​A Guide to Interior Design Styles: Industrial

The industrial style, popular in the late 2000s, refers to the interior design trend that takes its cues from old factories and industrial spaces. These spaces were converted into lofts or other multi-use living spaces and were distinguished by their use of weathered wood, building systems, exposed brick, industrial lighting fixtures, and concrete.

Today, industrial design is everywhere, not just in converted factories and industrial spaces, and can easily come into your home without breaking the bank or doing a complete remodel. You can bring the industrial look into your home when you decorate with one of these options in mind:

Choose rustic accent colors: While your current palette may be neutral, go rustic with your accent color choices. Think rustic brown, pine needle green, and weathered blue. These colors will pair nicely with the weathered wood of your barn door, if you choose one, and other unfinished wood that is particular to industrial design.

Industrialize your kitchen: Industrial style kitchens are renowned for their spacious layout and functionality with key elements like weathered wood, pendant lighting, exposed brick & piping, open shelves, concrete floors, and exposed beams. These kitchens are built for function often with large expansive countertops and under counter storage.

Go with bold furnishings: Normally leather or wood, industrial furnishings are solid and bold. Industrial furniture also relies heavily on raw, unfinished wood. Pairing wood and steel is also common in industrial furnishings. Other trends include exposed brick, piping, open shelves, and one recent trend is the use of reinforced concrete.

Vintage furniture and accessories: We know that industrial design involves the use of metal and wood. Many pieces are truly vintage, while others are inspired by old factory and laboratory pieces. Whether you shop the look or go for the real thing, it’s the vintage look of metal and wood for furniture, lamps, and other accessories that will complete your industrial vibe.

Consider industrial lighting fixtures. Lighting is another great way to make an interior design statement. Industrial lighting has many options from industrial light fixtures to pendant lights to Edison lights. Don’t overlook the design statement a great lighting fixture can make. Industrial lighting comes in all shapes and sizes and can be creatively brought into the design space. Consider texture: metal and wood and bold function. You can create your own industrial lighting with a little creativity.

Add a barn door: You can choose from any number of weathered wood or patina options to match the industrial look. You also choose your own hardware with an industrial feel. A barn door will immediately give any room a rustic, weathered look when you choose the right finish and hardware. They are easy to install and make an instant statement.

Go bold and choose two doors for an especially dramatic look. Two doors work well to close off open spaces in your home, home offices, loft spaces, etc.

By mixing and matching several of these elements, you can achieve an industrial look in your home. Have questions? Contact us at BarnDoorz, we’re happy to help.