Uniquely Industrial Chic

The Flexsteel Living Room Square Coffee Table 6722-032 mirrors the exposed beams as well as the sturdy steel parts of an industrial structure.

There are two words that you need to remember when wishing to create industrial chic style – safety and efficiency. The word industrial, after all, exudes functionality and something of an icon. While it may constitute abandoned or forgotten warehouses and factories, all these structures still show stability and durability.

Lately, industrial spaces have slowly been becoming the most in-demand locations for events and modern dwellers. While you may have just encountered the term industrial chic, it was not born last month, in fact, it’s been around for years.

These days, industrial buildings are famous locations for the biggest parties, social events, and special occasions such as weddings. Since these structures were originally made to house the biggest types of machinery and hundreds if not thousands of workers, turning these spaces into a social hub has been a natural thing.

Communities today even want to appreciate the rich history of each industrial structure. It’s alright to see distressed walls, worn flooring, and aged pipes. These are all the scars of a decaying structure yet they have grown to be loved by a new breed of dwellers.

Industrial Architecture History

Industrial buildings were first created in the late 1700s. These were utilitarian by nature. Back then, large windows were built so that natural light could flow in. Of course, electricity was not discovered till the late 1800s so the use of natural light was indispensable.

Safety soon had a major influence on the architecture of that time more particularly the mill factories. Fire was prevalent which led to the actions made to reduce the dangers of such occurrences.

Insurance companies began to fashion safer industrial structures. Attics were finally discouraged and flat roofs took their place.

Reclaiming Old Warehouses and Factories

You can expect few to zero walls inside industrial buildings. And since there is an abundance of windows, you will also receive a lot of natural lighting.

In the late ‘60s till the ‘70s, these structures were slowly being renewed. The spaces in Lower Manhattan and New England were especially targeted by artists and unique homeowners. While these were initially reclaimed as studio spaces, such open structures soon caught the attention of interior designers.

Not long after, industrial chic was born. Each of these spaces was finally renewed, recycled, and repurposed into open-space lofts that offer exposed details. These characteristics were the very things that made industrial buildings famous and sought-after.

Industrial chic is also oozing with style. It can blend perfectly with traditional or modern designs. The bold features, as well as the clean lines that come with the structures, act as the needed contrast to whatever needs a counterpoint.

Industrial chic is welcoming yet it is not too cozy. There is a perfect balance in this kind of interior design.

Expect to find a lot of metal, bricks, and wood which would glamorize the interiors of this structure.

Industrial Chic: Moving Forward

Now that you know the rich history and the current following that industrial chic has, it is no surprise that this style has more to offer.

Industrial spaces continue to dominate the scene during birthdays and weddings. The open floor plans are perfect for the many guests and the long tables. And who would be able to resist the masculinity of the bricks, steel, and concrete as they blend beautifully with the femininity of the lace, ribbons, candles, chandeliers, and ornate furnishings during such occasions?

If you like to borrow this look into your home, then prepare to use bricks, concrete, metals, and exposed wood beams.

Just highlight the simplicity and reliability of the design then soften these with your personal touch. The warm yet welcoming look is easy to achieve if you mix the contemporary with the industrial elements.

Tags: industrial, industrial chic, industrial chic interior design, industrial chic interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings

This entry was posted on Friday, December 1st, 2017 at 8:00 am and is filed under Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.