Creating an Industrial Look For Your Home
When creating an industrial look, I think it's best to use the natural materials available to you. In some cases, you may even be able to showcase the original brick that's hidden behind plaster to create an interesting feature. The industrial aesthetic that's often seen in industrial buildings and homes is popular because it's both safe and cost-effective, but can also be a great addition to a contemporary-style home.
My Top 5 Tips for Creating an Industrial Look
Lighting
There is some incredible industrial-style lighting out there, often original refurbished pieces. At our studio, we use a lot of refurbished old fixtures and fittings that come from industrial buildings, which is a great way to pull through that look. For example, we chose the amazing refurbished original warehouse and factory lighting from Loomlight in our recently finished project. The unique charm of their fixtures perfectly complemented the industrial space and exposed brickwork.
Tiles
If you're looking to maintain the original look of a space, try to use tiles that look like the original ones used in the building this adds to a space. If you live in a more contemporary setting but are trying to emulate an industrial look, why not tile a larger space? A whole wall or, like a recent project, the side of the island to make it a catching feature in these beautiful bottle green rectangle tiles.
Crittall
If you want to add a touch of vintage charm to your modern space, consider emulating the original Crittall windows in an industrial building or adding Crittall doors in a contemporary home. These steel-framed windows are now iconic and can blend old with new, bringing a luxurious and charming look to your space. They are a perfect way to mix industrial charm with timeless elegance.
Contemporary art
The combination of contemporary art and original brickwork creates a stunning contrast between the old and the new. You can witness this striking effect by taking a stroll around the Tate Modern in London, where the former Bankside Power Station serves as a perfect background for modern artists.
Exposed Piping
Don’t be afraid of using exposed piping. If you use surface-mounted track systems, for example, conduits (pipe systems), which is very cost-effective, to surface mount your switches. In one of our recent industrial-style homes, we used original conduit piping as a feature.
It's always best to work with what you have, but if you're looking for a specific design style, it can make a real impact even in a modern home. Emma Wood Interiors specialises in creating industrial interiors, both in contemporary homes and in originally industrial spaces. We would love to have the opportunity to work with you and create a space that not only pays homage to the industrial look but also suits your lifestyle and personal taste. Get in touch with us today to schedule a free design consultation!