Loft Life and Industrial Art: What Makes Industrial Living Special?

What makes the industrial style so interesting and so appealing to modern homeowners?

Combining modern conveniences with classic industrial features is the key to unlocking industrial-style décor. Typically, the centrepiece of industrial design lies in the features of the building itself, whilst the space will truly be transformed with the right decor and industrial-style art. These decorative features allow you to really make a space your own where you can’t make significant structural changes.

Loft spaces, high ceilings, metal beams, and masonry all come to mind when we think of industrial living. However, there are other more understated methods to incorporate industrial decor into your home that don't require major renovations and drastic changes. These can be essential to achieving an industrial style and making industrial living a reality. Explore our Industrial Living trend here.

Industrial Living & Stylistic Inspiration

The materials associated with this style don’t naturally call out as being comfortable or homely, but when implemented in the right way, they can be the makings of a cosy but stylish home.

Industrial living is about structure and simplicity but of course, there need to be stylish fixtures mixed in there to make the decor click. Dark metals are often balanced out by large windows, natural woods are often brightened up by plants, and muted tones are balanced out by pops of colour. There are many ways you can make an industrial-style space your own without losing the style altogether.

Lighting and artwork can be key focuses of an industrial space, bringing lightness and vibrance out in the fairly muted natural features. The importance of decor cannot be underestimated when it comes to executing a style.

Of course, a home can contain any number of industrial elements. Even where the main features don’t scream “industrial”, there are opportunities to take advantage of this decor style. Knowing what furnishings and features you already have and where you can refresh a space with the right, complimentary accessories, can be extremely helpful. Swap out furniture or artwork to better capture the style without having to completely renovate.

The Devil’s In The Detail

Brickwork, dark wood and metal furniture can quite quickly zap the light out of a room. When this happens, a space can be given a new vibrance by injecting colour through artwork.

Industrial-style prints are often monochrome so if your room is feeling dark then there may be some other styles you can lean into whilst maintaining the industrial feel of the space.

Japan-inspired art prints are a good example of this. Colour palettes are limited but the structure of the imagery lends itself well to industrial styling. This “Astronomy Club” art print by Florent Bodart is a great example of a print that maintains that structure but offers an opportunity to add colour to a space.

Plants are another method of injecting some colour into these muted industrial spaces. The contrast between the greenery and the industrial features makes a space that is both stylish and calming.

   

 Helvetica Blue Dots by Maisey Design

Pop Culture and Pop Art

It’s extremely common to see pop art prints in homes inspired by industrial living. The simplicity of industrial decor lends itself well to these fun pops of colour that reflect the people who live in these spaces. Sport, music and film prints are a popular way to display a bit of personality. They allow a less permanent way to make changes to a space where the structural features so heavily influence the overall style.

Similarly, fun takes on architectural art are a good way to remember your favourite places even when you’re at home. You can inject some colour and stay true to the industrial style created in the space, appreciating other architecture while still embracing your own.

 

Neon King by Frankk Studio / Badminton White Red by Rosi Feist

Explore our Industrial Living trend here.