Industrial décor immediately brings to mind gorgeous lofts with exposed brick and 17 foot ceilings. And in truth, that’s the foundation of this sleek look.  But today, industrial chic is making its way into our suburban homes. We’re taking the best of this look and making it work in homes with less dramatic proportions. The industrial look brings simplicity, minimalist thinking and rugged appeal to our traditional homes. So how can you add the industrial look to your space?  Here are a few pointers to help you get started:

Materials. Natural materials are intrinsic to industrial style. Metal is ubiquitous – steel, iron – never shiny, always matte, gray and unpretentious. Glass works well with the metals and wood. It opens up the space and adds a touch of glamour. For diehard industrial lovers, one of the most used materials in the industrial style is cement! Typically kept for accents and accessories, it fits the look perfectly.

Accessories. As I mentioned, cement accessories are very popular. I’ve seen cement candleholders, planters and even cement cabinet hardware. The trick is to keep it in balance. Cement candleholders on a dark wood table are elegant; cement planters with a lush green plant have timeless appeal; cement hardware on traditional cupboards with granite counter tops add textural interest.

Timepieces. The industrial style is characterized by cool clocks! There are many timepieces in this look – add one to your living space. The clocks are typically metal or concrete, often with no numbers; just very simple dials. They make great conversation pieces!

Wall Hangings. Beyond clocks, adding the industrial look to your walls can be fun. Signs work well. If you can find vintage signs or advertising signs, all the better, but modern versions are fine too. Worded messages work well too. Many are done with distressed wood. Again, antique is preferred but there are great new options too.

Lighting. Industrial lighting is the crowning glory of this look. Many who shun the look otherwise, love the utter simplicity of industrial lighting – basic clear class, classic geometrics, white pristine lamp shades, fuss free bases. Look for big and bold with trademark metals and clean glass.

Colours. Clearly, gray is the colour that dominates industrial décor. Gray, black and white keep the style clean and effortless looking. But that’s not to say it has to be boring! Primary colours look great against black and gray – red, bright blue, royal purple, yellow, emerald green and more.

Furniture. Straight lines rule. Legs are classic and true, often metal. Woods are dark, often distressed. Sofas are leather or suede, also usually distressed. Bookcases and open shelves abound – but they have an “un-factory” look – exposed hardware is common. Furniture must always look easy, natural and worn through life experience.

TIP! A large wood coffee table is the hallmark of the industrial look. With or without metal legs, it will set the theme beautifully in your living or family room.

Blending. So you have decided to add industrial style to your home style, but how do you make it blend with what you have now? Very carefully!  In a traditional or country home, best to add only touches of industrial, nothing too harsh or imposing. Always look for ways to merge looks. Antique white milk jugs will look stunning on stark bookcase shelves. A huge bouquet of country flowers would be perfect in a cement vase. A largely industrial living room would benefit by an ultra-feminine chaise in fuchsia. 

It takes a creative and judicious eye to blend the industrial look just right – but the results are worth it!  It adds an urban, modern edge to your home that says “chic” like no other style! 

Tags: decor, Furniture, trends