How to Create an Industrial Interior

Megan Harris Megan Harris
Loft in Milan, bytheways bytheways Industriële woonkamers
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As family and living dynamics change, so does the way we inhabit space. The arrangement and aesthetic of the modern home is constantly evolving. Through an innovative and clever re-imagining of space, the home owner can completely transform what it means to occupy their most personal space: home. The recent embrace of the industrial aesthetic is one such example of this change in our notions. 

Raw materials, cool colours and hard edges are used to create sleek, sophisticated, and sometimes gritty spaces. Large industrial light fixtures, stainless steel bench tops and concrete surfaces sit vis a vis colourful retro appliances and comfy couches. From the smallest touches to an absolute embrace of the industrial aesthetic, the spectrum is vast. Intrigued? Let's take a look at some ways you can bring the industrial into your home!

A gritty and beautiful kitchen

Loft in Milan, bytheways bytheways Industriële woonkamers

Let's start with this quirky kitchen. The white washed brick walls grab one's attention and forms a wonderful backdrop for the rest of the room. By exposing raw materials or giving them an uneven paint finish, you can bring forth the asperity and textures of the space to create an industrial edge. Here, the brick wall sits in stark contrast to the melamine kitchen fronts and smooth edges of the colourful fridge; each complementing each other in their difference. 

Large open plan spaces can be punctuated by furniture and fixtures. Here, a cluster of suspended lights brings the focus of the room to the dinning area; a social space. The drama of these lights provide a layering of heights and interrupt the open space between floor and ceiling.  To accentuate the personal – always important when working with the pared-down, cold industrial style – we are afforded a sense of the inhabitants; a knife holder on the wall, fruit on the table and a bike in the hall.

Layered and linear

homify Industriële keukens

You might prefer a slightly more refined industrial aesthetic; while this kitchen appears, at first, to be much more polished and perhaps less playful than the last room, similar features can be found. The two imposing black pendant lights hang over the dining room table, once again differentiate the dining area. Additional spot lights are located along a steel track that provides directional light to the back wall and draws attention to the linearity of the kitchen. This simplicity is both visually pleasing and functional. A symmetry is established and clutter is avoided.

Along with layout and lighting design, your use of materials can also act to define the kitchen space if it sits within a larger social space. The wonderful running bond subway tiles form a strong backdrop against the stainless steel bench top and raw concrete flooring. This, along with tasteful black accents, creates a wonderful industrial chic aesthetic.

Connection and division

homify Industriële woonkamers

Again, we will take a look at ways of using industrial materials and furniture elements to delimit and distinguish spaces and functions in your home. This stunning, open plan space is defined by the use of materials. The large open room is enclosed by raw concrete walls, floor and ceiling. The room is anchored around a spiral steel staircase which cuts through the void, allowing natural light to stream into an otherwise windowless space. 

The cool grey colour of the concrete is a neutral background that allows the personal contents to stand out. The walls are decorated with book cases and a mural of sorts on the far wall behind the kitchen. The space is cut into different sections by the use of different flooring materials, the concrete of the kitchen sitting in contrast to the warm wooden flooring in the living space.

A beautiful simplicity

In this grand living space one can see the value of Mies van der Rohe's famous statement, 'less is more'. You, too, can achieve more with less! The white wash runs from the raw timber floors, up the exposed brick walls. The ceiling is negated to expose the wooden rafters and significantly increase the height of the space. The expansive factory style, steel framed windows draw the greenery inside. 

A simplicity in furnishing and decoration allows these materials to take centre stage – try opting for simple, low-key items of furniture with a sleek finish. Nothing is amiss in the room. Light is ample and the furniture invites one to relax with a book. Nevertheless, nothing clutters. For more living room ideas, take a look here!

Colour and clutter

Now back to a kitchen space. If you think more is more, here are some ways you can achieve an industrial look that has a whole lot going on! The worn black flooring and back wall set a striking backdrop for a series of interior features. 

The mustard bench top and steel stools cut the room in two and create an intriguing social space. The hanging steel shelves add a similar characteristic, transforming a simple space into a layered and intriguing dining area. For more kitchen inspiration, take a look at these examples!

An ode to the industrial

This final space deviates a little from the industrial aesthetic as we have thus far considered. Paying homage to the industrial with its large exposed concrete flooring, high ceiling and open plan interior, it also takes a step away. Offset, or perhaps complimented, with a distinct and vibrant mosaic wall—a very unique interior is crafted. If you aren't quite ready to embrace all the hard edges of the industrial, you can incorporate elements as they have done here. 

The stair has no balustrade and is supported by a central steel member, allowing the steps to appear as if they are almost floating. This further opens the space. Additionally, the timber steps are picture framed by white steel boarders, to keep in line with the rooms industrial tone.

For more industrial inspiration, check out this modern renovation!

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