Industrial style interior, our roadmap

Have you always dreamed of having a stylish and trendy interior? Do you want to adopt the industrial style in your bedrooms and/or living room? In this article, we'll guide you!

Today, we're going to reveal the results of our research: some rules to follow to achieve an industrial-style interior . You'll discover:

• The meaning of industrial-style decoration
• The characteristics of industrial decor
• Types of furniture to use for industrial decor
• Materials to favor for an industrial decor
• The colors to choose for an industrial decor
• Mistakes to avoid for an industrial-style interior

By the end of this book, you'll have mastered all the elements specific to the industrial style . You'll then be able to incorporate it into your own home. Let's explore it all together now!

I) Industrial decoration: what exactly is it?

Originating in the United States, specifically New York, the industrial style is among the top 10 most popular interior design styles worldwide. It is characterized by its raw, authentic feel and factory-inspired furniture . In fact, the first homes suited to this style were either former factories, warehouses, or converted workshops.

Looking back at its history, industrial design originated with architects who wanted to renovate an old factory to create a small loft. Due to budget constraints, they opted to keep the existing furniture and equipment, repurposing them to create a comfortable interior. The result was quite successful, as they achieved a unique and original style, blending vintage and modern elements. Since then, it has become one of the most sought-after decorating styles among New Yorkers, from the middle class to the upper class. It has also been featured in numerous American television series and films, further boosting its global popularity.

II) How is industrial decoration characterized?

An interior with an industrial style is characterized by the following elements: the opening up of space, the preservation of strong factory pieces, the use of robust materials and functional furniture in the manner of a "factory", and brightness.

1) The opening up of space

You probably know that a factory is simply a large room with a door and a few windows. It has no partitions. The industrial style aims to perpetuate this concept . An industrial house, therefore, has few, if any, partitions. Most rooms are typically combined into a single open space, such as the living room and kitchen. Only a few rooms (including the bedroom or bathroom) require some kind of separation to ensure privacy. This open-plan layout allows, among other things, for easier movement and more natural light to enter the house.

2) Safeguarding the factory's key assets

When adopting an industrial house style, you must respect the "factory" spirit of the place as much as possible; that is to say, you must preserve certain strong elements of the factory such as the brick wall, wooden beams, workshop furniture, etc. In other words, the more you preserve the original style of the premises , the better.

3) The use of robust materials and functional furniture

Industrial-style housing bears a strong resemblance to retro design. As such, it heavily favors the use of robust, raw materials . Functional furniture is particularly preferred in this type of decor. If you want to bring this style into your home, then you should use practical furniture such as an extendable or shortening table, a swivel or flexible chair, and so on.

4) Brightness

Just like Scandinavian or contemporary styles, industrial decor relies heavily on lighting. So, feel free to use plenty of light fixtures. However, opt for metal pendant lights, which perfectly complement the industrial look. Add two or three in the same room to enhance the effect.

III) What types of furniture should be used to achieve an industrial decor?

As previously mentioned, industrial decor aims to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional . Therefore, the furniture must be as convenient as possible.

Opt for larger pieces of furniture, such as large tables, sofas, or wardrobes, rather than smaller ones. This will not only provide greater comfort but also allow you to accommodate more guests and have more storage space.

Also choose solid, unfussy furniture. Unlike contemporary decor, which tends towards delicacy and refinement, industrial decor aims for greater durability . Therefore, it favors raw, robust pieces that can last a long time.

Finally, opt for retro-style tables, chairs, beds, and sofas. You can find them at various flea markets. You can also recycle your old furniture. In any case, it's essential to know how to properly maintain and transform them. Retro doesn't mean neglecting them. 

IV) What are the different materials to prioritize for an industrial decor?

Four materials are best if you want to achieve a well-done industrial decor: brick, wood, zinc, and steel.

During the Industrial Revolution, factories weren't painted. Their walls were simply made of red brick. The architects who created the industrial style wanted to preserve this concept, so much so that brick walls became one of its defining characteristics.

Furthermore, wood is a strong and robust material. This is why it's perfectly suited to the industrial style. No matter what you place on it, it's a thick material and can therefore withstand impacts. But it can also provide a sophisticated and chic design when properly treated. Simply sanding it well, staining it, or applying varnishes or protective finishes to its surface will give it a modern and stylish look . However, even though wood is resistant, it can also wear down after years of use, especially if it's regularly exposed to harsh weather conditions such as humidity. To prevent this, be sure to maintain it regularly.

Zinc is a material that inspires creativity, so don't hesitate to use it extensively in your home. You can incorporate it into windows, storage units, sinks, shelves, or tables. For a more modern look, you can also dye it. However, its natural color is just as pleasing.

Finally, steel should never be overlooked in this style. Made from an alloy of iron and carbon, it's a durable material capable of withstanding numerous impacts. However, it can also rust easily. If you want higher quality, then choose stainless steel.

V) What colors should you choose for your industrial style interior?

To achieve a successful industrial interior design, you need to use dark paints. Here are some color choices you can adopt for your interior.

1) Grey

Gray is the quintessential color for industrial decor . Although it's a rather cool tone, it warms up a room while also making it appear larger. It also creates a sense of calm and fosters a welcoming atmosphere. For a more modern look, you can combine it with lighter colors like white. You can also use it as a monochromatic scheme, but in this case, be sure to alternate dark and light shades (e.g., dark gray on some walls and light gray on the rest).

2) Black

Painting your bedroom black might seem rather strange, even inconceivable. And yet, this color can work very well in an industrial interior. However, it should only be used on one section of the wall so that the room doesn't feel dark. For a more refined look, opt for marbled tones.

3) Brick red

Brick red is a popular choice in industrial style. It's also the color that best suits the "factory" or "loft" aesthetic of New Yorkers. You can choose it for your kitchen, entryway, or living room.

VI) What mistakes should you avoid when designing your industrial style interior?

While there are certain elements to prioritize for the industrial style, there are also mistakes to avoid at all costs.

Firstly, you don't need to buy only new furniture or equipment. Industrial decor aims to highlight the authenticity of a room, which is why recycling is perfectly acceptable.

Secondly, bricks should not be overused. While they are certainly a material to be favored, they should not make up more than one wall surface in order to avoid making the room feel cramped.

Finally, don't just rely on the equipment and furniture found in markets. Unleash your creativity. After all, that's the very essence of industrial style!

Take action!

Thanks to this article, you now understand the roadmap for achieving an industrial and functional interior. All that's left is for you to recreate it and enjoy the result. Don't hesitate to innovate for added originality, especially with our superb wall decorations .

To thank you for making it this far, enjoy a 15% discount on your order today with the promo code: BLOG15 .

See you soon.

The Lofty Trend Team.