Industrial design is best known for its usage of raw materials. It often happens that studios, apartments, and so on used to be decrepit spaces that just went through refurbishment. Exactly these kinds of spaces are perfect for industrial design.
This means that designers have to find a way around exposed wood beams, concrete floors, pipes, and even brick walls. The designers know how important it is to create a balanced interior. An interior that is both reflective of its industrial history and one that feels comfortable and nice.
But, is there a way to make an industrial-style interior even better? How can you add some warmth and textures that will make that space feel more like home?
Take a look below and find out.
Do not ignore scale!
There is no doubt that scale is one of the most important considerations when going about industrial interior design. To be precise, industrial spaces are usually large and open, so it is essential that lighting, furnishings, and art reflect the human scale.
Do not use pieces that are too small or disproportionate to each other to take advantage of breadth and height. Use large lighting fixtures, floor-to-ceiling drapery, and large area rugs, then layer in additional textures and fabrics.
The furniture has to feel in proportion to space. This is something that experts from all around the globe agree on. Of course, be careful about the spacing too, do not pile all the furniture next to one another. This is a tip few prominent interior decorators from Doha explained in one of their company blog posts.
Large scale furnishing
Since it is important that industrial spaces boast furnishings that reflect human scales, you need the right furnishings that can help create boundaries within the space. This is done to ensure that space doesn’t feel cold or empty.
Do not make the mistake of not taking the flow of traffic between each space into consideration. Figure out where your conducive walkways should be and then lay out furniture so that you don’t compromise the flow of traffic.
It is recommended that you use large scale furnishings such as large sectional sofas, tall freestanding shelving units, oversized cabinets, or long benches and daybeds. According to Jessica Lagrange, small scale pieces can get lost in large, open spaces.
Large artwork
Try to find large art pieces. Oversized artwork can really help you balance the scale of industrial space. On top of that, it also adds personality and warmth to the interior.
Additionally, art really is an important touch of personalization to any space. This artwork you will be choosing will make the space unique to you and it will also help create focal points to lead the eye.
But, the point here is that you need larger pieces of art. Smaller pieces of art can get lost on the large lofty walls. And, you don’t want that to happen if you want to make space feel warmer and more comfortable.
Add your own personal touch
Since you are trying to make an industrial-styled space feel more comfortable and better, wouldn’t it be good to add a personal touch to it?
Of course, that would be wise. So, try to create a setting that feels intimate and personal to you. This can be done with curated vignettes or with heirloom and customized pieces. The choice is yours.
Even a personal library can get the job done or framed family photos, just use items that reflect you (if you are the owner). This will allow the space to stand out as being uniquely appointed, do not forget that.
So, if you want an industrial-styled space to feel warmer, you need to add more ‘homey’ items to it to give it some soul.
Take advantage of warm woods
It can sometimes be difficult to contrast exposed pipes and industrial metalwork… There is no doubt about that.
But, one good way to counter those sights is to take advantage of warm woods. Warm woods can make space feel more comfortable and warmer. And, it doesn’t matter if it’s on the ceiling or floors.
Specific wood tones can bring you back to nature if incorporated properly into a certain space. If you only leave industrial materials and cold concrete walls, space will feel cold and that is a fact.
So, try to take advantage of warm woods to make it feel more like home. Pick the specific color of wood according to your personal preferences.
Bonus tip: Play with colors!
Try to be creative with color selection. Adding pops of color can really breathe life into a certain space.
So, be careful with the combination of colors and textures. You want to choose colors that will help you bring life to the industrial space you are modifying.
After all, color can change the mood of any space. Compare a pop of color to exposed brick and you will realize what the deal is in this case.
For instance, a bright yellow painting can really give some life to walls in a whole neutral living area. This kind of action will provide vibrancy to furniture too, especially if you have leather furniture pieces.
