- I think it doesn't get any more timelessly modern than industrial chic...
Today I've decided to join a little party... an industrial chic party... This look is edgy with a hint of nostalgia!
A few worn loved pieces add character and personality to a room, which is why this look is so popular with its metal accents and honest, factory style furnishings showing signs of wear and tear, rust, even flaky paint. This is what the look is all about! It’s also the fun side of discovering and mixing textures, colours and fabrics with factory machinery in a suburban setting.
It is the style of the early 20th century's factories and warehouses. Elements and machinery used back then in workshops such as rough-hewn wooden tables, rolling carts, metal filing cabinets and industrial lighting are being reborn and released into today’s home décor.
These pieces, along with exposed brick walls and cement floors, first became popular when urban industrial spaces were being transformed into chic loft apartments. Now the trend has made its way from downtown lofts to suburban living rooms. This style blends easily into houses that already have a clean-lined and a modern look.
Mix and match, go for contrast. It is the huge contrast between industrial and traditional that makes it work. Feel free to experiment by putting a vintage piece of machinery on a sleek coffee table, or a tall, industrial lamp next to an overstuffed plush chair.
Kitchens are an easy and practical place to begin injecting industrial chic design as we have been installing stainless steel appliances and professional-grade stoves for some time now.
Painted plank wood floors are another popular industrial element, the more wear and tear, the more authentic the look. Consider replacing a side table or coffee table with an old industrial trunk, cart or card catalogue. Look for pieces with aged or distressed metal, rather than polished chrome.
Items such as this definitely add some downtown edgy and style, but they're probably not for everybody. If you have a really funky house with lots of colour go for it, but balance out the coldness of industrial décor with a few organic décor pieces which convey warmth and comfort. Also using rich, soft fabrics to warm up or add colour to an industrial-style space, while in a kitchen add a Turkish rug or Roman shades made from a woven fabric.
- Be inspired by industrial chic and discover ways to incorporate this style into your home...
- Industrial Bar stool - the search is over! I think I've looked at every Industrial style bar stool on the planet and finally found it!
- Metal plays a big part of the industrial look with machined iron...
- Find beauty and character in peeling paint, recycled wood, neutral tones and a pared-back look
- A great way to add a touch of urban industrial chic with these decorative birds
- If you’ve got a piece of furniture that you’d like to revamp yourself Constantia oils and waxes range offer finest organic ingredients for the home handy person
- Unlikely items become displays with personality
- Work with what you’ve got - it’s a sound piece of advice, but working with what you can find is much more fun.
- For an unexpected visual impact try these designer lights
- Antique industrial furniture and accessories with rust is too cool to waste...
- Decorating an office with style - contrasting tones, mismatched environment and bring them together within industrial chic decor
- The industrial chic craze hasn't ended yet
- Texture is important, which is why aged pieces of furniture work so well, as wear and tear, knocks and bumps and even flaking paint can add character
What is your industrial chic tip? (Tell us about it by leaving a comment)
AGATHA O house of design – interior decoration & design is an award winning interior design Company in Adelaide, South Australia writing about lifestyle and WHAT’S HOT in the world of interior design, architecture, art and travel.
