IN THE RAW

YOU DON’T NEED TO LIVE IN A NEW YORK LOFT TO EMBRACE EXPOSED MATERIALS, AS THESE TIPS PROVE

WORDS SHELLEY TUSTIN

GREAT INTERIORS

are all about balance. Adding industrial touches doesn’t mean turning yours into a cold concrete box – quite the opposite. Exposed materials such as raw timber, concrete, brick, metal pipes or beams are a great way to introduce a bit of textural contrast that can give your scheme real impact. Before going to town, though, the following dos and don’ts will help you inject a little warehouse chic without it looking forced.

DO… Think about safety

Consider the needs of your family and any potential hazards. “Polished concrete is hard-wearing but also hard,” says interior designer Rebecca Pountney of Yellow Letterbox. “It’s unforgiving if anything is dropped on it and this is vital to consider if you have young children.” Don’t forget about materials such as exposed pipes, which could be a serious hazard around little ones, too.

DON’T… Fake it This EuClad silvertop ash shiplap (try Barwon Timber) is the real deal. While some products can imitate genuine raw materials, ensure they give you the exact colour, texture and rough-aroundthe-edges feel you want.