How to Add Life and Warmth to the Industrial Look
Turn gorgeous raw finishes from cold and grungy to homey and uniquely yours
In love with urban lofts? The rest of the world seems to be, too. No matter what detractors say, the industrial style is still very much requested by homeowners, residential and commercial alike. Though the foundations of industrial design are inherently cold – concrete, steel, brick – you can build on them with colour, texture and pattern.
Industrial details have been taking the design world by storm. From restaurants to bars, fashion boutiques to offices, the ‘grunge-glam’ look is here to stay.
Getting started
Browse online for inspiration, or take a trip downtown to have a look at restored buildings.
So Your Style Is: Industrial
Browse online for inspiration, or take a trip downtown to have a look at restored buildings.
So Your Style Is: Industrial
Though you probably don’t live in a former warehouse or factory, you can recreate the look and feel through finishes. An exposed brick wall brings an immediate industrial vibe to any space. Check building regulations regarding stripping away plaster beforehand.
Bare concrete is another hallmark of the style but don’t take it literally. For a screed-finished bathroom, don’t ask for a raw concrete finish (i.e. no coating) as concrete is a porous material that will not hold up as a bathroom sink or floor.
Here’s how it works
Keep it simple and work with a few focal points. For example, an industrial-inspired concrete accent wall leaves your home looking minimal without being over-the-top. Minimal details and monochromatic colours can also help achieve a raw, industrial feel.
Keep it simple and work with a few focal points. For example, an industrial-inspired concrete accent wall leaves your home looking minimal without being over-the-top. Minimal details and monochromatic colours can also help achieve a raw, industrial feel.
Mix it up
Avoid coming home to a ‘construction site’ by fusing modern elements with industrial details when designing your home. Industrial-inspired furniture such as drum tables can be paired with contemporary sofas. Or set a glass table top on a pair of trestle legs.
Avoid coming home to a ‘construction site’ by fusing modern elements with industrial details when designing your home. Industrial-inspired furniture such as drum tables can be paired with contemporary sofas. Or set a glass table top on a pair of trestle legs.
Explore techniques
Transforming your home is now made easier with the variety of different techniques available today. Faux finishes are a great way to achieve your desired look and style if stripping a wall to its brick foundations is not an option. Check out your local DIY store or speak to your interior designer.
Transforming your home is now made easier with the variety of different techniques available today. Faux finishes are a great way to achieve your desired look and style if stripping a wall to its brick foundations is not an option. Check out your local DIY store or speak to your interior designer.
There are lightweight alternatives to actual brick: laminate, wallpaper or even paint.
These finishes also come in concrete…
… and rusted metal looks.
Fun With Fake Finishes
TELL US
Are you a fan of the industrial style? Share why in the Comments section.
MORE
Browse industrial designs
The Real Industrial Style
Fun With Fake Finishes
TELL US
Are you a fan of the industrial style? Share why in the Comments section.
MORE
Browse industrial designs
The Real Industrial Style