Style Spotlight: Industrial Design

In 1940s Manhattan, a shifting culture took industry from downtown to the suburbs. In many factory districts, empty buildings were sold for pennies on the dollar. Artists saw the potential in these formerly industrial spaces and were some of the first to embrace loft living, turning abandoned textile factories and grist mills into apartments and workspaces.  

At first, the inhabitants were squatters, moving in without permission and creating communities of a sort. Once property owners caught on, they realized they might actually be able to make a profit from these vacant buildings with very little improvement. The artist community was attracted to the open floor plans, raw and exposed fixtures, and huge windows that let in natural light. Cheap rent was established, and Industrial interior design was born. 

Loft dwellers appreciated the hard, utilitarian features of these former mills and factory buildings. Plumbing, electrical conduit, and ductwork weren't hidden behind sheetrock, but showcased. It was here that bohemian youth created art, performed exhibitions, and established spacious communities that fostered creativity. Those young bohemians on the fringe of society might be dismayed to find that their idea for open floorplan living has modernly become associated with the trendy, luxury, loft-style dwellings of many urban areas

The good news is that you don’t have to live in an old mill or an abandoned factory to get the industrial interior design look. It is easy to add a few of the bold features that are unique to this style. By cleverly combining these distinctive elements, you can add a little industrial urban charm to any space. 

Industrial Lighting

Industrial lighting focuses on functionality and minimalism, but that doesn’t mean it can’t have style. To create an industrial lighting plan, emphasize the fixture materials. Start with a metal and glass chandelier as the central accent of a living or dining area, which can also work to define an area in an open floorplan home.  

Pendant lights are perfect for modern industrial interior design because of their “exposed” wires or chains. Track and rail lighting is ideal as well because of its perfunctory but modern look. Modern ceiling fans look fabulous in Industrial lighting decor because they are an exposed, functioning utility.  

Exposed Plumbing Fixtures

The modern Industrial interior design style lends itself quite well to an industrial style kitchen and bathroom. Exposed plumbing, metal fixtures, chrome finishes, and utilitarian cabinet door and hardware handles look clean, uncluttered, and stylized. All are perfectly suited to industrial lighting decor. 

A freestanding bathtub with tubfiller or a modern shower system are absolutely natural here. Open shelving makes perfect storage in this look, in addition to a pedestal or wall-mounted sink. We love to mix in a more modern decor with industrial, so consider a modern vanity style to create an industrial look in the bathroom. 

In the industrial style kitchen, combine glass, chrome, and stainless steel to create an industrial-meets-modern space. 

Hardwood Flooring

Bare floors are typical in the industrial interior design style, as mill and factory buildings would have been either wood or concrete. Consider hardwood flooring or wood-look luxury vinyl, ceramic tile, or stone. Industrial chic area rugs can be used to separate living zones and soften the look, if desired. 

Industrial Furniture & Accessories

The main requirements for the furniture in an industrial living room are functionality and minimalism. Traditional materials are leather, stucco, high-quality wood, steel, and aluminum, with glass and chrome inlays. Combine metal and wood for interesting texture combinations that are reminiscent of the open beams, copper pipes, and wide plank flooring in older, industrial buildings.  

The premise of industrial design is the repurposing of a previously used industrial space. Achieve this industrial chic look by having walls that appear slightly unfinished: concrete, rough-finished plaster, and exposed brickwork. There are even wallcoverings that can give you this look, such as faux brick and rough-hewn wood. 

For chic, industrial living room decor, consider large art canvases , reminiscent of the original residents of the buildings. Photographs, signs, and sculptures – any unique accessories that will enliven the space with your personality – are ideal. 

At one time, factories and mills were heated by industrial size heat sources like fireplaces and stoves. While they are now more chic than functional, fire features have become a style highlight of industrial decor. 

Make It Your Own

Industrial design style is perfect for those who love open space, natural light, and a chic, modern-meets-vintage look. As with any look, it's not necessary to go all-in — soften the hard edges of industrial decor with a more modern industrial interior design and plenty of your own style.