The industrial look has been with us for a surprisingly long time. Originating in the 1970s, it began when disused factories and warehouses were being converted into homes. Since the original buildings weren’t designed for living in, they presented a challenge to interior designers – one that was more easily overcome by making a feature of their original purpose rather than trying to hide it. With converted warehouses being turned into highly sought-after properties, the influence of the industrial look can be found in all types of homes.
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Key Traits
Exposed pipework is a good example of making a feature out of a component
most designers try to hide. Whether they’re brushed steel, copper or chrome,
they offer a great contrast to brick or tiled surfaces. Incorporating pipes
into fixtures and fittings such as shelving or as part of the furniture design
can provide other ways of giving your living space an industrial makeover.
Another way is using reclaimed materials to give your room an authentic feel.
It doesn’t need much – just a reclaimed lampshade from an old factory looks
great hanging over the table in a modern dining room. You will also want to
consider the colours that use on the walls and ceiling and consulting with a Cheltenham Painters on what
look you are hoping to achieve will see your dream industrial style come to
life.
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Column radiators, once considered ugly but necessary fixtures most commonly
seen in institutional buildings, have become a fashionable addition to the
industrial look. Made to order, they can be long and low or tall and narrow and
any size in between. Complete with optional attachments such as towel rails and
rings, these radiators are just one of a new generation of industrial-style
radiators available.
Metal cabinets contribute to a semi-commercial look for a kitchen, especially
if ducts are left exposed. And vintage furniture and accessories, or even
modern pieces inspired by the industrial styles of the past, put the finishing
touches to your home.
As Industrial as You Feel
As demonstrated in architecture and design magazine Dezeen, it doesn’t have to be all cast iron and metal
finish. One example shows warm reclaimed wood floorboards complementing
whitewashed brick walls, white kitchen units and shelving, softened by the
pastel colours of the living area’s furniture, and yet none of it attempts to
hide the building’s original history and purpose.
Sometimes just one or two touches can make a huge difference to the look and
feel of a space. What’s right is up to you.