Timeless Interior Styles: Part 2 – Industrial

When it comes to interior design, some looks never seem to lose their appeal. In the second part of our Timeless Interior Styles series, we’ll be discussing how you can achieve an evergreen aesthetic in your home harnessing the classic look of industrial design. 

If an interior design which takes inspiration from industrial spaces that blend quirky character with functional features is the look you’d like to create in your home, read on as we discuss our top tips on how you can reproduce chic industrial style throughout your home. 

What is industrial interior design?

Industrial style combines unfinished rawness and exposed features such as brickwork accent walls, ventilation ducts, plumbing and wood. 

Typical of warehouses and factory buildings, industrial design focuses on utilising the bare elements of the building structure to create a chic and contemporary finish that doesn’t compromise on functionality. Signature aspects of this design style include high ceilings and visual metal fixtures and fittings – so, it’s no surprise that when it comes to industrial interior design, it’s all about displaying theses components that most would strive to conceal. 

Expose those features 

A signature element of industrial style is exposed original features such as pipes or ducts that deliver a rugged element that’s effortlessly eye-catching. Depending on your preferences, you could either leave these pipes as they were when originally installed or give them a new lease of life by painting them black or copper to make a striking feature. 

Exposed pipes and brickwork are especially impactful in all-white spaces with a lighter colour palette – as the brightness offers a sharp contrast to the rugged colour of the pipework or bricks. When coupled against lighter coloured floor tiles or stone wall tiles too, it can be an effective way to bring added texture and depth to the room. You could even combine the exposed look into your furniture finds, such as metal brackets and tubes to create a true industrial feel. It’s all about creating that renovated loft or converted warehouse appeal in your home by adding unlimited rawness for effect. 

Strip back your flooring

Industrial settings require hard working flooring with great aesthetics, so when opting for an industrial style in the home, replicating this look is key. Why not opt for some rustic looking floor tiles such as stone or wood effect throughout the home to create the perfect canvas for your industrial design? You could even continue this flooring in other areas to open up the space and create a seamless flow throughout.

Industrial style offers a lot of freedom when it comes to choosing the colour of your flooring. From greys and browns to whites and creams, all you need to do is prioritise minimalism, echoing that utilitarian vibe. With this in mind, stay away from patterns and bright colour to ensure the minimalist look projects the right essence alongside vintage furniture made from metal and wood.

Make a feature of your walls

While some may be lucky enough to maintain the original features of the building that can be enhanced to create a striking focal point, others properties may need to need a little more creativity. This could be as simple as simple as opting for some attention-grabbing splashback tiles to amplify the impact of your kitchen – white or grey metro tiles are a great option here  for authentic industrial style. 

To reinforce the heritage values of your property, opt for vintage paintings or wall hangings to bring some character to the space. We’d suggest plain, minimalist frames will project a more industrial chic feel that won’t draw the eye away from the image or overall aesthetic. Not only will this look impressive, but it also provides a great excuse to hunt around some thrift stores or antique markets for quirky, one-of-a-kind designs.

Form and function

When it comes to furniture and accessories, the key is to inject elements that use metal and wood to good effect. Even though some pieces may not be truly vintage, the mere presence of these materials will give off an enviable industrial vibe. Complete the look with hanging lighting that uses exposed cables and lightbulbs as part of their design. If you’re struggling to find authentic-looking items, there are many retailers on the market who cater to this style, and strive to evoke the past. 

You can also seek out upcycled pieces where possible or reproductions which embody the original design or have a go at upcycling some furniture yourself to create a truly unique piece – bar stools and storage cabinets are a great place to start for those who are upcycling beginners.

Industrial style is quickly becoming an interior design favourite, and is a timeless investment that’s sure to be worth your time and money. So, if you’re feeling inspired to create your own industrial home design, why not take a look at our stunning collection of wall and floor tiles to make a start?