Courage Required: Raw Industrial Style Exuding Warmth

Although no longer a novelty, modern industrial interior design still intrigues designers and users because it reveals and emphasizes what other styles try to cover, in order to achieve a somewhat raw, sharp impression.   

Structural elements are particularly exposed and emphasized, thus achieving an impression of coherent chic "incompleteness".

Spacious loft apartments or abandoned commercial spaces inhabited by couples or roommates, as seen in movies, are now transforming in real life, without losing their basic appearance. Industrial design promotes an open living concept where furniture and accessories define the space and its purpose.

The conversion of old and abandoned warehouses, factory halls, or storage facilities into living spaces, which probably originated from mere necessity, is now a trend that is continuously renewed and enriched with variations on the theme.

These are encounters of the raw with the refined, the minimalist and modern with the antique and classic. Although it may seem minimalist at first glance, by combining high-gloss metal finishes with rustic or antique chests of drawers or furniture, you can achieve a more dramatic look.

Visible Structural and Mechanical Elements

The definition of industrial design is found on the ceiling: exposed beams, visible pipes add visual dimension. This is certainly the most significant and boldest characteristic, the signature of industrial design, so to speak. Besides saving money, by retaining beams and pipes on high ceilings, you will also preserve the history of the building to some extent.

Play of Metal and Wood

Half-finished wood and smooth, shiny metal go surprisingly well together. One should try high-gloss iron or chrome accents in the kitchen or for lighting.

Colors

Warm, neutral colors are most often used for large, open industrial spaces, giving warmth to a space that might otherwise seem too cold due to the presence of metal pipes.

Walls

Most spaces converted into residential or commercial spaces using industrial design already come with brick or concrete walls that are excellent representatives of this style in themselves. Therefore, there is no need to treat them unless they do not look raw enough.

Floors

Polishing concrete floors will most easily preserve the industrial impression, which is both a practical and economical option. If it is necessary to "warm up" the space, stone or wooden floors will serve the purpose as they have proven to be suitable variations in this type of design.  

Lighting

Lighting fixture designers are increasingly relying on industrial style, and floor and pendant lamps and spotlights can be found in our lighting stores. They are characterized by a metal finish, sometimes combined with antique "vintage" hanging elements.

Decor

The raw and cold look of hard structural elements is balanced by plush sofas with scattered cushions and colorful oriental rugs.

Houseplants also add the necessary warmth to contemporary industrial design. The formula is - the bigger, the better - otherwise they would get lost in the large space.

Ready for Change

If you are intrigued and ready to try, it is best to start with an empty space as a blank canvas.

However, if you want to "feel the pulse" first, try introducing one or two recognizable elements of this style. For example, treat a fireplace or just one wall, while the rest of the room remains the same. This way, you will get a modern industrial home.

Concrete is also a grateful and economical choice. You can polish it to a high gloss or leave it matte and unfinished for a rustic look. It can be used for floors, bathtubs, sinks, fireplaces, etc.

Industrial elements can be combined with elegant metal finishing, achieving a polished and contemporary look.

A rustic tone is achieved by using wood with a rich texture and antique accessories that counteract industrial coolness.

(Impressive Interior Design)