Industrial style of
design subconsciously started during the industrial revolution. Industrial
revolution was a movement from a manual system of operation in the industries
to a mechanized one. Earlier before then, industries were big with lots of
labourers. Despite this, industries still were not able to give the output required
and therefore the need to move to mechanized systems. This revolution began in Great
Britain with the textile industries. Other industries such as Iron, glass and
cement industries soon picked up.
The Textile
industries were very large and due to mechanization, smaller spaces were
required. With time, some industries buildings
and warehouses soon became completely vacant.
Some of these buildings were run down while some were still in good condition
and needed a bit of reclamation to get back to use. With the cost of construction and
rent gone high, Designers and Architects quickly needed to look for solutions
to make use of these spaces. This bore “Conversions”
a term used to refer to change in use of a space. Factory, Church, Barn, Tower
house and Warehouse conversions have become more common around the world.
Industrial style of
design looks to preserve the history of a place. It looks to keep elements that
have previously been existing, reclaiming them and aesthetically bringing in
new modern elements to create a new design. This style can also be adopted in
modern spaces to give it the “industrial| look.
a. Style
The Industrial style
is Open and Transparent. The warehouse design is generally open and to keep
this ideology, this design celebrates large double volume spaces that are
interlinked by staircases or walkways. This style promotes exposure of existing
elements rather than concealing which gives
you an idea about the history of a building. Large exposed beams and columns
can be seen and even the roof cover. The large windows and doors are retained
with introduction of standard doors if need be.
b. Finishes
The finishes are
basically natural. Warehouses don’t spend too much on finishes and therefore
natural concrete, stonework and metal finishes can be observer. While these finishes
may work in terms of design, they sometimes are not practical and therefore,
for residential or hospitality spaces, Terrazzo and Epoxy floors can be applied
on floor finishes. Matte varnish and linseed oil can also be used on wall and
wood finishes to maintain their look but to also provide a protective covering.
Steel and wrought iron finishes can be seen on windows, staircases, decks and balustrades.
c. Furniture
Furniture is
generally reclaimed or reused from warehouse materials. These materials can be
re-used as is or can be broken down and materials used to make new products. Crates,
barrels, cylinders etc are items that if used creatively, can be used as seats
and tables. Leather and microfiber are also pretty common material for the
seats. When mixed with modern elements,
stainless steel can be used on kitchen tops and on loose furniture like tables
and headboards.
d. Lighting
Lighting designers
have “gone happy” with industrial lighting design. These type of light fittings
seem to be the current trend right now. Light fittings have been fully designed
as industrial or modern with an industrial feel. LED bulbs with exposed filaments
are commonly used with these fittings. The finishes to these fittings can be
natural rustic metal, black powder coated or white with clear or brown glass.
To some extent, outdoor lamps can be used and still look in place.
e. Colour scheme
The general colour schemes
are natural brown or red brick colours with a mix of black. For lovers of grey
tones, natural grey concrete look with blue stone work form the base to this
scheme. Black brown or maroon colours are used on the upholstered furniture.
When mixed with modern elements, black white or grey elements are used. Colour schemes can also be determined by the dominant wood colour.
Inspiration pour la Journee.
Designer Tamara Robbins Griffith summarises on the decor that can be used in this type of design. Check video below for inspiration.
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