How to: Industrial Interiors
How you can achieve a stylish industrial look in your home.
Raw, yet juxtaposed and sleek. Combining industrial materials like metal, concrete and timber with modern design ideas creates the opportunity to achieve a unique aesthetic. Our latest guide shows you some easy ways to achieve that sought-after industrial look in your home, without any major upheaval...
1. Use existing materials
The 'industrial look' was conceived in the 1970's, when former industrial buildings like warehouses were converted into urban living spaces to house a growing population. Hence, exposed brickwork, concrete floors, statement wooden shelving units and galvanised metal features were not born out of stylistic choice, but from practicality. The industrial design trend has evolved over the decades to become more creative, refined and not to mention, popular.
To achieve this look in your home try incorporating natural materials in your lighting, furniture, accessories and surfaces.
2. Get creative: upcycle or reclaim
One of the best things about the industrial design trend is that you can spend as little (or as much) as you like to achieve it. The upcycling or reclamation of existing furnishings is a great option if you want to cut the cost on your interior design project and simultaneously cut down on waste. Here at Tom Raffield we strive for longevity in our designs and kicking back at modern throwaway culture, which is why we’re fully supportive of the upcycling movement.
Reclaimed timber from boat hulls or old barns can be used for furniture, flooring or kitchen worktops and is often a cheaper option than buying new materials. Reclaimed pieces often have incredible history and stories that can become a real talking point of your home.
3. Create the illusion of space
A key feature of industrial interiors are the large, open spaces of the warehouses and factories where the trend began. High ceilings, large windows and open-plan rooms are characteristic of industrial interiors. However, if your space is not of warehouse proportions we have some ideas to help you maximise your current space.
Creating an open-plan, multi-functional space is a great way to make your interior look bigger. Cutting down on clutter and not dividing your rooms into boxy, separate spaces is also a great tip. Opting for lighter, neutral colours in your communal living areas also offers an industrial look and makes the room look lighter and brighter.
4. Think lighting
When it comes to achieving that sought-after industrial look, lighting is one of the most effective and easiest ways to do so. Pendants with exposed wires, filament bulbs and metallic accents all create an effortless, industrial aesthetic.
Our Noctis Lighting Range has an element of the industrial about it. The black, steam bent timber compliments the minimal, neutrals of the industrial colour palette. The exposed flex on our Noctis Kern Pendant, filament bulbs and brass bulb fittings on our Noctis Wheal Lights evoke a modern, industrial aesthetic.
5. Contrast
The industrial design trend is all about contrast. Juxtaposing modern design ideas with styles from days-gone-by is the basis of the industrial trend. These contrasts can be achieved at home in several ways, with relative ease.
Introduce a splash of colour to your interior in the form of a piece of furniture, art, or a unique rug. Contrast raw industrial textures with softer textiles; our Celtic Sheepskin is a great option. Finally, try adding live foliage and plants to your interior, combining the industrial look with biophilic design. .
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Posted: 08.08.19
Updated: 03.04.24