It is not difficult to use the industrial style in the interior in an original and unusual way for apartment buildings and private houses. The engineering theme involves the use of simple finishes with maximum practicality. Despite the dark color scheme that predominates in the rooms, they will be spacious and comfortable to live in. The non-standard direction does not allow space to be cluttered. All elements of furniture and decor used must have simplified forms. There should be no pretentiousness, carved, ornate elements. The choice of lighting must be approached with special attention. The selected lamps must be bright. This will provide high-quality lighting in darkened rooms in the evening. An important advantage of the chosen direction is the ease of implementation: in some cases it allows for a partial lack of finishing.
Story
The emergence of the industrial style is associated with the Great Depression of the 20s. During this period, large enterprises closed and work at factories stopped. Unused buildings were rented out at very low prices. Therefore, many artists, musicians and other creative individuals moved into factory premises. Living among old machines and abandoned products allowed them to create the most unusual and amazing creations. Closer to the 70s, such buildings became popular due to their extraordinary design and were recognized as an excellent place to work and live. The minimally limited space was suitable for holding exhibitions and creating new masterpieces in various areas of art. It was from this period that the previously unpopular direction and associated with poverty and unemployment became in demand.
Peculiarities
Non-standard style is more suitable for spacious rooms. Its dark range is suitable for tiny rooms, but requires careful selection of finishes and furniture. Otherwise, it will be impossible to create comfortable living conditions. An important requirement is the ceiling height in rooms from 2.7 m and above. This direction is perfect for two-level apartments with a visible transition (a stylized balcony on top). In small-sized housing it must be implemented carefully and carefully. As for the process of creating a style, it is quite simple. You just need to understand the details and preferred materials, range. The decor is easy to select because it does not have significant restrictions. Textiles for the direction, on the contrary, are selected from a small number of categories.
Pros and cons of apartment style
If the owners, after taking into account the specifics of the direction, are convinced of the possibility of its implementation, they need to additionally learn about its pros and cons. Industrial style is extraordinary and allows you to style your home easily and simply. It is uncharacteristic for her to clutter up space. Clarity and accuracy are the basic principles when creating an environment. The laconicism of the created interior will allow you to live comfortably and spend your leisure time. The spacious guest rooms can accommodate large groups of relatives and friends. The disadvantages of the direction can be considered roughness and the predominance of dark tones. In the absence of high-quality lighting (natural, artificial), the problem of visual reduction of space may arise. Correct window design and the choice of high-quality lighting fixtures will help you avoid it.
Color spectrum
It is impossible to imagine a work shop in any industrial direction with exquisite finishing in light colors. After all, for work processes such a design will simply be inappropriate and impractical. When styling a home in the appropriate direction, it is necessary to select gray, gray-brown, gray-black tones. They must be present in decoration, furniture, textiles. Interspersing light colors: white, brown, beige will help eliminate the creation of a gloomy design. For example, owners can whitewash one wall, leaving it light. Decorate the rest in darker colors. It is also possible to use dark gray and gray finishes for the entire area. But they should be set off by installing beige, cream furniture, using light decor and textiles.
For the chosen direction, the inclusion of bright, catchy tones is unacceptable. To brighten rooms, it is better to opt for pastel, neutral inclusions.
Steampunk style
It can be defined as an industrial style combined with gothic elements. It is characterized by exceptional elegance thanks to the use of metallic shades, copper and bronze, deep blue and refined textures of leather and velvet. This interior style is characterized by dark wood and details reminiscent of the inventions of the Industrial Revolution.
For example, a steampunk living room combines exposed design elements such as a brick wall, antique furniture and partial metal decorations. To this combination you can add vintage pillows with prints depicting a map of the old world, or even a bar counter with bottles in the shape of a globe.
Materials and finishing methods
Using inexpensive and practical finishing will help you create a competent housing design in the chosen direction. Any chic, elegance, or pretentiousness is unacceptable for industrial style. It is better to paint the walls or simply plaster them. For the floor, it is recommended to choose a discreet covering. It can even be wooden materials, but they should not stand out from the general background. Textiles and ceiling decoration should be as simplified as possible. Otherwise, it will not be possible to achieve the implementation of non-standard design. When choosing materials, you should be guided by the following rule: the general appearance of the finish (namely the finish, not the furnishings) should be similar to the old production workshop. Therefore, before choosing materials for work, it is recommended to look at photos of plants and factories that laid the foundation for an unusual style. This will greatly simplify the search for the required raw materials.
Floor
When creating a non-standard style, it is important to choose the right floor covering. Suitable floor types include:
- bulk;
Creating a perfectly even screed is thematically correct decision. True, such a floor will be cold; it will need to be supplemented with a warm floor or rugs.
- wood;
Laminate and floorboards are a practical option for housing. Products in gray and black tones will complement the direction well. Parquet is not suitable for this style.
- tiled;
Large gray, black, dark brown tiles are perfect for styling. It is recommended to choose models with a matte finish.
- linoleum;
A practical and budget solution. Material in gray tones without a pattern is ideal. You can choose a wear-resistant commercial type if you wish.
- marmoleum.
A new type of plain materials similar to linoleum. It can be found in rolls with taupe tones. This type is ideal for installation in renovated rooms.
A small gray rug will be appropriate in rooms decorated in a non-standard style. Laying carpet will disrupt the harmonious direction.
Walls
Using simple wall decoration will help to perfectly complement the design and make it right. Plain paint or gray plaster is the best option. The materials will allow you not to overload the space, making it “lighter”. Plastic wall panels in a light gray or gray brick look will also highlight the overall design well. You should choose models with a matte surface. Lack of finishing in a brick house is the most budget option. But it will lead to the need to constantly remove dust and dirt from the joints between bricks. Wooden gray and light brown, beige finishes are no less attractive. They will help emphasize the simplicity of design.
For a loft, you can choose warm tones of wooden wall decoration. This option is not suitable for industrial design.
Ceiling
The design of the ceiling in an extraordinary direction should be discreet. This could be a simple whitewashing of the surface. An interesting solution would be to combine simple whitewash and wooden beams in gray, cream and beige tones. Stretch ceilings with a matte surface will look good. Models for fabric or plaster in white or light gray colors are perfect. Plasterboard structures are also appropriate. They are easy to finish and quickly installed. But they should only be single-level. A plasterboard ceiling will create a perfectly flat surface, but may somewhat limit the space. Therefore, this option is applicable for housing in which the height of the walls is at least 3 m. It is important to take care of the correct output of the wires for subsequent hanging of the lamp.
Decoration Materials
The main construction and finishing materials are concrete, metal, glass, brick, stone, rough plaster. These are natural, heavy, cold materials that immediately evoke associations with an industrial workshop.
A special chic is the use of interior items made of brushed metal, which has traces of corrosion and oxidation. The older and worn out the metal looks, the more expressive the decor will be. Of course, at the same time, all other basic finishing must be done perfectly - this concerns the geometry of spaces, the clarity of corners, and the evenness of surfaces.
When choosing metal elements, you should give preference to those made of brass, iron, aluminum, and steel. Shiny gold and silver elements will look out of place here and should be avoided.
Lighting
Bright, cool lighting is the key to success when creating a custom design. Owners should give preference to the following types of devices:
- rectangular, square ceiling models;
They will provide good lighting in spacious rooms. Overlay-type products will stand out minimally in the overall design.
- Spots, sconces with rough shapes;
Squared shades and metal protection of square shapes above the lamps are the right stylistic decision. Such models will help to properly illuminate the resting, working, and cooking areas.
- pendant chandeliers and floor models with simple shades.
Products with long legs and cone-shaped shades will fit well into the design being created. They are suitable for installation in halls and kitchens. It is advisable to choose models painted in black or dark gray tones.
Furniture, textiles and decor
The selection of interior items should fully support the direction being created. It is recommended to buy furniture with rough metal frames. Products with a dark-colored wooden base are also suitable. Preference should be given to models without decoration. Simplified forms are welcome and allow you to create a comfortable environment. The selected textile should be plain and made from fabrics with minimal weave texture. Stylized mechanical elements (parts of machine tools, cars) can be used as decoration. It is allowed to decorate the premises with paintings in monochrome colors. Metal decor (not forged) will perfectly complement the design. You can also hang motivational posters on the walls that were previously used in factories and workshops. It is recommended to choose such canvases in an aged design.
Decorative elements
The main rule in the decor characteristic of the industrial style is minimalism. Graffiti, fragments of signs or billboards would be very appropriate here; any installations can be made.
External lighting fixtures such as street lamps are used. Thus, it is possible to use exterior items used for outdoor use in the interior design of a room.
Very often, old unnecessary things or things created with one’s own hands are used to decorate a room. In an industrial interior, a small number of photographs or paintings are used, the frames for which can be made independently from scrap materials.
In general, the industrial style is original and aesthetic in its own way; the owners of such an interior note its creativity and special “atmosphere”.
Design of individual rooms
The choice of suitable finishing, creation of competent lighting and furnishings in a non-standard style are somewhat different for different housing areas. Depending on their purpose and area, the texture and colors of the selected materials and furniture may vary. Making useful adjustments will make it easy to arrange each room stylishly and correctly. Compromises must be sought when decorating small rooms and children's rooms. For spacious halls and bedrooms, general rules may be applied. Useful additions will not be superfluous. They will help achieve increased comfort and coziness of your stay. Some deviations from classical requirements will be useful when arranging a kitchen. This room should be not only comfortable, but also safe. And most importantly, its overall appearance should not suffer from constant cooking.
Living room
It is easiest to create a custom design in a spacious living room. You can install a sofa in the central part or place it along the wall. A pair of floor lamps is perfect for providing good illumination of the recreation area. You can also install a pair of nightstands in dark brown on the sides of the sofa. It is better to choose a sofa in a cream or light gray tone. It can be supplemented with armrests. The model itself should not have a voluminous back and seat. It is better to choose upholstered furniture with smooth surfaces. In front of the sofa you can install a coffee table with a metal frame. The model must have strict geometric shapes. A pair of metal and wooden shelving will perfectly complement the design. They are suitable for replacing a mini-wall. For a spacious room, it is recommended to hang the TV opposite the sofa. It is better to choose curtains with a maximum length. Tulle may not be used.
Kitchen
A dark set with matte fronts is ideal for styling a kitchen. Models with relief decoration should be excluded: they will disrupt the created style. It is recommended to install the dining group in the center of the room. A high table with internal shelves is perfect for this. It will look good with tall bar stools. A regular dining table can be placed near a window. All furniture must have strict geometric shapes. Preferred color of models: gray, black, dark brown. The covering may be light. It is recommended to use suspended ceiling models with rectangular, conical shades as lighting fixtures for such a kitchen. 2-3 such illuminators can be placed above the dining group. Bright white lighting will help ensure high-quality illumination of the work area. It is also recommended to install a powerful black dome hood with or without moldings.
Bedroom
In the adult bedroom, achieving a non-standard style will largely depend on the created environment. The bed chosen for the room may have a metal or wooden frame. The headboard and footboard should be small and rectangular in shape. Armchairs are allowed in the bedroom. It is recommended to choose models made of plastic or wood with a slight rounding between the back and seat. The optimal covering material is considered to be thick gabardine or leather. Materials must be monophonic and match the color of textiles. Curtains for the room can be light or dark. The best option would be to buy light gray curtains, tulle and a similar rug, and sofa cushions. This combination will create comfort without disturbing the design style. You can use posters and paintings as decoration. Living plants with dark green leaves are allowed on window sills.
Teenager's room
In teenage bedrooms, non-standard design will be appropriate when choosing lighter finishes and furniture. For example, the finish can be light gray or beige or cream. It is recommended to choose wooden furniture. The optimal color of products is bleached wood. The bed may have a metal frame. Selecting a wardrobe, chest of drawers, or desk in strict geometric shapes will help create a competent environment in a child’s bedroom. Light fixtures of a simplified type perfectly complement the design. They should be bright and can be located on the ceiling or walls. It is necessary to create proper lighting for the work area and rest area. To a greater extent, a non-standard style is suitable for a boy’s bedroom. The rooms in which girls live should be decorated in different colors. For example, for styling you can use beige and light gray or light pink, dirty pink and gray tones.
Bathroom
It is quite difficult to decorate small rooms in dark colors. A combination of light and white colors will help to avoid a gloomy style. For example, the finishing can be done in a light gray shade. Choose a bathtub and toilet (if the room is combined) in white colors. The sink and faucet on it may have a dark gray tint. A bathroom with a non-standard gray color in the shape of a parallelepiped will look beautiful and stylish indoors. Many modern designers offer similar models. True, the products are quite expensive. This can be a model installed under the wall, or a free-standing model. It is better to select furniture with matte facades in strict geometric shapes. If desired, it can be replaced with metal shelving. Lighting in the plumbing room should be bright and cool.
Hallway and corridor
In halls, hallways and corridors, creating a custom design is easy and simple. The finishing is chosen in light and neutral colors. This will eliminate the restriction of small parts of housing. In the hallway you can install a metal hanger combined with a bench and shoe rack. A metal rack can be installed in the hallway to store hats and handbags.
For non-seasonal outerwear and shoes, a narrow and tall wardrobe in dark colors is suitable. It will not stand out significantly in the overall design. Installing or hanging a rectangular mirror in a metal frame will help complement the space. It is recommended to use strict spots as illuminators for such areas. For ceiling lighting, you should choose rectangular or square overhead chandeliers.
Decorating housing to look like old workshops and industrial premises allows you to achieve a non-standard and eye-catching style. But when carrying out renovations, it is important to take into account all the rules for choosing finishing, furniture, and decor. Following simple recommendations will help you create an original design, eliminating the gloominess of the direction and the discomfort of living. Adjustments can be made to the “official” requirements if necessary. But they should not contradict the characteristic features of the direction. Therefore, bright and colorful colors will be inappropriate in such a stylization. Light inclusions are quite acceptable.
Particular attention should be paid to proper lighting. Properly selected lighting fixtures will help create a spectacular and original design in living rooms, sanitary facilities, corridors and hallways.
The use of furniture in the industrial interior of an apartment
The entire variety of furniture in the industrial style can be divided into three large categories: absolute vintage, modern replicas and items in the creation of which elements of authentic industrial artifacts were used.
Original vintage furniture, previously used in factories and workshops, was distinguished by functionality, minimalistic and ergonomic design and mobility. Its main task was to ensure comfortable performance of work duties, but not a call for rest. That is why authentic sofas and beds designed in an industrial style could not arise. If only because, by their very essence, these pieces of furniture exist for relaxation and idleness, which runs counter to the purpose of industrial facilities.
All sorts of work carts, multi-level shelving, and formal filing cabinets can easily be used to create comfortable, outwardly non-trivial coffee and coffee tables, bookcases, and chests of drawers with many compartments. Under the furniture, you can equip production tables and workbenches, which will add ambiance.
Stylized furniture made from rebar, a sewing machine table, or open bookshelves with a pipe frame will look good. The classic combination of materials for making tables and chairs in an industrial style is a tandem of wood and metals, ideally aged or giving such an impression. Although both metal and wood are self-sufficient and can be used independently of each other. If you wish, have time and are interested in vintage, you can look for such items at flea markets. Soft sofas are also appropriate, but monochromatic and with the simplest possible shapes, without a hint of excessive decor.
