5 Ways to Add Romantic Industrial Style to Your Home

In the recent years, industrial designs have become a rage in the world of interior design. These design themes, which bring back the lost era of mechanical ingenuity, are ideal for someone who appreciates unfinished and raw interiors. If you love the pictures of barn conversions and urban lofts published in various interior design magazines, then the five industrial style ideas discussed in the subsequent sections are for you.

1. Exposed Building Systems:
In old factories, the electrical, HVAC and plumbing systems were left exposed most of the time. As these spaces were purely functional, people did not have to hide these structural elements. Though exposing the ductwork and plumbing in a modern home will not be a great idea, you may still derive some inspiration from these elements. For instance, you may incorporate a conspicuous piece of duct in your kitchen or create a table’s legs out of galvanized pipe. Also, shelving brackets play a huge role in bringing an industrial feel to your home.

2. Weathered Wood:
The wooden furnishings and flooring found in most factories show wear and tear due to excessive usage and harsh surroundings. This look, when re-created inside your home, produces a nostalgic feeling. You can by the old wooden furnishing in your local flea market or salvage yard. Also, old wooden floors pair well with paneled walls, and old doors and window frames can be tuned into new headboards, wall hangings, tables, and art. All you need is a bit of creativity.

3. Exposed Brick:
This is perhaps the most striking industrial element you may add to your home’s interior. Although it is a great idea to expose some or all the bricks on your walls, today’s modern homes no longer use these architectural gems. However, this should not stop you from using the bricks to create an entryway or a fireplace surround.

4. Concrete:
Old mills, workshops and factories widely used concrete for structural work and flooring. Due to its durability, strength and affordability, concrete played a huge role in the 19th century’s industrial progress. A stained concrete floor brings a rugged feel to your home, but if you don’t wish to have this material as flooring, use simple accessories like planters or tables made of concrete.

5. Lighting:
Do you remember the industrial pendant fixtures that illuminated the old factories? Their porcelain shades and cast aluminum bulb cages looked gorgeous, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t introduce them in your home’s interior. Today, there are thousands of modern fixtures that mimic the look of the fixtures found in yesteryear’s industrial spaces. Just choose a big pendant fixture that suits your budget and hang in over the hallway, dining area or an entryway to create a feeling as if you are moving through an industrial space.

Image: homebeautiful