Decorating Styles 101: The New Industrial Design

Filed under: Your Home, Living Room, Design, etc

It's back to the warehouse for this new design trend -- find out how to achieve the industrial modern look.

Styles are always (and likely will forever be) recycled. Rarely do we see something that's 100 percent brand new (or unique) without having derived any inspiration from the past. But that's a fun part of design (at least for us design lovers) -- to sit around waiting eagerly to find out how the looks of the past will morph into something new and exciting.

The latest industrial trend is one such look. Perhaps it comes from our need to decompress from the glitz and glam styles that have been dominating as of late -- or perhaps it comes from a desire to go back to the basics, but an industrial aesthetic that is still cozy and warm is a favorite style of ours. Previously found almost exclusively within the walls of old abandoned warehouses, the simplistic style now translates into even the most upscale of modern interiors. But you don't need to be upscale in order to achieve the basics of the industrial aesthetic.

Here are some general rules of thumb to follow when seeking out the industrial modern look:

Colors: Stick with "rocky" neutrals as your foundation. Grays, black -- any hue that you'd expect to see in a dusty warehouse. But don't be wary of these harsh, cold colors -- this look can be just as soothing and warm as other neutrals. If you're planning to paint, select color samples on the warmer side, such as mushroom-like grays. Choose the one that best complements your home's lighting plan (the right gray for Person A can be all wrong when viewed through the light of Person B's home). For general furnishings, stick to stone neutrals and grays with natural wood as the occasional accent.

Furnishings: This look is modern, so go with clean lines and no-fuss furnishings. A little curve is OK, but keep it minimal with a single accent chair or with rounded light fixtures.

Accents: Anything metal fits the industrial style well. Opt for metal light fixtures, especially those with a unique (seemingly aged) patina. It's OK to mix shiny and matte metals, but limit yourself on the amount of shine; the new industrial isn't about glam, it's about getting back to the basics.

Elements: Clearly when you think of the typical industrial warehouse, you envision concrete, wood and metal. Play with those primary elements when decorating in this style. Opt for aged-looking metals and rough-hewn or more natural-finished woods. And, by all means, whenever possible, use salvaged and recycled materials. That is, after all, the true industrialist way to do things.

For classic industrial styles, Restoration Hardware has the look. But they also carry tons of unique products that can help achieve a more modern industrial aesthetic. We especially love their seemingly one-of-a-kind accessories.

Clockwise from top left:
Eye Glass Molds on Stands, $299, Restoration Hardware
Fishing Weights, $99, Restoration Hardware
Industrial Chain Pulley, $145, Restoration Hardware
Cast Iron Bookpress, $195, Restoration Hardware


For lighting fixtures, there are a handful of sources, but Rejuvenation is one of the best. Thanks to their Industrial Collection, you can find fixtures inspired from 1890 to 1930. You're bound to find the perfect style to fit seamlessly in any modern interior.

From left to right:
Rockwell Two-Arm Chandelier, $520, Rejuvenation
Halfway, $227, Rejuvenation
Wiley, $162, Rejuvenation
McCoy, $140, Rejuvenation
Willis, $177, Rejuvenation

Even Anthropologie is on the industrial bandwagon, adding these light fixtures to their otherwise-typically whimsical offerings.

From left to right:
Menlo Lamp, $148, Anthropologie
Mechanic's Beacon Light, $148, Anthropologie

Leave no stone unturned -- every item, down to the last detail, should fit the industrial look for a true industrial modern style. Any of these metal accessories would help accomplish that.

Clockwise from top left:
PE Collection Double Wall Pocket, $49, Ballard Designs
Cavaillon Mirror with Chain, $79-$119, Ballard Designs
Heavy Weight Tape Dispenser, $60, Design Within Reach
Gear Candleholder Gift Set, $23.80, CB2

A hefty table made of metal or wood (or, better yet, a combination of the two) just screams industrial. Opt for something along the lines of any of these beauties.

Clockwise from top left:
Industrial Iron Coffee Table, $699, Wisteria
Fulton Media Console, $999, Crate & Barrel
Hendricks Desk, $1,299, Crate & Barrel
French Industrial Coffee Table, $599, Wisteria

Want more decorating inspiration?
Is industrial not at all your style? How about decorating with pastels?
Or brighten up with rainbow-colored decor.
Not sure what you want? Let top designers and fashionistas inspire you.

 

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