With old warehouses and fire stations being converted into lofts or apartments, many people are being drawn towards the raw but polished aesthetic of these places. And while these establishments were originally built like that because they didn’t need to feel homey, some people are intentionally opting for this kind of design in their homes.
Like the Bohemian chic aesthetic with ethnic or nomadic elements, or the farmhouse style with aged wood and vintage wicker baskets, the industrial appeal has quickly become a crowd favorite. The main elements of this aesthetic are exposed steel, concrete, brick, and reclaimed wood.
There are a lot of ways in which you can design your home in this style. If you’re working from scratch, you can opt to include such elements into building your home so that you can cut down on possible expenses. But if you’re redesigning a loft or a converted space, it can be easier to retain the structures and add more elements later on.
Here are some of the most prominent industrial-styled elements that you can incorporate into designing your home. These parts and designs can easily be repurposed to suit your preferences, but it’s better to have a working plan before your begin renovating or building your house.
Bared Brick Walls
You can incorporate exposed bricks into your walls so that it will add a timeless character and texture to your home. Some houses were built with bricks but covered with drywall so that it can be easier to paint. If you’re working with original clay-and-mortar blocks in your home, then all you need to do is polish and prepare them for longevity.
Exposed brick walls are very susceptible to dirt and moisture absorption, so it will be best to apply a sealant or acrylic-based paint to avoid molding. By stripping away the drywall, you’re letting the exposed bricks serve as your house’s main foundation. So if you want to protect them longer, you’ll need to know how to take care of them properly.
Exposed Pipes and Ducts
Signature elements of the industrial aesthetic are exposed pipes and ducts because they provide a raw feel to any establishment’s interior. These also serve as reminders of the original purpose of the place, a factory or a warehouse before it was converted into residential housing.
But if you’re building your house from the ground up, a way to introduce this element is to strategically place stripped steel pipe fittings and ducts where they can be both visually appealing and functional. Exposed pipes on the walls and ceilings can dramatically add an industrial feel to any place.
Reclaimed Wood Furniture
Many furniture makers have turned to recycle lumber from old barns, wine barrels, or decks and are re-purposing them into another form. Reclaimed wood can be used to make furniture, build cabinets, interior flooring, or as accent details in architectural structures.
Reclaimed wood furniture can be a great addition to your industrial-styled home because it provides a rustic aesthetic to any place. Plus, it gives the lumber, which would otherwise be in a landfill, another chance at life.
Polished Concrete Floor
If you want a cost-effective way to create your flooring according to the industrial aesthetic, you can go with a polished concrete floor that is raw but not sloppy looking. It can be a great alternative to ceramic tiles, hardwood flooring, linoleum, or carpeted floors.
Concrete floors are less likely to be slippery, fire-resistant, waterproof, non-porous, and cheap. It can be a great addition to your industrial home that provides functionality along with visually pleasing qualities. Polished concrete floors can also work well with exposed bricks and pipes because it serves as color contrast.
Stainless Steel Surfaces and Metal Structures
You can introduce stainless steel surfaces in your kitchen area for countertops, cabinets, and tables. It works well when paired with wooden structures, and overall, it can give you a polished but rustic aesthetic. Steel and wood materials are good sources of earth or neutral tones for your kitchen.
It can be in the form of a kitchen island with bar stools, wide metal sinks, or a staircase for your loft. Stainless steel and metal are easy to incorporate into your home through furniture, cabinetry, and even for your appliances.
Light Fixtures and Wide Windows
The industrial style is a big fan of maximizing natural light, so you can often see wide, open windows situated in strategic places to allow natural light to enter. This is both functional and aesthetically pleasing in factories and works well for your home too.
Light fixtures that dangle from the ceiling can also add a weathered flair to your dining area or living room. This vintage design goes well with the unfinished and raw look you are going for with this interior style.
Creating your home’s interior design with one coherent theme, which is industrial, can make any house look curated and professionally finished. Take pride in your designing skills and make the most out of this experience by enjoying every minute of it.
