1960s, Soho, New York. A group of artists starts to adapt old factories and warehouses to their studios. There is everything they need: artsy atmosphere of the City That Never Sleeps. Spectacular spaces drenched in natural light, just waiting to be filled with paintings and sculptures. And, most of all: cheap rent. They do not mind the raw, industrial style of their new studios and apartments. Moreover, they start to appreciate it.
After a couple of years, also the fashion and finance elites of NYC have loved lofts and industrial interior design. Now industrial lofts are sold for as much as $40 million and are still loved by artists – but not only those looking for a affordable place to stay. For sure Beyoncé and Jay-Z did not need to check the price tag buying their three-bedroom loft at 195 Huston…
What is industrial interior design?
First lofts had raw, industrial look simply because they were adapted from warehouses and factories. Industrial design is all about putting on display elements that other styles try to cover up: building materials and structural elements; engineering and technology; wood and metal. All of this give rough, “unfinished” look, very sophisticated and fancy at the same time.
Industrial interior: NYC look at your home
Industrial trend in design is enduringly popular. Even if you’re not lucky enough to own a million-dollar loft in the NYC, you can still introduce industrial decor to your interior design.
Metal door with wooden furniture give modern, but cosy feel. Fot. Unsplash
Metal elements in industrial interior
Different metals can help create the industrial look. Iron was widely used during the industrial revolution, and metal elements were inevitable in factories or warehouses. After years, they became signature of trendy lofts. Metals can be used in different aspects of your industrial interior.
If you own a spacious house, you can dare to use steel floor plates or very versatile aluminium treadplate. Steel staircase is also a bold idea to make your house look more industrial. In fact, stainless steel is the great champion or the industrial trend – first seen on exposed ducts, it is winning converts among interior designers. Brushed nickel or copper, on the other hand, will give more organic or even steampunk look. Metal sheets on walls or metal door will be also an eye-catching conversation piece.
Short of space? You can choose more subtle metal elements, such as exposed pipes and radiators, chrome lighting and tables, or simply metal accessories: frames, mirrors, or plant pots.
Metal can be used in small home decor: such as plant pots. For. Liana Mikah / Unsplash
Light and lighting in industrial interior design
Lofts and grand modern designs usually have great windows to fill the space with natural light. Therefore try to get more natural light into rooms by removing heavy or dark curtains and using mirrors. You can also use glass in your doors to create a illusion of light, open space.
Also the choice of your lighting fixtures is important. You can either go for vintage, ornamented lamps with Edison bulbs (which are so popular you can find them even in pounshops!) or for modern, geometric design made of chrome or grainy steel. Scissors lamps are a great choice, too!
Create an edgy contrast
Polished stainless steel and vintage furniture; soft furry cushion on the rough metal bed frame – industrial interior design is all about the striking contrast. If you don’t wish to achieve “cold” and uncomfortable look, you can add more soft elements – blankets, cushions, pastel colours, plants, or candles (next to the industrial, vintage neons glow lamps!). You can put together metals in warm hues (like copper) and cool ones (like steel). Mix and match materials creatively, and don’t be afraid to put together polished elements with vintage, repurposed pieces.
Need more inspiration? Follow Buy Metal Online on Pinterest and browse the interior design ideas.