There’s something undeniably captivating about a space that feels raw yet refined—where exposed brick, weathered wood, and dark steel beams all come together in a way that is both effortless and intentional! This is the essence of industrial interior design: a style rooted in the beauty of utilitarian materials, structural elements, and a lived-in, understated aesthetic.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key characteristics of industrial design and show you how to incorporate them into your own home, whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to layer in a few industrial touches.
What Is Industrial Style?
Industrial style emerged in the early-to-mid 20th century, when cities across the United States and Europe began phasing out large factories, warehouses, and mills. As these expansive structures were vacated, many were repurposed into affordable living and office spaces rather than being torn down. This marked the beginning of a visually compelling design evolution—one that has since become a global favorite, influencing interiors from urban lofts to modern homes around the world.
Today, industrial style shows up everywhere (from new-build condos to local coffee shops), with signature elements like Edison bulbs, matte metal fixtures, and salvaged vintage pieces, to name a few. Now that we’ve explored its origins, let’s take a closer look at the defining characteristics that give this style its beloved appeal.
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Key Characteristics of Industrial Style
1). Open Layout: Industrial design embraces open floor plans, which is a reflection of the spacious factory floors that were once home to textile mills, manufacturing lines, and heavy machinery. These interiors typically feature high ceilings, minimal dividing walls, and oversized windows that flood the space with natural light and fresh air. Loft-style layouts are especially common, allowing zones to flow naturally from one to the next.
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- Tip: If you’re working with a smaller or closed-off space, consider removing a non-load bearing wall or use open shelving to mimic that airy, expansive feel.
2). Raw Materials: At the heart of industrial design is a love for materials in their most natural form. This includes exposed brick, concrete floors, aged wood, steel beams, and galvanized pipework. These elements are celebrated for their rusty or patina imperfections that all bring in texture and authenticity to a space.
3). Neutral Tones: The industrial color palette leans heavily on neutrals: blacks, grays, off-whites, and warm browns. Floors are often finished in polished concrete or distressed wood, while walls might feature exposed brick, or be painted in soft, chalky tones. For a more contemporary industrial look, drywall painted in cool white tones can be commonly seen paired with a single accent wall of brick or reclaimed wood.
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4). Exposed Elements and Fixtures: Where traditional design might conceal the guts of a home, industrial design puts it on full display. Exposed beams, ducts, pipes, and conduit are embraced as design features.
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- If you live in a more traditional style home but want a mix of industrial flare, you can still do so by adding a few exposed-bulb pendants, matte black light switches, or industrial-inspired curtain rods, without opening up any ceilings or walls.
5). Functional Furniture: Furniture in an industrial home is durable, pared-back, and practical. Look for pieces with clean lines that are made out of rugged materials and sturdy construction (such as a reclaimed wood dining table, a worn leather armchair, or powder coasted metal shelving). Comfort is key, but visual clutter is not!
6). Large Steel Windows: Oversized, steel-framed windows are a hallmark of industrial buildings. While swapping out your windows might not be in the budget, you can create the illusion with black window trim or gridded mirrors to reflect more sunlight.
7). Salvaged Decor: Accessories play a supporting role in industrial interiors, often with a storied past. Vintage clocks, factory signage, old tools, and industrial hardware can all add that extra depth and authenticity. These small touches offer a lived-in feel and sourcing them at local antique or thrift shops can feel like a treasure hunt.
Bringing It All Together
Industrial style isn’t about replicating an old factory, but instead it’s about balancing raw textures with sleek finishes, and letting the materials speak for themselves. If you’re curious about how to bring this style into your own home, consider booking a free 15-minute consultation with our team, and we can help you get started!
