Decor, layout, materials… Everything you need to know about industrial style

What is industrial style?

Contrary to popular belief, industrial-style decor is not really contemporary. It actually originated in 1950s New York, when many people moved into abandoned factories.

In concrete terms, industrial style can be defined as both abrupt and elegant. It is characterized by:

• large, open-plan interiors;
• large windows and bay windows for maximum light;
• raw materials steeped in history (brick walls, steel beams, exposed pipes, etc.);
• minimalist decor with vintage touches (flea market enthusiasts take note!);
• fairly sober colors for a monochrome look.

While the industrial style is particularly well suited to urban lofts, as evidenced by its New York origins, it can also work perfectly in a spacious, bright home. Similarly, although the industrial style is strongly associated with North American aesthetics, you can easily adapt it to your tastes and opt for a design with more local accents.

What are the colors of the industrial style?

When we think of industrial decor, we generally think of the same colors. In this case, the main shades are:

• white;
• gray;
• brown;
• black (to a lesser extent).

For a successful industrial-style decor, it is essential to focus on simplicity. In other words, monochrome designs are preferable. For example, if you want to build your living room decor around a nice leather sofa and wooden furniture, it’s best to opt for wooden flooring and cream-colored walls. The more you decorate your interior in similar tones, the closer you’ll get to an industrial aesthetic.

It should also be noted that the color red, often associated with industrial decor, is more of a passing trend than a true marker of this style. While red brick wall decor is certainly in keeping with the theme, it is recommended not to stray too far from the beaten path and to stick to the sober tones that give industrial style its charm.

The best materials for an industrial-style interior

Characterized by its weathered aesthetic inherited from its origins (old factories converted into homes), the industrial style gives pride of place to raw materials. Wood, leather, steel, metal, concrete, brick… to say the least, you’ll be spoiled for choice. And if these raw materials have actually been used for industrial purposes and show signs of wear and tear, even better! They are, in a way, a vestige of the passing of time. A nice nod to the past that is just waiting to shine in a new light.

Some of the most common uses of raw materials in industrial-style interiors include:

• brick or cement walls;
• waxed concrete or solid wood flooring;
• imposing furniture made of wood and steel;
• metal pendant lights;
• steel bar stools with leather seats;
• exposed piping;
• steel beams;
• a stainless steel central island;
• etc.

Industrial-style decor: how to design your interior

To help you with your interior design project, we’ve put together some tips for each room.

The industrial-style living room

Mixing raw materials and warm decor. That’s the tricky task at hand for a successful industrial-style living room. For the floor, opting for solid wood flooring has the advantage of instantly adding warmth while maintaining a raw character. At the same time, opting for lighter-colored walls (beige, cream, camel, taupe, etc.) will visually enlarge the space while maintaining the cozy atmosphere of an industrial-style living room. If your living room is particularly large and bright, installing a glass roof can also add extra character to the room.

In terms of decoration, an industrial-style living room is usually furnished with:

• a leather sofa and one or more armchairs;
• recycled wood or steel furniture;
• a wooden table with metal legs, accompanied by chairs with raw, clean lines;
• a large industrial-style mirror (often fragmented mirrors with a metal frame);

Good to know: consider brick, stone, or concrete-effect wallpaper if you want to customize your living room in an industrial style on a budget.

The industrial-style kitchen

Generally speaking, there are two main styles of industrial kitchen. On the one hand, there is an aesthetic very similar to that found in a professional restaurant:

• tiled or waxed concrete floors;
• a stainless steel worktop or central island;
• storage units with chrome fronts;
• etc.

This very distinctive look is not to everyone’s taste and can be off-putting due to its coldness. At the other end of the spectrum, there is a decidedly warmer industrial-style kitchen where raw materials such as wood are given pride of place. To stand out more, wood is often combined with dark, deep tones, but also with a few welcome touches of greenery.

Good to know: to enhance the raw look of an industrial-style kitchen, it is advisable to leave your dishes on display. Forget about tidy cupboards: frying pans, pots, bowls, and other kitchen utensils take center stage for an authentic industrial decor!

The industrial-style bedroom

An industrial-style bedroom retains the raw, monochrome DNA that makes this look so charming. But this room allows for a touch of extra whimsy. This is especially true if you want to add a feminine touch to the bedroom.

For a chic and elegant industrial-style decor, you could:

• install soft, warm lighting (Edison bulbs add undeniable character!);
• opt for a bed and furniture in light wood;
• place a large rug under the bed;
• add a touch of color through the bedding (sheets, pillows, etc.);
• hang colorful contemporary-style paintings;
• choose original storage solutions such as varnished wooden chests decorated with pretty patterns;
• etc.

In short, it’s possible to add a touch of originality to an industrial-style bedroom to make it a visually welcoming and relaxing space. While raw materials such as wood, brick, and steel still have their place, you can soften the industrial style by adding more feminine and warm decorations.

The industrial-style bathroom

Here too, you have (almost) carte blanche to design a bathroom to your liking, as long as you follow certain rules. Remember that an industrial-style bathroom is characterized by its clean, minimalist aesthetic and the use of raw materials. From there, you can focus on:

• marble-effect tile flooring;
• concrete or white tile walls;
• large mirrors with metal frames;
• a ceramic sink installed on a wooden cabinet;
• copper wall sconces;
• etc.

Good to know: for maximum personalization, play around with the materials used for your industrial-style bathroom accessories (brass mixer taps and shower heads, bronze taps, etc.).

Essential accessories for a successful industrial-style decor

Want to give your interior a New York loft feel? Here are a few tips for creating a chic industrial-style decor!

Industrial-style wall decor

Here, you have several options depending on the atmosphere you want to create. For an interior with urban accents, you can go for street art-style paintings and display decorative elements that are commonly found on the street (signs, fire hydrants, etc.).

If you prefer industrial chic wall decor, it’s best to opt for vintage frames, large clocks, and accessories with clean lines (old bikes, wrought iron wall sconces, etc.).

Finally, keep in mind that there’s nothing stopping you from adding a touch of greenery to create a warmer atmosphere!

The industrial mirror

This is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable accessories. With its thin wooden or iron frame, the industrial-style mirror is usually fragmented into different blocks, giving it a raw yet elegant look.

The industrial-style armchair

With its very low worn leather seat and metal frame, the industrial-style armchair is instantly recognizable. An essential decorative piece for your living room, it often finds its place next to an old leather sofa and helps to accentuate the vintage aesthetic of the room.

The industrial style rug

To add a touch of warmth to an industrial-style interior, a rug is a great idea. Placed under the dining table or sofa, it softens the room. When it comes to patterns and colors, industrial-style rugs are not known for their originality. They are often mottled with different shades of gray to evoke raw materials such as stone and cement.

FAQ: frequently asked questions about industrial decor

What colors go with industrial style?

Industrial style is known for its use of monochrome. This means favoring a single color for the entire home (usually white, gray, or brown). While light tones create a chic and refined atmosphere, brown colors lend a warmer feel.

What flooring should you choose for an industrial style?

There are several options to consider. Generally speaking, waxed concrete and solid wood floors are the most popular choices. However, PVC or tile flooring is also perfectly acceptable, especially for kitchens and bathrooms.

What curtains go with an industrial style?

Heavy, blackout curtains are recommended for a successful industrial decor. They reinforce the raw, muted feel of the room.