Trends That Won't Die: Industrial Elements
Becky Harris
December 3, 2010
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
I'm not sure when the industrial trend began, but I can think of quite a few ways it has continued in popular culture. Andy Warhol and his silver balloon-filled Factory. Director Adrian Lyne's smokin' hot lofts in movies like "Flashdance," "Fatal Attraction" and "Nine 1/2 Weeks." The obnoxious casts of MTV's "The Real World" living in the likes of macked-out converted firehouses. Loft conversion style has spread far beyond former factories and warehouses, with industrial elements borrowed and adapted to all styles of homes, from major spatial moves to tiny details. Let's take a look.
This entire layout reads like a modern art gallery plan, and many of the furnishings have an industrial edge.
I probably use this image way too often, but the conversion of propane tanks to kitchen island pendants is just too clever. The house is a wonderful balance between traditional luxe and contemporary edginess. Industrial pieces are an important ingredients in the mix.
Would you believe this is a cottage? Industrial light pendants, open space, exposed I-beams, a metal railing, and natural light provide industrial style. Check out the exterior of this house. I think you'll be surprised!
Perhaps the biggest trend adapted from loft conversions is stainless steel. First seen on exposed ducts near ceilings, it has spread to become the most requested finish for appliances and range hoods.
This modern addition on a more traditional house fuses the two styles. Reclaimed wood and divided space meets an industrial faucet, smooth floor and large doors that open the dining are to the outside.
Metal beams, a table that looks like it came from a woodshop, rough-hewn planks around the chimney and factory lights contrast with the crisp white walls.
This comfortable living room has several industrial elements that add interest: The metal pendant light, the iron and reclaimed wood coffee table, and the console that looks like it came from a high tech CSI lab keep things interesting.
This home's staircase and wine storage are so futuristic that I expect some Jetsons' robot to serve as the sommelier.
Another great metal staircase is a striking diagonal element.
This dining room seems as though you could move a few elements around and turn it into a loading dock. Architects have learned a lot about scale and how to adapt it to living spaces from converted factory spaces.
Sleek track lighting and a metal sculpture on the wall add just a hint of industrial style to this sophisticated living room.
Audrey Matlock Architects
Architects have swiped concrete floors and steel cased windows and adapted them to single family houses. It's a trend that's here to stay, no matter what Unhappy Hipsters have to say!
A few industrial elements thrown into an assemblage of vintage ephemera works well in (surprise!) a farmhouse.
Do you have any industrial elements around your house? If so, please share with us in the comments section!
Do you have any industrial elements around your house? If so, please share with us in the comments section!
T. Walton Carr, Architects is a full-service Architecture firm based in Ohio. The firm specializes in customized... Read More
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I see you wrote this 5 years ago! Industrial is reaching critical mass. We incorporate some industrial elements (raw steel railing, barn doors) into our home remodel 7 years ago and I am surprised and happy to say that they'd trends have become mainstream in popularity. Will industrial design eventual move out of favor (at least in the mainstream)? We shall see. My guess... Yes.
Industrial artifacts as light fixtures loaded with warmth & historic charm...
Lights made from a forged steel powerline insulator. Railroadware on Houzz