Industrial look brings raw beauty
Embrace the imperfections of reclaimed, repurposed pieces in open-concept space
Industrial style was born from humble beginnings in large commercial/ industrial buildings.
Warehouses, factories, schools, garages and even churches converted into lofts were spacious and unique. In the 1960s, these vacant spaces were taken up by artists and other creative-minded people for whom the vast expanse and light from the large windows was key. It’s since evolved into a trend that’s found its way into new builds and has been adopted into other design styles.
The original open concept is characterized by its high ceilings, minimal walls and, often, floor-to-ceiling windows. Industrial is honest and straightforward, has nothing to hide, revealing beams, posts, ductwork, pipes and electrical wiring. This unassuming style celebrates raw exposed materials — untreated wood, concrete, brick and stone, metals like steel ( both stainless and aged), wrought iron, brushed nickel and an- tique bronze to name a few. Over time, we began to appreciate the lack of pretension and see the raw beauty of its utilitarian finishes, naked architecture and salvaged pieces.
The base colour palette features various shades, from light grey (think concrete) to charcoal and accents of black and soft whites. The look is warmed with the use of wood, brick and leather. Introducing and layering different textures gives visual and tactile interest and is anything but flat. Add accent colour through accessories using rustic tones — think muted and subdued, deep and rich.
Don’t live in a loft but love the texture and character of their distressed walls? No problem. Stone and brick veneers are widely available in many styles and colours. Another option is wallpaper so realistic that you have to touch it to know it’s not real.
Industrial features simple yet bold furnishings with clean lines and is free of excess. Scaled back to the essentials, you can appreciate the interaction between pure form and function. Seating typically has solid upholstery in either natural textiles or leather in neutral colours with weathered wood or steel legs. Chairs and stools are metal or wood, or can be a combination of both. Think navy chairs and adjustable stools with spinning seats.
This esthetic embraces the imperfections of reclaimed and repurposed pieces. Scour flea markets and thrift stores for one-of-a-kind treasures with tons of character — the more worn and rustic, the better.
Turn crates into side tables or stack to create shelving; factory carts into coffee tables, gears into book ends or door stops. Look for unique items that become conversation pieces. Marquee letters, old signs and charts become art pieces. Oversized vintage maps, blueprints, lithographs or black and white photography complement the look.
Top it all off with vintage-styled pendants including enameled, caged, harbour, barn and schoolhouse pendants, which are right at home here. If you want to go all out, use fabulous and functional lighting that boasts a counterweight pulley system.
Group smaller lights together for greater visual impact. Pair with Edison bulbs whose exposed filaments add an old-world charm. For table and floor lamps think mesh shades, shipper’s light and marine tripod. Machinist and pharmacy lamps also work well here. Finishes range from cast aluminum, steel and clear, frosted or ribbed glass.
It is difficult to go wrong with this eclectic look — just embrace it and have fun. Andrea Colman is a colour consultant and principal designer and owner of Fine Finishes Custom Design Solutions. Send design questions and pictures of your space to: info@finefinishes.ca.