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The Industrial Design Style

Originating from the repurposed lofts and spaces of old factories and warehouses, the Industrial design style celebrates the raw, unfinished, and functional aspects of a space. In residential interior design, it manifests as an aesthetic that is both rugged and refined.

Characterized by exposed brick walls, steel beams, and unfinished wood, the Industrial style is an homage to the architectural details of the past. Instead of hiding structural elements, they are showcased, turning pipes, ducts, and beams into design features. Large windows, often in steel frames, allow abundant natural light, reminiscent of the old factory windows.

While the Industrial design style may feel austere to some, it can also be warmed up with textiles, plants, and personal touches. This flexibility, coupled with its nod to history and architecture, makes the Industrial style a favored choice for many contemporary homes.

Industrial Style Architecture

Exposed brick walls, steel beams, and concrete floors dominate the scene, highlighting the raw essence of construction. Ceilings are often high, revealing exposed pipes and ductwork. Large, steel-framed windows are a signature feature, offering abundant light and connecting the interior to the exterior. The overall structure feels open and airy, often with minimal partitions, emphasizing spaciousness and fluidity of movement.


  • Exposed brick walls and steel beams accentuate the raw, unrefined character of spaces.

  • High ceilings often expose structural elements like pipes and ductwork.

  • Large, steel-framed windows are quintessential, pouring in natural light.

  • Open floor plans are common, fostering a sense of spaciousness and fluid movement.

  • The design deliberately reveals the building's structural and functional elements, turning them into aesthetic features.

Industrial Style Materials

Exposed brick and untreated wood offer texture and warmth, while metals like steel, iron, and copper contribute a cool, rugged feel. Concrete, whether in floors, walls, or countertops, is another hallmark, celebrated for its robustness and simplicity. Glass in large, steel-framed windows brings in transparency and light. Together, these materials curate a space that feels both authentic and functional, unmasking the beauty in the bare essentials.

  • Exposed brick walls provide texture and a touch of historical resonance.

  • Untreated and reclaimed wood introduces warmth and rusticity.

  • Metals, especially steel and iron, offer durability and a raw aesthetic.

  • Concrete is favored for its sturdiness and minimalist appeal.

  • Large expanses of glass are utilized to connect interiors with exteriors and maximize natural light.

Industrial Style Colors and Finishes

Industrial design typically embraces a neutral and muted color palette. Grays, from charcoal to softer hues, dominate alongside raw brick reds, blacks, and earthy browns. These colors mirror the natural patina and wear of industrial materials. Finishes tend to be matte and untreated, enhancing the raw and unrefined ethos of the style. However, pops of bold color or polished metal accents can occasionally be introduced to create contrast and interest. 

  • Neutral hues, especially grays and blacks, form the core color palette.

  • Raw, untreated finishes capture the essence of worn and timeworn materials.

  • Matte surfaces, whether in metals or woods, are predominant.

  • Accents in bold colors or polished finishes can be introduced to break the monochrome.

  • The overall approach aims for authenticity, allowing materials to age naturally and showcase their inherent character.

Industrial Style Furniture and Decor

Industrial design furniture leans toward functionality and simplicity, with a no-frills approach. Materials like raw wood, metal, and leather are commonly utilized, offering both durability and an authentic aesthetic. Pieces often resemble those found in old workshops or factories, like workbenches, stools, or metal shelving units. Decor is minimalist, but when present, it often has a utilitarian feel—think vintage signs, factory lamps, or mechanical artifacts. 

  • Furniture pieces prioritize functionality and are often crafted from raw wood and metal.

  • Leather, with its aged patina, is a popular upholstery choice, adding warmth and texture.

  • Decor items, like vintage signs or mechanical artifacts, nod to the industrial heritage.

  • Open shelving, metal racks, and simple storage solutions are characteristic of the style.

  • Minimalism is key, with a focus on spaciousness and items that possess both utility and historical resonance.

Industrial Style Lighting

Lighting in Industrial design plays a pivotal role in enhancing the raw and rugged ambiance. Fixtures are often reminiscent of those found in factories and workshops: think pendant lights with metal cages, exposed bulbs, and pulley systems. Track lighting and metal pipe fixtures add to the utilitarian vibe. Materials like aged steel, brushed nickel, or matte black are prevalent. 

  • Pendant lights with metal cages or exposed bulbs evoke a factory-like setting.

  • Track lighting offers flexibility while maintaining the industrial theme.

  • Aged steel, brushed nickel, and matte black are favored materials for fixtures.

  • Designs often incorporate functional elements like pulleys, chains, or adjustable arms.

  • The lighting choices, both in design and placement, enhance the raw and authentic feel of the space.