It's hardly shocking that industrial interior design has become one of the most desired styles in recent years, besides contemporary style home and mid-century modern style. Industrial design interior is an ideal style that combines industrial design furnishings' sleek modernism and old-world charm with an organic, lived-in feel. Adria Workshop provides in-the-know designer tips for a beautiful blend of rustic and industrial decor!

Related: Decoration Ideas At Home: 30 Easy Ideas And Tips To Decorate Your Space

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What defines an industrial design interior?

Living room interior in industrial design
Modern industrial living room with an exposed ceiling and open windows. (Source: Internet)

The original setting for an industrial design interior is an old warehouse turned into an urban loft. As a result of these alterations, previously concealed architectural details were readily apparent. Exposed ceiling rafters made of iron or wood, brick walls and flooring, cement, ducting, and large windows. Together, they laid the groundwork for a rustic and aesthetically pleasing style.

While centered on minimalist, open spaces, the blend of rustic materials in furniture and lighting accents brings modern industrial interior design into every living environment. The unfinished look of the contemporary industrial design interior can be incorporated into any space to make it feel more unique and cutting-edge.

Another style you mind interested: Boho style home decor

Industrial style interior design history

Industrial-style interiors are current but stem from the Industrial Revolution. Industrial design history began with big factories that could house large machines and many workers.

  • First Industrial Revolution: Urban Europe and the US began mass production in the 1760s. Factory architecture began with huge grid-paned windows, lofted floors, open spaces, and exposed brick walls for fire safety.
  • Second Industrial Revolution: In the 1870s, enterprises combined under one roof, creating more giant factories. These constructions used exposed concrete and steel. In 1879, Edison light bulbs were invented. This era influenced steampunk. 
  • Housing difficulties in the 2000s: The industrial style came in the 2000s when New York and other significant regions faced housing shortages. Factories were converted into industrial loft apartments with open floor plans.
  • Minimalism and hygge rise: Industrial interior design has become popular because of minimalist , clean lines and rustic, reused components. Even suburban homes with open plans, expansive windows, and neutral palettes have adopted it. The neutral color , faded leather, salvaged wood, and other raw elements complement hygge, the cozier inspired by Scandinavian interior design style.

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5 key industrial style interior design characteristics

Interior designers and architects frequently choose the industrial aesthetic while working on projects for clients in major metropolitan areas. It's a classic look that has stood the test of time because it revolutionizes the idea of conventional architecture. Read on for 5 characteristics of industrial design interior to get a new look for your house.

1. Primary colors of industrial design interior characteristics

Neutral colors are typical colors in modern industrial design interiors
Neutral colors are typical colors in modern industrial design interiors. (Source: Internet)

Unlike other types of minimalist decor, industrial spaces don't stick to a single cool color palette. It uses the whole color gamut, from pure white to black, and even some neutral browns.

Colors usually used in industrial design interior are white, black, gray and brown
Modern industrial design home decor elements should present white, black, gray, and brown. (Source: Internet)

2. Industrial interior design materials

Metal and wood are used in industrial design home decor
The use of metal and wood will hit the difference in industrial design home decor. (Source: Internet)

Industrial material is an homage to the utilitarian objects that furnish a house. One of its most intriguing features is that it may be used for any aesthetic. The building's framework, made of steel or wood, or even the walls themselves, in their unfinished state, can be viewed as a work of art.

Metal furniture paired with wooden floors in an industrial kitchen
Metal furniture paired with wooden floors in an industrial kitchen. (Source: Internet)

Stainless steel, iron, aluminum, and copper are all viable options. Glass, concrete, brick, and unfinished or salvaged wood are some other materials that might be used. Leather and linen will work wonderfully as upholstery.

3. Natural light - Industrial style interior design characteristics

Industrial home style focus on natural light
Natural light will help to enhance other elements in the living room. (Source: Internet)

Large windows with black panes, sometimes arranged in a grid pattern, are a signature industrial design feature of industrial design. This window is crucial to use natural light to bring good health to homeowners.

Industrial living room with large windows
Open large windows create more space and light up the room. (Source: Internet)

4. Textured in industrial design interior characteristics

The industrial style aesthetic is no exception to the rule that texture is an essential component of any design style. Concrete, brick, hammered metal, and other naturally textured surfaces are typical of industrial aesthetics.

Textured industrial design
Different textures are associated with different kinds of industrial interior design styles. (Source: Internet)
Exposed brick, concrete floors, and visible ductwork are the features of the industrial design style.
Exposed brick, concrete floors, and visible ductwork will highlight the features of the industrial design style. (Source: Internet)

5. Open floor plans - Key industrial design interior characteristics

Open space in industrial design
Open floor plans offer additional room flexibility. (Source: Internet)

These days, open floor plans are a staple of industrial interior design. The success of such layouts is based on the seamless transitions between individual rooms. It transforms a drab location into the cozy confines of a home.

A living room with a Grafton industrial design interior
A living room with a Grafton industrial design interior. (Source: Internet)

Related style decor: Differences Between Mid Century Modern vs. Scandinavian Style

14 Industrial design interior elements

1. Dripping bricks

Exposed brick walls give many industrial lofts a vintage, manufacturing vibe. While most brand-new construction has had drywall slapped over its original brick walls, exposed brick walls are coming back in many types of residential construction.

Industrial living room with the exposed brick
Exposed brick will highlight the industrial style in the living room. (Source: Internet)

2. Use metal and wood elements to make industrial design interior

Stunning industrial design can be achieved by combining elements from different furniture styles.  

The juxtaposition of raw wood and exposed metal is a hallmark of industrial furniture
The juxtaposition of raw wood and exposed metal is a hallmark of industrial furniture. (Source: Internet)

3. Framing, pipes, and vents protrude - Significant industrial design interior elements

Keeping the raw materials of a factory intact is essential. Showing the bare bones of the space helps create that industrial feel. You'll achieve the desired "unfinished" industrial effect by exposing structural elements like steel beams, pipes, and ducts.

An office in industrial design
Office industrial interior design ideas with steel beams, pipes, and ducts. (Source: Internet)

4. Spruce up industrial design home decor with antiques and vintage accessories

Vintage accessories are used in industrial design home decor
In the case of furniture, the industrial sector frequently looks to the past for inspiration. The best-case scenario is acquiring authentic antiques in person. (Source: Internet)

5. Use color schemes in silver metallic

The main colors of industrial design interior are silver, grey and gold
Industrial settings are not known for their use of vibrant colors. Some browns and dark navy blues may be present, but silver, grey, and gold predominate. (Source: Internet)

6. Distressed Leather - Industrial design interior elements

Distressed leather is an essential element in industrial design home decor
To soften the harsh metal of an industrial area, distressed leather is essential. When I see a typical industrial-style living room, I picture a space filled with worn brown leather sofas. (Source: Internet)

7. Plain old Edison lights - Industrial design interior elements 

The Edison bulb is the standard in commercial and factory lighting. Firms like Schoolhouse Electric have gained notoriety for their stunning, bulb-free light fittings.

Pendant lights and desk lamps in industrial design home decor
I've seen many pendant lights and desk lamps in factories and warehouses with giant metal domes. (Source: Internet)

8. Cage Lighting - Industrial design interior elements

Use cage lighting in industrial design home decor
Another common type of modern industrial lighting is the cage lamp. In this fixture, the lightbulb is "caged" by metal bars. (Source: Internet)

9. Massive metal pendant lights and lamps with dome-shaped shades

industrial 23-1

Massive metal pendant lights and lamps with dome-shaped shades (Source: internet)

10. Copper Cookware - Industrial design interior elements

Cooking with copper cookware is a great way to bring a cozy industrial style into your home. And lastly, I've seen that many contemporary industrial homes feature concrete in their kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas of the home's interior design. Concrete's standard grey hue complements a wide range of tones, including metal and wood.

Copper cookware is one of the elements used in industrial design
Copper kitchenware, especially pots, and pans, add appealing retro chic to an otherwise modern kitchen. (Source: Internet)

11. Concrete - Industrial design interior elements

When I think of concrete countertops, I immediately think of Joanna Gaines and how much she adores the ones in her kitchen. However, concrete has been used as a building material for centuries. In any case, how common are concrete floors and walls in storage facilities? It's the epitome of the modern industrial look and is here to stay.

Concrete countertops in industrial kitchen
Concrete countertops in industrial kitchen. (Source: Internet)

12. Draftsman Task Chairs - Industrial design interior elements

The industrial draughtsman task chair is the only kind of commercial furniture that belongs in a private residence. Craftspeople and artists rely on them frequently while creating art or constructing functional objects. These chairs have become the standard for modern architects or artists' studios.

A draftsman task chair
The draftsman task chair (Source: Internet)


13. Coffee Table on Castors - Industrial design interior elements

A rolling work table from the factory might serve as a stylish coffee table. Coffee tables on wheels are a staple in homes decorated in an industrial style.

Related: Best Mid Century Coffee Table Style For You

A coffee table on wheels in an industrial style
A coffee table on wheels in an industrial style (Source: Internet)

14. Black Grid-Framed Windows - Industrial design interior elements

Get oversized, dark window frames and install them in a grid pattern. This makes me think of warehouses or manufacturing windows. Furthermore, they let in a lot of natural light.

The black grid-framed windows are used a lot in industrial design interior
The black grid-framed windows are used a lot in industrial design interiors (Source: Internet)

10+ tips to decorate industrial design interior

To make it easy for you to recreate industrial design style in your own house perfectly, here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

Use exposed pipes, ducts, and metal beams to decorate the industrial coffee shop

House decoration in industrial design with exposed pipes, ducts and metal beams
Leaving some raw elements is the best way to define an industrial coffee shop. (Source: Internet)

A fundamental aspect of repurposing an industrial space is preserving as many raw materials as possible. Showing the bare bones of the room helps create that industrial feel. You'll achieve the desired "unfinished" industrial effect by exposing structural elements like steel beams, pipes, and ducts.

Exposed pipes right in the dining room
Exposed pipes right in the dining room. (Source: Internet)

A room with all-white walls and a ceiling with exposed pipes can be a stunning design feature because of the stark contrast between the metal and white surfaces.

Living room decorated in industrial style
One industrial-style coffee shop with high ceilings paired with exposed ducts. (Source: Internet)

Decorate the industrial design interior with vintage furniture 

Industrial living room with vintage furniture and accessories
The industrial design will be completed by adding vintage furniture and accessories. (Source: Internet)

The aesthetic of antique or historical furniture is frequently used as a source of inspiration in the industrial furniture industry. What's even better is if you can acquire some genuine antiques.

Wood texture is crucial when designing industrial interiors. Your wooden furniture colors don't have to match the same color. Mix and match the furniture with different colors to create a laid-back room vibe.

An old metal cabinet can be reused as a table in a industrial living room
An old cabinet can be reused as a table. (Source: Internet)

Industrial design home decor by adding some textiles

Adding natural textiles to get a cozy look for industrial design home decor.
Adding natural textiles to get a cozy look for industrial design home decor. (Source: Internet)
Mixing industrial design interior patterns creates aesthetic appeal
Using natural materials, even a modern home can feel cozier and more inviting. The furniture and accents made out of materials such as leather that has been worn or linen are good choices for these situations. (Source: Internet)

Decorate industrial design interior by getting sunlight through windows

Bring some fresh air with big windows along the house as industrial interior design ideas.
Bring some fresh air with big windows along the house as industrial interior design ideas. (Source: Internet)

Many interiors in searches for "industrial design interior ideas" include large windows reminiscent of those found in lofts. Those windows are, in fact, a classic element of the country-chic factory style. Huge windows in the loft style let in lots of light and can even be considered an aesthetic element due to their metal construction.

Industrial design interior living room with multiple windows on the side.
Industrial design interior living room with multiple windows on the side. (Source: Internet)

If your restoration plans include new windows, this is the style you should aim for. If you can't make them bigger, at least give them a loft-style framing (preferably in black) to give the room a more factory feel.

Decorate industrial design home decor by combining palettes and metal

Decorate industrial design interior home decor by combining palettes and metal
Matching metals to color palettes creates harmony and unity in the industrial design interior. (Source: Internet)

The rule against mixing metals is not one of those tried and true guidelines for interior design that has stood the test of time. Blending metals creates a sophisticated look that complements any decor. The combination of metals creates depth, drawing attention from the details of the dominant hue to the accent colors.

Mixing different industrial interior design materials can bring a new look to the dining room
Mixing different metal types can bring a new look to the dining room. (Source: Internet)

Keep to warmer metals like copper and gold if your room already has a lot of warm tones. Cast iron and stainless steel are great options for a cool color scheme. Most importantly, you will have greater leeway to experiment with color combinations if your room's primary colors are white or black.

Best 17+ Modern Industrial Interior Design Ideas

Look at the great industrial interior design ideas to decorate your house.

Industrial design interior concept
Industrial design interior concept (Source: Internet)
Industrial design home decor for apartment
Industrial design interior concept in an apartment (Source: Internet)
Industrial design interior kitchen
Industrial design interior kitchen (Source: Internet)
Industrial interior design ideas for office
Industrial design interior office (Source: Internet)
Industrial design interior living room
Industrial design interior loft living room (Source: Internet)
Industrial design interior dinning room
Industrial design interior kitchen (Source: Internet)
Modern Industrial Interior Design ideas
Modern Industrial Interior Design coffee shop ideas (Source: Internet)
Industrial contemporary interior design ideas
Loft industrial contemporary interior design ideas (Source: Internet)
A coffee shop with industrial interior design materials
Make Industrial Interior Design Coffee Shop with industrial interior design materials (Source: Internet)
Modern industrial design interior for your bedroom
Modern industrial interior design for your bedroom (Source: Internet)
Industrial design interior living room
Industrial design interior living room (Source: Internet)
Industrial contemporary interior design apartment ideas
Industrial contemporary interior design apartment ideas for living room (Source: Internet)
Decor home with urban industrial interior design ideas
Decor home with urban industrial interior design ideas (Source: Internet)
Decorate your small apartment with industrial interior design ideas
Decorate your small apartment with industrial interior design ideas (Source: Internet)
Industrial design home decor for dining room
Industrial design home decor for the dining room (Source: Internet)
Industrial style mix with Mid-century design interior living room
Industrial style mix with Mid-century design interior living room (Source: Internet)
Industrial design interior in house
Industrial design interior in the house (Source: Internet)

Last words about Industrial Interior Design

The architectural elements within a space define industrial interiors. Focus on the unfinished look, and industrial interiors combine old pipes and ducts in brick walls and floor space. These factors blend to create the attraction of industrial style.

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