Industrial Interior Design Style: Raw, Urban, and Modern

The Industrial interior design style draws inspiration from the factories, warehouses, and lofts of the early 20th century. It celebrates raw materials, unfinished surfaces, and the beauty of simplicity. This style is urban, edgy, and often features exposed elements like brick walls, steel beams, concrete floors, and metal finishes. It’s a look that combines functionality, minimalism, and a sense of rugged charm.

Industrial design is all about embracing the imperfections and history of a space. Whether you live in a converted factory or a new build, it’s a style that can bring an urban edge and sleek simplicity to any room.

Key Features of Industrial Interior Design

1. Exposed Materials

• One of the defining characteristics of industrial design is the use of raw materials. This can include exposed brick walls, steel beams, concrete floors, and wooden rafters. The idea is to leave the materials unfinished or bare, showcasing their inherent beauty and texture.
• Metal and iron elements—such as steel beams, pipe shelving, and metal frames—are common in industrial spaces, lending an industrial vibe to furniture and decor.

2. Open Floor Plans

• Industrial spaces often feature open layouts with large, unobstructed spaces. This is especially true for lofts or converted warehouses, where the open floor plan creates a sense of airiness and freedom.
• Minimal walls, large windows, and high ceilings contribute to this sense of openness and make the space feel even more expansive.

3. Neutral Color Palette

• The colour scheme in industrial interiors tends to be neutral and earthy, with a focus on greys, whites, blacks, and browns. These tones complement the raw materials and industrial elements, creating a sleek, cohesive look.
• Accents in bold colours like deep reds, mustard yellows, or earthy greens are often introduced through art, cushions, or vintage items, adding personality and warmth to the otherwise neutral space.

4. Vintage and Repurposed Furniture

• Industrial design embraces functional furniture with a vintage or repurposed feel. Pieces are often upcycled or salvaged, incorporating materials like wood, metal, and leather.
• Common furniture pieces include metal-framed sofas, wooden dining tables with exposed legs, vintage industrial stools, and filament-light bulb chandeliers. The emphasis is on items that show wear and tear, lending a sense of history and authenticity to the space.

5. Large Windows and Natural Light

• Large windows, often with black metal frames, are a hallmark of the industrial style. They allow for ample natural light, making the space feel bright, open, and airy.
• If the space has high ceilings, the windows often extend from floor to ceiling, allowing for a greater connection between the interior and the outside world.

6. Functional, Statement Lighting

• Lighting in industrial interiors is functional but often becomes a design feature in itself. Exposed light bulbs or vintage-style pendant lights are popular in this style.
• Consider metal wireframe chandeliers, pendant lights with vintage bulbs, or track lighting with an industrial edge. The goal is to embrace lighting that is bold, practical, and artful.

7. Minimalist Decor

• Industrial interiors tend to be quite minimalistic, with less emphasis on excessive decoration or unnecessary accessories. The space is designed to be clean and uncluttered, focusing on function over fuss.
• Simple, bold artwork, often with an abstract or graphic design, fits well in industrial spaces. The artwork may be framed in metal, wood, or reclaimed materials.

8. Open Shelving and Functional Storage

• Industrial interiors tend to favor open shelving or metal shelving units, which add both style and functionality. This design choice emphasises simplicity and accessibility, as everything has its place but is often on display.
• Industrial storage solutions such as wire baskets, vintage trunks, and metal lockers work well in creating an industrial aesthetic while serving a practical purpose.

How to Achieve an Industrial Look in Your Home

1. Expose Raw Materials

• If you can, expose the brick, concrete, or steel beams in your home. These elements can serve as the backdrop for the entire design.
• For walls, consider exposed brick or cement finishes. If that’s not possible, use painted brick, metal panels, or faux finishes to mimic these materials.

2. Use Neutral Colours with Bold Accents

• Keep the main colour scheme neutral with greys, whites, and black tones. These colours create a sleek, modern atmosphere and highlight the raw materials of the space.
• Add pops of colour with art or decor. Try deep tones like mustard yellow, burgundy, or charcoal to bring warmth and personality to the space.

3. Opt for Functional, Vintage-Inspired Furniture

• Choose repurposed furniture that has a vintage or industrial feel. Look for items like wooden tables with metal legs, vintage metal chairs, and leather seating.
• Look for industrial-style desks and filament light fixtures, which fit perfectly into the industrial theme.

4. Install Large Windows or Use Black-Framed Glass

• If possible, install large windows that allow natural light to flood the room. If this isn’t possible, use black metal-framed windows or large mirrors to reflect light and give the space an open, airy feel.

5. Choose Bold Lighting

• Industrial lighting is one of the most defining features of this style. Install pendant lights with vintage bulbs, or use track lighting and metal sconces to create a dramatic, industrial look.
• Try using exposed light bulbs on wire cages or industrial chandeliers to make a statement.

6. Incorporate Open Shelving and Functional Storage

• Use metal shelving or wooden shelves with brackets to display functional and aesthetic items. Keep the space organised but open for an authentic industrial look.
• Utilise metal baskets, old crates, and industrial-style cabinets to store everyday items while maintaining the theme.

7. Use Artwork with Industrial Themes

• Choose bold, graphic artwork or abstract pieces that align with the edgy, raw feel of industrial style. Consider black-and-white photography, vintage prints, or even metal sculptures.
• Art with a urban or gritty aesthetic—such as street art or cityscape photography—fits well in industrial spaces.

Industrial Style in Different Rooms

Living Room

• The living room in an industrial home should feel open and airy, with exposed brick walls and open shelving. Choose leather or metal-frame sofas paired with wooden coffee tables.
• Add statement lighting with oversized pendant lamps or track lighting. Use a large rug with a geometric design to anchor the space and balance the raw materials.

Bedroom

• The industrial bedroom features a metal bed frame, often with a vintage finish, and wooden nightstands with metal accents. The focus is on simplicity and functionality.
• Exposed light fixtures, like pendant lights or industrial sconces, work well here. Keep the bedding neutral with linen or cotton in simple tones of gray, black, or white.

Dining Room

• For the industrial dining room, choose a long, rustic wooden table with metal chairs or vintage stools. A steel chandelier or pendant light over the table provides a focal point.
• Use open shelving to display vintage glassware or kitchen tools. Keep the space organised but accessible.

Kitchen

• The industrial kitchen embraces steel appliances, open shelving, and raw materials. A wooden butcher block counter complements metal shelving and concrete countertops.
• Pendant lights with vintage bulbs and exposed pipes can enhance the industrial vibe. Wire baskets or metal containers are great for storage.

Why Choose Industrial Style?