of little touches which warm the look up.

Don’t forget good lighting either — combine industrial metal spots on tracks and metal fisherman’s lights with softer wall and table lights to bring in a sense of hominess.

Colours That Work

If you are going to be completely true to the ethos of industrial interior design, flamboyant colours and patterns should really be kept to a minimum. That is not to say that this should be a drab look, more one that rejoices in neutral, natural tones. Walls tend to look best painted in neutral shades, or, perhaps even better, left in their natural brick state.

In order to bring the look to life, a splash of colour used in furniture is a great idea — a modern tv stand, for example, in red or yellow would brighten things up nicely, although if you maintain that you want a more monochromatic look, choosing one in a soft grey, pure white or glossy black is an option too.