Industrial style
Industrial interior design takes its inspiration from its namesake, the Industrial Revolution, and came to prominence as a design movement in the 1960s and 70s when old factories and warehouses were converted into residential spaces. These buildings, with their exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and metal accents, became popular as traditional homes grew scarce in urban areas. Artists and creatives were particularly drawn to these spaces due to their raw, authentic vibe, offering a unique and unconventional canvas for their work. This marked a departure from traditional design norms, elevating rawness and authenticity into celebrated elements of interior decor.
Today, industrial interior design continues to captivate homeowners and designers alike. Its lasting appeal lies in its ability to blend rugged, raw elements with modern sophistication, creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically striking.
Key characteristics and how to incorporate them
At the heart of industrial design is simplicity and minimalism, but there are several defining characteristics to bear in mind when incorporating industrial design into the home.
Natural surfaces
Exposed brick walls and untreated concrete floors add rawness through their natural beauty and imperfections. Incorporate these elements to infuse your space with authenticity, choosing exposed brick, weathered wood, or rough-hewn surfaces for a genuine industrial character.
Exposed structures
Structural elements like visible beams, metal pipes, and ducts add an edgy yet functional vibe to industrial-inspired settings. Make these features a focal point to enhance the overall industrial aesthetic, showcasing their rugged charm and utilitarian appeal.
Sustainable elements
Integrate sustainable materials like salvaged wood and vintage fixtures to add unique character and eco-consciousness in your decor. These elements not only add a sustainable touch but also bring a sense of history and individuality to your industrial-themed space.
Open layouts
Where space allows, opt for open layouts with generous windows and skylights to flood your interiors with natural light, creating a sense of openness and continuity. This layout maximises space and reflects the emphasis on practicality and functionality seen in industrial design.
Industrial design can also be adapted to more compact spaces by strategically using elements like natural surfaces, exposed structural features, sustainable materials, and minimalist furniture to maximise functionality and style.
Neutral tones
Use a neutral colour palette comprising whites, blacks, greys, browns, and metallics to provide a sophisticated backdrop that accentuates the rawness of industrial elements. Incorporate matt finishes and textured surfaces to add depth and interest, maintaining a cohesive and visually appealing industrial look.
Vintage charm
Introduce vintage furniture and accessories to create a contrast to the raw industrial backdrop. These pieces infuse your space with history and charm, balancing the starkness of industrial design with warmth and character.
Minimalist aesthetic
Choose minimalist furniture characterised by clean lines, minimal embellishments, and sturdy construction to uphold the uncluttered appeal of industrial design, where utility seamlessly merges with elegance.
Industrial lighting
Pendant lights, exposed bulbs, and factory-style lamps provide illumination while acting as statement pieces that enhance the overall industrial allure of spaces.
Franke's Maris Modular cooker hood combines smoke-grey glass and matt black metal shelving for a contemporary industrial touch.
Franke’s Mythos T Shelf cooker hood features sleek industrial-style lines with a sophisticated matt black finish
Industrial style kitchens
When it comes to kitchens, industrial design can be incorporated by using materials like exposed brick, metal accents, concrete worktops and metallic fixtures like taps in copper, stainless steel and brass. Opt for industrial-style lighting fixtures, minimalist yet sturdy furniture, and open shelving to achieve a rugged yet functional aesthetic.
Dark metals are key to tying together the industrial look in kitchens. Cooker hoods crafted from robust materials like tubular steel with a matt black finish exemplify this urban style. These hoods boast clean, sleek lines and minimalist design elements characteristic of industrial aesthetics. Not only do they optimise functionality by efficiently managing cooking odours and smoke, they also serve as an elegant focal point in the kitchen, seamlessly completing the industrial ambiance.
For inspiration on industrial style cooker hoods visit: Cooker Hoods | Kitchen Extractor Hoods | Franke
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