What does industrial style mean in interior design?

The industrial style - furnishing style with a raw aesthetic and industrial history

The industrial style is an interior design style that is characterized by its striking aesthetics and the use of raw and untreated materials. This style is inspired by factory buildings and industrial plants and adds a touch of raw honesty and authenticity to any room. But what does the term "industrial style" actually mean? In this article, we will take a closer look at this question and discuss the history, characteristic features and significance of industrial style.

The emergence of the industrial style

The industrial style has its roots in the second half of the 19th century, when factory halls and industrial buildings in Europe and the USA became ever larger and more numerous. The focus was on the functionality and efficiency of factory buildings and so the design was primarily based on unprocessed materials and simple shapes. Industrial design thus became the epitome of a new, functional aesthetic.

The industrial style as an interior design style

The industrial style as an interior design style is based on the same design principles as the industrial design of factory buildings and industrial buildings. The use of rough and untreated materials such as brick walls, concrete floors and untreated wood as well as the combination of old and new, for example by combining old factory shelving with modern furniture, are typical features of the industrial style. Metal accents such as pipes, steel beams and other elements reminiscent of factory buildings, as well as industrial lighting such as large workshop lamps, emphasize the industrial charm.

This video presents a unique and flawless masterpiece of industrial interior design, created with exceptional care and attention to detail. In the video you will see a prime example of outstanding work that creates a fascinating atmosphere in which raw, untreated materials are combined with modern design elements in a breathtaking way.

Application of the industrial style

Let's take a look together at the Carlotta Residence project already shown in the video to see how you can apply this style in your own home.

The Carlotta Residence perfectly embodies the industrial style, skillfully combining rawness with aesthetics. The architects at Matthew Woodward Architecture have used hard, raw materials such as concrete and steel and combined them with softer materials such as walnut wood and brass to create a harmonious balance. This concept can also be implemented in your own home by using hard materials such as concrete or steel for floors, walls or furniture and combining them with softer materials such as wood or fabrics .

Another important aspect of industrial style is functionality. It's about using every element of the house wisely. So look at every room in your home and think about how you can make it more functional. One option is to use multifunctional furniture that can be easily adapted to different needs.

The furnishings should also be functional yet aesthetic. The interior designers at Esoteriko Interior Architecture aimed for a "truthfulness" of materials in the Carlotta Residence project, meaning that they emphasized natural beauty and simplicity. You can implement this in your own home by focusing on the beauty of natural materials, such as untreated wood or linen.

If you're looking for a mix of simplicity, functionality and aesthetics, the industrial style could be perfect for you. The use of hard and raw materials combined with softer materials will give your home a raw yet sophisticated charm. It's important to use every element of the home functionally and focus on the beauty of natural materials to give your home a unique character.

Meaning and influence of the industrial style

The industrial style is not just a mere interior design style, but rather a reflection of our society and its history. The use of rough, unprocessed materials such as steel, concrete or raw wood refers to the harsh and often unsightly reality of the industrial age, when the function and efficiency of production were paramount and aesthetic aspects were often neglected.

By integrating these materials and designs into its aesthetic, industrial style lends our rooms an unmistakable aura of honesty and authenticity. Industrial style is therefore an expression of our industrial history and development and reflects the values and ideals that prevailed during this era.

In addition to its historical significance, industrial style also has a social aspect. It refers to the importance of work and productivity and emphasizes the role that industry plays in our society. By integrating these values into its aesthetics, the Industrial Style conveys a positive message about the importance of our work and the value of our achievements as a society.

"Form follows function" - the Bauhaus principle in Industrial Style

Walter Gropius, the founder of the Bauhaus, emphasized the importance of functionality and rationality in the design of objects. The Industrial Style is directly linked to his statement "Form follows function". This design principle states that the form of an object results from its function. The aesthetics of an object are therefore not an end in themselves, but result from its practicality. This principle had a significant influence on 20th century design and is still implemented in the industrial style today.

Influences of other Bauhaus icons

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the last director of the Bauhaus, coined the term "less is more". This guiding principle emphasizes the importance of simplicity and simplicity, which also play an important role in the Industrial Style. His design of the Barcelona Chair, which is considered an icon of the Bauhaus style and is often used in industrial interiors, illustrates the combination of comfort and aesthetics.

Barcelona® Chair by Knoll - Design: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe - Image credit: Knoll

Marcel Breuer, who worked as a professor at the Bauhaus, also had a major influence on the industrial style. His designs for tubular steel furniture (example: the Wassily Chair), which are still in production today, illustrate the use of industrial materials and their combination with clean lines and minimalist aesthetics.

Summary of the most important insights into the industrial style

The industrial style is an interior design style that impresses with its striking and unmistakable aesthetic. With the use of rough and untreated materials, metal accents and simple color schemes, it reflects the aesthetics of factory buildings. The influence of Bauhaus principles is also clearly recognizable. The combination of functionality and aesthetics makes the industrial style a timeless classic that will endure into the future.

The industrial style offers a wide range of design options, from rustic and striking to minimalist and elegant. The industrial style is therefore not only an interesting option for lovers of raw charm, brutalism and authenticity, but also for fans of minimalist aesthetics.

Outlook on the future of the interior design style

In recent years, the industrial style has become increasingly important and many designers are focusing more and more on this theme. Materials such as raw aluminum, steel and concrete are playing an increasingly important role in furniture and decorative elements. But that's not all: the demand for homes with concrete walls and floors is also increasing, as more and more people are recognizing the versatility and beauty of this interior design style.

Similar to brutalism, which emerged in the 1950s and was characterized by unplastered concrete façades and raw building structures, the industrial style emphasizes the beauty of the unprocessed and imperfect. Both interior design styles have their roots in the construction industry and reflect the aesthetics of factory buildings.

Designers are creating more and more objects in industrial design that enable seamless integration into modern living environments while representing a timeless design. The industrial style will continue to be developed and modernized in the future to meet the needs and demands of the times. The use of sustainable materials and ecological aspects will become increasingly important and the combination of different furnishing styles will play an ever greater role.

Overall, the industrial style is a timeless furnishing style that inspires with its striking and unmistakable aesthetics and will win over more and more people in the future.