Mastering the Industrial Chic Look: 9 Tips and Tricks for Your Space

Industrial chic is one of the hottest interior design styles around at the moment and for good reason!

This style perfectly combines raw, utilitarian materials with modern, sophisticated design elements. It’s the perfect way to add a bit of personality and edge to your space, whether it’s your living room, bedroom or office.

So, what exactly is industrial chic style?

Industrial chic takes inspiration from industrial buildings and factories and is characterised by its use of raw, unfinished materials like exposed brick, concrete and metal. It celebrates the beauty in the functional and seeks to highlight the inherent qualities of materials that are often hidden behind a finished surface.

Start with a neutral base

Firstly, start with a neutral base. Your walls and floors should be kept in neutral tones like white, grey or beige. This will allow the textures and finishes of the industrial materials to stand out. Then, embrace raw materials such as concrete, exposed brick, and metal. Look for furniture pieces made from these materials, or add them in smaller doses with accessories like lamps or wall art.

Add texture and softness

It’s also important to add some softness to the space. This can be achieved through textiles like rugs, cushions, and curtains. Look for natural materials like linen or cotton to add some warmth to the space. Get 7 creative ways to add texture to your home here.

Mix old + new

Mixing old and new is another great way to achieve the look. Look for vintage industrial pieces like old factory carts or metal filing cabinets and pair them with modern furniture or accessories.

Get creative with lighting

Creative lighting is key in this style. Look for lighting fixtures that incorporate industrial materials like metal or concrete. You can also get creative with lighting by using exposed bulbs or hanging lamps from the ceiling. Take look at Industville for lighting inspo

Minimal styling

When it comes to accents, less is more. Rather than cluttering your space with stuff, choose a few statement pieces to highlight. This could be a piece of wall art, a unique accessory like an old-fashioned clock, or a piece of furniture with an interesting shape or texture. Again always try and think concept not theme and you’ll be able to embrace industrial chic properly.

Don’t be afraid to add a pop of colour to your space. Look for muted, earthy tones like rust or forest green to add some interest without overpowering the space. You could also add a statement piece of furniture like a bright red sofa.

Add greenery

Adding some greenery to your space is a great way to soften the industrial edge of the look. Look for plants with a more rugged, natural look like succulents or ferns. You could also incorporate plants in interesting ways like hanging them from the ceiling or creating a living wall.

Edgy art

When it comes to art, choose pieces that have an industrial edge. Look for art that incorporates industrial materials like metal or concrete, or that features industrial themes like factory buildings or machinery.

Finally, keep it simple! At the heart of industrial chic is simplicity, so avoid overdecorating or cluttering your space with unnecessary items. Stick to a few key pieces and let the raw materials and textures shine.

If you’re interested in exploring other design styles, there are plenty of options to choose from, including how to get the Scandinavian look, how to create the bohemian look.

Whatever your style, remember to have fun and let your personality shine through in your space! And for even more inspiration, be sure to check out our Freebie Vault, where you can access a wide range of goodies and other resources to help bring your design vision to life.