The Real Industrial Style
If you like the industrial chic look, you'll appreciate these tips on how to achieve it authentically
Considerably one of the most popular styles requested by homeowners in Singapore, the Industrial Style is a raw, weathered-yet-durable style that takes its warmth and texture from materials such as brick, screed, wood and heavy metals.
Wood matters
For the industrial style to work its magic, darker tones are the order of the day. Reclaimed wood, with its rustic texture is often chosen for its natural, weathered appearance. Thick, wooden planks are also a favourite feature.
Metal works
Metal is often left unpolished, and takes on a matte finish. Welded joints, large industrial-styled bolts, or pipe-like frames are also staples that help define the industrial look.
For the industrial style to work its magic, darker tones are the order of the day. Reclaimed wood, with its rustic texture is often chosen for its natural, weathered appearance. Thick, wooden planks are also a favourite feature.
Metal works
Metal is often left unpolished, and takes on a matte finish. Welded joints, large industrial-styled bolts, or pipe-like frames are also staples that help define the industrial look.
Creative reuse
An authentic industrial style interior benefits from found objects, for example, an expanse of mesh screen lends itself well as a noticeboard.
An authentic industrial style interior benefits from found objects, for example, an expanse of mesh screen lends itself well as a noticeboard.
Or as see-through walls and doors.
Much of the industrial look syncs with the idea of upcycling, or giving a creative twist to objects for decorative purposes.
Much of the industrial look syncs with the idea of upcycling, or giving a creative twist to objects for decorative purposes.
Factory style
Likewise, industrial style furniture reuses old factory elements, such as sewing machine bases that take on the function of table legs.
Likewise, industrial style furniture reuses old factory elements, such as sewing machine bases that take on the function of table legs.
Carrying through the idea of repurposing items are corrugated metal sheeting of roofs or replica-shipping-containers that take on a second life as wall or cladding material in industrial style interiors.
A case of adaptive reuse: These sturdy storage units were once metal tins in another life.
A case of blending in
Probably one of the reasons the industrial style is so popular in Singapore homes is that it makes exposed pipes – common in HDB (public housing) flats – feel truly part of the design, and not just a consequence of function.
Probably one of the reasons the industrial style is so popular in Singapore homes is that it makes exposed pipes – common in HDB (public housing) flats – feel truly part of the design, and not just a consequence of function.
The neutrality of the industrial look gives opportunity to other decor elements, such as upholstery and fabrics, to bring a welcome pop of colour to the space.
Everyday utilitarian furniture, especially when they are well-designed industrial style pieces, retain a sense of symmetry and proportion that’s hard to beat.
TELL US
Do you like the Industrial Style? Say why in the Comments!
TELL US
Do you like the Industrial Style? Say why in the Comments!
Aside from exposing the rawness of building materials – screed floors and walls, brickwork – furniture is another way to adapt this style into your space. However, not all wood-and-metal furniture is considered authentic industrial style.
Is your style industrial?