Industrial Interior Design
Industrial interior design is making the papers! The design style is popular in transforming lofts and old buildings into living spaces as well with apartments and houses. Remember the appearance of old factories where the pipelines and vents are visible? That is the image you would want for your space. The things that you need are illusions of rough surfaces and materials that are commonly seen in old factories.
Industrial interior design tends to be minimalist in nature, yet, there are still a lot of room for adding items that would enhance the appearance of an old industrial building.
Characteristics of the Industrial interior design
Every interior design style has its own special features. Here are some of the features of the industrial interior design that you will find amazing especially when you want the design style in your own home.
1. Lighting – choose free standing floor lamps in metal finishing as a source of light.
2. Floor – polished concrete is the most common and it can be rough and patchy. The use of timber or stone are good options to achieve that industrial appearance.
3. Color – avoid bright and bold colors. Try using warm and neutral tones to color your space, such as gray. It also blends well with white to have that clean look.
4. Walls and structure – one of the key features of the industrial interior design is the unfinished walls and exposed concrete and stainless steel. Add large art pieces on the walls to make it look more like a living space.
5. Décor and furniture – large sofas and large scattered cushions plus the addition of plants will help achieve in having the industrial interior design appearance.
History of the Industrial Interior Design
Industrial buildings emerged during the 1700s. Of course, during those years, technological advancement is not yet apparent therefore contingencies were ensured so that work flow will be efficient. For instance, narrow structures with large windows were constructed so that natural light will be able to saturate the work floor. Over decoration was avoided and that the buildings were made to streamline the production of goods. The priority of the buildings then was safety such that efforts were made to fire proof the buildings. Due to this, insurance companies greatly influenced the shaping of the industrial architecture.
The lay out of the building was made simple to minimize any untoward accidents. Commonly, the design was made as follows:
1. Flat roofs instead of attics.
2. Open floor plans with isolated stairwells.
3. Recommended were plain facades so as to prevent any ornamental objects from being fire hazards.
4. Exposed bricks, pipes, and ductwork.
The use of coal to produce mechanical power in the 1900s created new concepts for the design of the industrial buildings. This led to the upgrading the building and creating larger and more adaptable spaces. The use of concrete and metal was introduced by one of the most influential architects in industrial design, Albert Khan. He was able to conceptualize the design for industrial buildings and that design is still common and popular nowadays. He ensured that the design if the building will make production more efficient by housing all the materials and production line under one roof, instead of the traditional layout where materials are kept in another building.
The advent of reinforced concrete and stell in industrial buildings made it possible to have larger and longer structures. This design made sure that production will be more efficient and streamlined. This design likewise needed larger land so manufacturing plants have to move out of the cities leaving their old buildings uninhabited and neglected.
Between 1960s and 1970s, the rediscovery and repurposing of these old factories within the city were conceptualized. This started in New England and Lower Manhattan in the United States. The old design is versatile such that designers can flexibly design the old factories into living quarters. This was the birth of the industrial chic and is still prevalent nowadays.
Modern Industrial interior design that you will love
Modern industrial interior design easily blends with any other style. The clean lines and bold features of the industrial interior design acts as a contrast to any design it is paired with. The use of materials such as brick, metal and reclaimed wood were popularized by the designers and transformed them into something extravagant.
Industrial spaces are becoming popular venue for various events such as ball and weddings. The large space, windows and the open layout that the place offers make it perfect for such events. The industrial interior design used to be masculine in appearance, but the versatility of the place can make likewise appear feminine. Further designing and decorating the place will make it appear good to both genders.
Salvaging old materials form the old factories and repurposing or recycling them will instill the roots of the industrial interior design. Creating tables from the wood of the floor of the old building or chairs from the former doors and windows will acknowledge the roots of the industrial interior design.
This design is the embodiment of part of the American history and will be an important part of the home, workplace and spaces.