Industrial interior design: 7 characteristics you need to know

Industrial interior design has gained popularity for its raw, unfinished look that blends functionality with aesthetics.

This design approach draws inspiration from old factories and industrial spaces, transforming them into stylish, modern interiors.

Whether you’re looking to create an industrial home design or update your living space with industrial modern decor, understanding its key characteristics is essential.

What is industrial interior design?

Industrial interior design is a style that embraces raw materials, open spaces, and a neutral colour palette to create an unfinished yet sophisticated aesthetic. Originating from the conversion of warehouses and old factories into loft-style apartments, the industrial design style showcases a blend of old and new. This approach celebrates exposed structures, repurposed materials, and a balance between rustic and contemporary elements.

The roots of industrial interior design can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when industrial buildings were designed with functionality in mind rather than aesthetics.

With the decline of manufacturing industries in the mid-20th century, many factories and warehouses were abandoned. In the 1960s and 1970s, artists and creatives began repurposing these spaces, transforming them into loft apartments and studios, particularly in cities like New York and London. This marked the beginning of the industrial aesthetic as a recognised interior design trend.

Famous instances of industrial interior design can be seen in renowned spaces such as the Soho lofts in New York, which became cultural hubs for artists in the 1970s. Similarly, the repurposed warehouses along the River Thames in London have been transformed into luxury apartments while maintaining their industrial heritage.

Iconic industrial-style restaurants and hotels, such as the Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn and The Hoxton in London, also embrace this aesthetic, proving that the industrial style is not just for homes but can be successfully adapted for commercial spaces as well.

Industrial style interior design is often associated with high ceilings, large windows, and open floor plans. By incorporating elements such as metal, wood, and concrete, this style achieves a rugged, functional, and effortlessly stylish atmosphere.

Characteristics of industrial interior design

If you’re considering an industrial interior for your home or office, here are seven key characteristics to keep in mind:

1. Exposed structural elements

One of the defining features of the industrial aesthetic is the visibility of structural components. Unlike traditional interiors that conceal pipes, ducts, and beams, industrial style embraces them as design elements. Common exposed features include:

• Steel or iron beams
• Brick walls
• Concrete ceilings
• Visible ductwork and piping

These elements add character and authenticity to industrial home design, creating a space that feels open, raw, and unpolished.

2. Raw and natural materials

Industrial design heavily relies on raw and natural materials that highlight texture and durability. Materials commonly used in industrial style include:

• Metal: Often used for light fixtures, railings, and furniture accents
• Wood: Found in reclaimed wood floors, furniture, and shelving
• Concrete: Used in floors, countertops, and walls
• Brick: Exposed brick walls add warmth and depth to industrial interiors

These materials contribute to the rugged charm and timeless appeal of industrial modern decor.

Beata Heuman explains in her Interior Design BBC Maestro course that ‘flooring is subject to serious wear-and-tear.” As a result, she always advocates “for natural wood” with oak being her favourite. When researching interiors, it’s important to remember that “it doesn’t have to be new. Reclaimed flooring is readily available and equally – if not more- aesthetically pleasing”.

3. Neutral and earthy colour palette

The industrial design style typically features a muted, neutral colour palette. Shades of grey, black, brown, and white dominate, creating a subdued yet sophisticated look. Earthy tones, such as rust, deep green, and burnt orange, are often used as accent colours to add warmth and contrast.

4. Minimalist and functional furniture

Industrial interior design prioritises function over excess. Furniture pieces are often simple, sturdy, and practical, with clean lines and little ornamentation. Common industrial-style furniture includes:

• Metal-framed chairs and tables
• Leather sofas in neutral tones
• Wooden shelving units with metal brackets
• Repurposed vintage or factory-style furniture

This minimalist approach ensures a clutter-free and cohesive industrial aesthetic.

5. Open spaces and high ceilings

The industrial style interior design concept thrives on openness. Large, open layouts with high ceilings create an airy and spacious feel, reminiscent of old warehouses and lofts. To maintain this sense of openness:

• Avoid excessive partitioning
• Use furniture to define spaces rather than walls
• Maximise natural light with large windows

This characteristic makes industrial home design particularly suited for lofts, modern apartments, and open-plan living areas.

6. Industrial lighting fixtures

Lighting plays a crucial role in defining industrial interiors. Beata Heuman says, “Lighting is what creates an atmosphere in your home once the sun has set”. Statement lighting fixtures, often inspired by vintage factories, add to the raw and functional aesthetic. Popular industrial lighting options include:

• Pendant lights with metal shades
• Edison bulb chandeliers
• Cage or pipe-style sconces
• Floor lamps with an aged or rustic finish

These fixtures provide both functionality and a striking visual element to industrial modern decor.

7. Vintage and repurposed elements

Industrial interior design often incorporates repurposed and vintage items, giving spaces a sense of history and uniqueness. Some ways to integrate vintage elements include:

• Using old factory carts as coffee tables
• Repurposing metal lockers for storage
• Decorating with antique signs or industrial gears
• Incorporating distressed furniture with a worn-in look

These elements enhance the industrial aesthetic while adding personality and warmth to the space.

Industrial interior design combines raw materials, minimalist decor, and functional aesthetics to create a timeless and stylish environment. Whether you’re designing a modern industrial interior design for a loft, office, or home, embracing these key characteristics will help you achieve the perfect industrial look. By incorporating exposed structural elements, vintage furnishings, and an earthy colour palette, you can craft a space that is both edgy and inviting.

Ready to dive into the world of Interior Design? Discover Beata Heuman’s BBC Maestro course on Interior Design.