One of our favorite decorating styles that we've seen come to life in the past few years has been the Industrial Loft style. At once modern and vintage, the Industrial Loft style is best suited to spaces that are drenched in sunlight and dappled with old world details such as exposed brick, wood ceiling beams, and wide planked hardwood floors. Born out of the the look of old factory buildings that have been reimagined for both residential living and commercial office space, the Industrial Loft decorating style is all about reclamation. Reclaimed wood meets polished steel. Factory pieces from the past meet the clean, modern lines of the future. At its core, the industrial loft look is all about utility meeting beauty. It's about finding something new in the old, about taking pieces that have been tossed aside and breathing new life into them by rethinking their usage. A heavy wooden door becomes a table top. A 1920s cast iron sewing machine table becomes a desk. Simple, factory-style lighting becomes the centerpiece over dining tables and kitchen countertops. Concrete, wood, and steel become the basis for a home that plays host to layered textures of leather, wool, sisal and linen. Anything that would have once been at home in a assembly-line style factory can find a home in an industrial loft style space, so long as it's done right.
Still not sure how to decorate in the industrial loft style in your home? We've rounded up six pieces to help you get the look in your space, but when in doubt, follow these rules:
1) Reclaimed wood is king. Whether it's a coffee or dining table, bookshelf or light fixture, wood that has found a second home is key.
2) Emphasize the quirky details. Exposed brick coming apart in spots? Don't stress. Hardwood floors a bit uneven here and there? Don't let that stop you. These little details are what make the space shine. Consider decking out a wall or two in amazing, interesting, one of a kind wallpaper.
3) Play with metal. Cast iron and steel are your friend. Find pieces that pair them with reclaimed wood and distressed paint. New and old can play together, we promise.
4) Think of new ways to use old pieces. Get creative with your decorating. Peruse flea markets for old industrial accents that can find a new home in your space. An old laundry cart can make for the perfect place to store extra pillows and blankets for overnight guests. A giant wagon wheel can become the centerpiece of your living room decor. Find the diamond in the rough, and let it stay rough.
5) Lived in is good. Overstuffed leather armchairs and chesterfield sofas are the perfect pieces for an industrial loft living room. Tolix-style bar stools with a little bit of depth in their steel meet their match in a reclaimed wood bistro table. Hunt for furniture that doesn't feel straight from the crate. You want pieces with depth and history.
Now, for six picks to help you get the look in your own space.
coffee table | reclaimed wood armchair | steel bar stool | vintage foosball table | wood and wire bistro table | rustic wood and iron bookcase
