The industrial style is one of the frequently chosen proposals for both large and smaller living rooms in flats. Loved primarily for its minimalism, with a bit of nonchalance in the form of raw finishes and the ubiquitous sense of space. Find out what this style is characterized by and check what to remember when arranging an industrial living room.
Industrial style and its history
The industrial style consists of raw interiors resembling the austerity of industrial production spaces. It would seem that it requires you to trade cosiness for style. However, an appropriate and thoughtful arrangement can make an industrial interior become a wonderful room full of warmth and positive energy.
The industrial style was born in the United States in the 1950s. The economic crisis led to the closure of many factories and industrial plants. Empty buildings became residential areas, initially occupied only by artists and performers. With time, they have become one of the most desirable in the US. Characteristic for this type of interior were elongated rooms devoid of decorativeness, with visible installations and large windows.
Ideas for an industrial-style living room arrangement
The beginnings of the industrial style were not spectacular. These spaces were a place of residence or, as in the case of artists, a place of creative work. Over time, interior architects began to see great potential in them. Currently, many new residential buildings are designed and built with a perspective of creating fashionable lofts.
The main features of the industrial style are:
- simplicity,
- severity,
- minimalism.
The interiors should be spacious to reflect the atmosphere of an abandoned factory as faithfully as possible. Hence, in buildings that are already created in this style, the apartments are high and there are no partition walls. Raw materials, visible installations, as well as a minimum of accessories is the hallmarks of the industrial atmosphere. Lighting is also very important. Huge windows in factories provided a lot of daylight - so it cannot be missing in an industrial living room.
A small industrial-style living room can also be spacious
Undoubtedly, the industrial atmosphere is due to the appropriate room conditions: high ceiling, open space and a large area. However, if this description doesn't apply to your apartment or house - don't worry, it's not a lost cause. With a few simple steps, you can create a small industrial-style living room that will be spacious and cosy.
Colour trends for an industrial living room
The industrial-style room is characterized by light colours. The most popular colours are white, grey or black, which are often mixed with red in the form of a brick wall. However, not everyone can afford such a wall from a natural material. In such a situation, ready-made solutions in the form of wallpapers come to the rescue. Brick Wall Mural will certainly bring an industrial atmosphere to your room and will become its focal point. If you think that the interior is too austere, you can break it with more intense colours of accessories.
Materials in an industrial living room
One of the most important elements of any room decorated in this style are materials. It's the element that stands behind the industrial and austere character of the interior. Therefore, in an industrial living room, architectural concrete is a must, as it will perfectly match the brick-imitating wallpaper mentioned above. Such a combination will make the space austere, but at the same time extremely cosy. The colour of the bricks will sit well with a wall covered in rough concrete, making a fantastic effect. It is worth remembering, however, that this combination will not necessarily in very small living rooms. An alternative to a brick wall may be painting walls in white, thus visually enlarging the space. The industrial decor of the living room is also the ubiquitous copper and metal, as well as the subdued colour of oak wood.
Living room furniture in an industrial style
- Large industrial living room
An industrial living room is a place where large, solid and heavy furniture will work best. A nice relaxation area with a big sofa is a must here. Make it comfortable to add some cosiness to the room. Be sure to place a coffee table next to it. Ideally, it should be made of raw metal, then go for a matching drawer chest and a TV cabinet. - Small industrial style living room
For small living rooms, it is better to give up large and heavy furniture. They can overwhelm a room and make it look too dark. The less is more approach should be applied here. Keep the number of pieces of furniture to an absolute minimum. Take care of a comfortable sofa, but give up the coffee table. Don't forget about the industrial chest of drawers and TV cabinet with metal elements.
Industrial accessories for the living room
Despite the fact that the industrial living room is largely inspired by minimalism, let's not forget about the accessories that will effectively fill the interior and give the right atmosphere.
- Industrial posters - motifs of a urban architecture, factories and industrial sites will be perfect, e.g. Bridge in the morning , as well as minimalist designs that refer to the colours of the interior materials. We are talking about the grey of concrete or the orange-pink colour of copper here. Replicas of Banksy's paintings will perfectly fit into the industrial interior. Posters and paintings framed in black frames can be hung or leaned against the wall.
- Mirrors - preferably in simple and minimalist frames. Small mirrors hung next to each other look extremely effective. Such a gallery will not only decorate the interior, but also optically enlarge it, which is especially important in a flat.
- Clocks - almost mandatory elements in the interior. Ideally, they should be made of wood and metal. One of the most popular are clocks made of metal painted black, with Roman numerals and no background.
- Plants and flower beds - a raw loft interior can be broken with natural green. Plants will be a cosy accent in the living room, and placed on high metal flower beds, they will emphasize the original interior design.
An industrial living room in a block of flats and its lighting
Lighting is a very important element of the interior design of an industrial living room. It is best to let as much natural light as possible into the interior. It is often impossible in a block of flats, so it is worthwhile to plan the arrangement of stylish lamps well. There can be black spotlights on the ceiling or a network of original-looking light bulbs suspended on black wires. If there is a table in the living room, it is good to hang a metal and massive lamp over it.
Living room with kitchenette - industrial inspirations
A living room with a kitchenette is an ideal combination to arrange it in an industrial style. In this way, it can be much larger and spacious. When arranging an interior, remember that all its elements should be consistent with each other. Kitchen furniture should be kept in subdued colours. It is worth choosing grey, white, black or natural wood. Above the kitchen island there should be a stylish metal lamp or the so-called Edison bulb. It is also best to take care of stylish and original fittings, e.g. an industrial faucet.
The industrial style is suitable for people who feel comfortable in minimalist, simple and spacious interiors. For all those who like original and fashionable spaces and modern solutions. Changing colours and adding some original accessories is all you have to do to enjoy it in your home space.
