Think of a warehouse. Think of worn-out wood flooring, brick walls, and metal bars exposed from the ceiling. Now, think of converting that into an office, or a home.
This might seem like a crazy idea at first. But there’s a beautiful name for this today—modern industrial design. There’s something about industrial details that wouldn’t go away: the charm of uncompleted interiors, the raw finishes, and the appeal of a design age that centers on mechanical ingenuity. Incorporating industrial interiors into your condo home has certain oomph to it. It’s a gorgeous way to combine modern design with age-old materials that look as cool as ever.
Industrial design trends these days are popular in urban lofts, with a metallic staircase leading to an open bedroom above a rustic floor. Some kitchen designs have also started with this trend, probably inspired by laidback coffee shops using wooden bar tables, bar stools made of steel, and elegant industrial lighting fixtures.
Industrial interiors have a unique way of making old-looking materials and fixtures look new. It is refreshing how this trend makes everything seem fresh, uncluttered, and well put together.
If you have been admiring barn and warehouse conversions, maybe it is time you take that inspiration into your own condo space.
Simple and minimal detailing
Image Credit: Curbed NY
One of the reasons why industrial design trends are a hit these days is because of the raw simplicity it connotes. If a home attempting to look industrial has all sorts of clutter, from bulky furniture to a load of knick knacks, industrial details can’t reveal themselves.
This makes it a good way to maximize condo space. A place would look bigger if there’s not much happening. Industrial elements are very strong and you should not overdo it. It is stripped-back architecture. A wrought iron canopy bed in your bedroom, a bike hooked on your living room wall, and wooden bar stools around your kitchen table are good enough centerpieces.
Industrial designs require little furniture and more floor space. This design genre wants people to be able to move around, like you can park a motorcycle inside and it would still be okay.
Modern + Industrial
Image Credit: HGTV
Industrial elements can be vintage or rustic. Never mind that they came from an older architectural genre. Industrial design elements will look good when balanced with modern fixtures.
In your kitchen, for example, where you obviously don’t cook on top of stones and inside bricks anymore, use the shiny metal quality of appliances to provide an interesting contrast with rustic metals. Pendant lighting using Edison-style bulbs, brass-type knobs on cabinets, and an island made of wood that looks like it’s just been chopped off a tree would give your modern kitchen an industrial twist.
A white couch against a wall with rustic artwork should look good in your living room. A floor lamp made of metallic materials such as brushed nickel copper provide contrast to contemporary carpeting. Remember that it’s all in the details.
Seek humble materials
Industrial design is a celebration of humble, unassuming materials. If you admire the industrial flair, you likely enjoy going to thrift shops and flea markets more than commercial furniture shops.
Metal is definitely a go-to material if you want to achieve a raw, retro look. Stick to those with rougher textures and matte finishes because going industrial is never about shine and shimmer. Anything that can be welded should do okay. Use steel bars as base of your center table and balance it off with a wooden, stone or glass top. Those metallic bowls with chipped paint can be turned into pendant lighting by hanging them upside down and putting some bulbs on. (Don’t bother repainting, it’s all-good.)
Stick with cool colors
If you are thinking of a modern condo interior design inspired by industrial elements, you must know that the range of colors to choose from is a little narrower. White, gray, black, and wooden brown add to the sleek look of this design trend. If you are worried that your condo might look a little flat and boring, you can vary the shades to have more texture.
But if you want to be a little bit more experimental and daring, you can throw in splashes of other colors but be careful not to overdo them. Start with neutrals and slowly work into introducing other color schemes.
Image Credit: homesthetics.net
Be inspired with history
History is a really good teacher, even in design. Look at how museums or your local post office are designed. Look inside churches, theater houses, and the like. You will come to appreciate the rawness and simplicity of old structures that stood the test of time. From brick walls to steel columns, old buildings will inspire you to keep things unassuming but still elegant and interesting.
Keep things as they are
Image Credit: Hativa
Industrial interiors work because they don’t force you to overthink. You just have to really sink your teeth into the rawness of it all. If the brick walls look too old, pipes and beams are exposed through the ceiling, walls are unfinished or floors are concrete and not tiled, do not touch them. Going industrial means being embracing the design’s roughness, and you must find a way to make that work.
This is a condo interior design idea that is about rawness, going back to the basics, and paring down so much that only pure form and function is left.
When it comes to achieving an industrial design for your condo, there should be no secrets, no hiding. In the past, people struggled to hide imperfections, but with industrial design, there are no pretensions. It is what it is. Your grandma’s old wall clock, your parents’ worn-out leather couch, the old steel lamp, and the metal bed frame are all going to fit in your industrial space just fine. Celebrate their rawness and do not be afraid of the rough details. This design genre will teach you how to live simply and purely.
Guest Post By
Jeanette Anzon, Blogger