Industrial design / LOFT style has been one of the more popular renovation styles in interior design in recent years. What exactly is it? First, let’s look closely at the two words “industrial” and “design” separately. Industrial means treating the home as an industrial product, with an emphasis on functionality and practicality. Applying this industrial concept to home design is what creates the industrial style.
Main features of industrial style
Industrial style is based on inorganic materials such as metal, cement and brick, then accented with contrasting materials such as wood, leather and fabric. To create a stronger atmosphere, furniture with a strong presence is used, paired with heavy colours such as silver, dark brown and black. Exposed pipework does not need to be hidden; simply showing its pure form is enough. When people see the pipes on the ceiling, they will immediately think, “Ah, this is a factory.” Below, we will explain the various characteristics of industrial style in more detail.
Origins
Industrial-style design is believed to have originated from many warehouses, factories or commercial units in the United States that were converted into homes. Because they were not originally residential spaces, most were open-plan areas, so designers would choose furniture and decorations with a strong presence to emphasise that this was a living environment rather than a factory. However, homes in Hong Kong are often divided into rooms; using an industrial style may therefore involve removing walls.
Black
Black is one of the characteristics of industrial style. In fact, many cafes and bookshops use industrial style, but making all the walls and floors at home black (or grey) may not be suitable for the generally compact living spaces in Hong Kong. Black may also make some people feel oppressed or uncomfortable. Therefore, adding black decorative items or furniture with black elements is enough.
Metal
Industrial style is inseparable from metal, usually steel, although there are no particular restrictions. Metal stools and tables with four metal legs are probably must-have furniture items, but they should not be added casually. It is best for the furniture styles to be consistent. If it is a table fitted with wheels…… that would be even more tasteful. Since much of the furniture already contains wood, it creates a successful contrast with metal and forms a distinctive aesthetic. More metal can also be added through other utensils and decorative items, such as metal tableware, metal storage boxes and shelving.
Leather sofa
A leather sofa is very important. It not only greatly increases comfort, but also balances the cold atmosphere brought by metal, while the surface of a leather sofa can reflect a layer of warm light. In addition, industrial style needs fabric items as accents to restore balance. These can be fabric decorations, tablecloths, fabric cushions for the sofa, or even a rug, which is also a very good choice.
Imperfections
One of the stories industrial style tells is the deliberate presentation of an aged effect. The furniture you see should look as though it has been used countless times, giving it a USED feeling. To meet this requirement, many people deliberately choose second-hand furniture that is certain to have imperfections. This fits perfectly with industrial style and can also save costs. Paintings without too much colour, or old black-and-white photos, are also very atmospheric decorative items.
Brick walls
Old bricks, rugged cement walls and other unadorned materials create the impression of a factory that has not been deliberately renovated or decorated. When this idea is applied to home design, it can instead become a highly distinctive feature wall. However, deliberately building a characterful brick wall at home may be relatively costly. Want a brick wall but cannot afford one? You can consider wallpaper. Today’s printing technology is very good, and even texture can be printed.
Grey
Brick and cement walls usually tend towards grey and black. Of course, red brick can also be used, and some people choose white brick too. As long as it is brick, it works, and it should deliberately present an old, timeworn feeling to create a strong old-factory atmosphere. In addition, some designers will deliberately break parts of a brick wall just to strengthen the industrial-style impression.
Lighting
Industrial style tends to be simple when it comes to lighting. In a space with an extremely strong presence, strong lighting is particularly important. You may not need a lampshade; simply let the light bulb be exposed. The classic beauty of tungsten filament bulbs has also been a popular choice in recent years, and can also commemorate Edison’s invention. In addition, some people deliberately choose more distinctive metal light fittings such as Pasadena lamp; you can refer to the picture for an idea.
Lockers usually seen only in companies and schools
Have you ever thought about making wardrobes and shoe cabinets look like lockers to strengthen the industrial style? However, this could involve a lot of DIY or require custom-made pieces. After all, there may not be furniture on the market that looks like a locker on the outside but is actually a wardrobe.
Conclusion
Industrial style means renovating a home into an environment that resembles a warehouse or factory, or transforming a place that was originally a warehouse into a living environment. By deliberately adding suitable furniture and equipment, focusing on functionality, keeping things simple, and avoiding unnecessary embellishment, objects can purely display their unique beauty, forming a masterpiece full of contrasts.
Author profile:
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