Industrial interior design is one of the most sought-after styles today, with rustic industrial decor gaining significant popularity. The charm of this style lies in its combination of unfinished and polished elements, creating a captivating mix. However, achieving a harmonious rustic industrial interior design can be challenging. That's why we're here to offer expert tips and tricks to help you master this style seamlessly.
What is Industrial Interior Design?
Modern industrial interior design by Decorilla designer, Shasta P.
Originally, industrial interior design originated from the conversion of old warehouses into urban lofts. These transformations exposed architectural elements such as iron or wooden beams, brick walls, cement floors, ductwork, and expansive windows. These elements formed the foundation of a raw yet beautiful style.
The rustic decor style perfectly complements these unrefined features, resulting in a favorite mix—rustic industrial interior design. This style embraces a typically neutral color palette and prefers distressed materials, creating a relaxed and inviting ambiance. The beauty of rustic industrial decor lies in its ability to be easily recreated without the need for a warehouse loft.
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10 Tips to Recreate Rustic Industrial Decor Style
Rustic industrial decor in a home office by Decorilla designer, Wanda P.
Give these expert tips a try to effortlessly incorporate rustic industrial decor into your home!
1. Industrial Interior Design Essentials: Natural Palette & Textures
Rustic industrial style living room by Decorilla designer, Kristina B.
One essential aspect of industrial style interior design is a rich color palette that incorporates neutral browns, whites, and blacks. To achieve this palette, combine different shades of brown and tan to create a relaxed atmosphere. Add white elements to give the space a clean look, and incorporate black accents for contrast and character.
Textures also play a crucial role in industrial interiors. For instance, a distressed leather chair can add texture and various shades of brown. Pair it with a plain white wall to create a mix of high and low that characterizes rustic industrial decor. Additionally, strategically place black metal accents to enhance certain features of your home. The perfect palette for a rustic industrial interior is a blend of natural colors, creating a unique and relaxed vibe.
2. Mix Modern & Rustic for Flawless Rustic Industrial Interior Design
Modern industrial interior design by Decorilla designer, Rajna S.
One defining characteristic of industrial style interiors is the combination of modern and rustic elements. There are no strict rules regarding the proportion of high and low elements in a rustic industrial space. You have the freedom to lean towards a more modern or rustic look based on your personal taste.
For example, you can create a stunning industrial living room with either a sleek black leather sofa or a distressed leather one. You can choose to leave the walls rough or paint them plain white. The key is to strike a balance between modern and rustic elements that suits your style preferences.
3. Open Up the Space
Industrial style interior design with an open floorplan by Decorilla designer, Kate S.
When envisioning industrial style, urban lofts often come to mind. Open floor plans are a hallmark of these spaces, and replicating this layout is essential for achieving an industrial rustic living room. Consider incorporating a kitchen island to connect the living area with the cooking space. A dining table will also fit perfectly in this industrial layout, creating the perfect open plan in the daytime area.
If possible, maintain an open concept for the sleeping area as well. You can elevate the bed on a raised floor or use alternative features like curtains, open bookshelves, or sliding barn doors to create separation while maintaining the open feel. Open floor plans also make a space appear larger, maximizing natural light and optimizing square footage. Use large area rugs, room dividers, movable partitions, or strategically placed bookshelves to create visual separation between different functional areas.
4. Choose Industrial-Style Lighting
Modern industrial style decor and lighting by Decorilla designer, Rajna S.
Each interior style has its preferred lighting choices, and industrial interior design is no exception. What sets industrial lighting apart is its ability to transform simple light bulbs into statement lighting.
With the rising popularity of this style, there is an abundance of unique and beautiful light bulbs available in the market. Choose bulbs with different shapes and decorative filaments to enhance the industrial aesthetic. Consider hanging cables straight down from the ceiling or arranging them in intricate shapes to create a captivating statement chandelier at an affordable cost.
Wood or black metal details and unconventional objects, such as pipes and chains, can be repurposed as parts of a lamp. Don't be afraid to mix and match finishes to achieve a cohesive yet relaxed atmosphere. Industrial-style lighting adds character and serves as a focal point in your rustic industrial interior design.
5. Switch to Loft-Type Windows
Industrial interior design inspiration by Decorilla designer, Corine M.
Large loft-type windows are characteristic of industrial living room decor. These windows allow ample natural light to flood the space and contribute to the overall industrial ambiance. If feasible, consider modifying your windows to have a loft-type structure, preferably with a black frame. This modification alone can significantly enhance the industrial feel of your space.
However, if you are unable to make structural changes to your windows, don't fret. By following our other tips for furniture, finishes, and decor selection, you can still achieve a beautiful rustic industrial style in your home.
6. Use Distressed Wood in Your Rustic Industrial Interior Design
Rustic industrial interior design attic by Decorilla designer, Rajna S.
When it comes to selecting wood for your rustic industrial interior design, texture is key. Opt for distressed wood with visible knots and a slightly rough touch. Embrace the imperfection and allow variations in color. Non-matching wooden pieces add to the relaxed atmosphere of rustic industrial decor.
You can find furniture pieces with a distressed finish readily available for purchase. Alternatively, unleash your creativity and transform reclaimed wood into side tables or shelves. Thrift stores and garage sales are also excellent sources for finding distressed wood furniture. Keep an open mind when shopping and consider how items might complement the overall design. A fresh coat of paint and new drawer pulls can breathe new life into furniture pieces, allowing you to save money while achieving your desired rustic industrial aesthetic.
7. Add Metal Accents
Industrial style decor in a loft kitchen by Decorilla designer, Kristina B.
Metal accents are an integral part of industrial interior design, often used to introduce black accents. Aim for black metal finishes in your decor selections. While black is ideal, you have room to experiment with different finishes. Polished metal provides a sleek and modern look, while brushed and rusted metal adds to the rustic feel of your interior.
Mixing and matching finishes is welcome in rustic industrial decor, as long as the overall design remains cohesive. Stick to 2 or 3 different finishes and repeat them throughout all rooms for a carefully planned look. Metal accents can be incorporated into various elements, including shelving units, tables, chairs, and accessories. Don't shy away from exploring unconventional objects that can be repurposed as decorative features.
8. Leave Structural Elements Exposed for True Industrial Interior Design
Industrial interior design by Decorilla designer, Tijana Z.
Leaving finishes and structural elements exposed is a key aspect of rustic industrial interior design. Exposed brick walls and concrete floors are quintessential elements of this style. Depending on the level of modernity or rusticity you desire, you can leave these features entirely exposed or highlight specific areas to create focal points. Not only does exposing these elements add character, but it can also save you money during renovations.
Structural elements such as wooden beams, pillars, columns, ductwork, and pipes further contribute to the industrial aesthetic. Don't cover them up—paint them in contrasting colors to make them stand out. These unique features give your home a distinct character while staying true to the rustic industrial style.
9. Consider Faux Features
Rustic industrial design style by Decorilla designer, Wanda P.
If you're working with a space that doesn't naturally lend itself to rustic industrial decor, don't worry. You can recreate the look of exposed brick walls and concrete floors using faux features. Wallpapers and 3D tiles can mimic the appearance of brick walls and concrete floors with remarkable accuracy. Consider these options if you are unable to modify the structure.
Similarly, decorative pipes, ducts, and beams can be added as design elements. While they may not serve a structural purpose, they contribute to the industrial vibe of your space. These "faux" options allow you to achieve the rustic industrial style even in spaces where permanent changes are not possible.
10. Finish It All Up With Industrial Style Decor
Rustic industrial bedroom by Decorilla designer, Kate S.
Accessories are vital for adding personality to any interior, including rustic industrial style. Pillows, artworks, table lamps, and other decorative pieces can complete your color palette and add a personal touch to your space. They can also adjust the overall vibe by bringing in more rustic or modern elements.
You'll find plenty of industrial-themed accessories in home decor shops, but you can also unleash your creativity and make your own at a fraction of the cost. Repurpose objects like wood, metal pipes, chains, car plates, and pulleys to create unique pieces that reflect the industrial aesthetic. These personal touches will make your home truly one-of-a-kind and serve as great conversation starters.
Explore Rustic Industrial Decor Style for Your Home
If you're ready to incorporate rustic industrial decor style into your home but need expert guidance, our top industrial interior designers can bring your vision to life. Schedule a Free Interior Design Consultation and start your design journey today!
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