What does industrial style mean in interior design?

The industrial style - furnishing style with rough aesthetics and industrial history

The industrial style is a furnishing style that is characterized by its striking aesthetics and the use of rough and untreated materials. Inspired by factory buildings and industrial plants, this style brings a touch of raw honesty and authenticity to any space. But what does the term "industrial style" actually mean? In this article we will take a closer look at this question and go into the history of the origin, the characteristic features and the meaning of the 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 grew in size and number. The emphasis was on the functionality and efficiency of these factory buildings, leading to a design aesthetic focused on unprocessed materials and simple shapes. Industrial design thus became the embodiment of a new, functional aesthetic.

The industrial style as a furnishing style

The industrial style, as a furnishing style, is based on the same design principles as industrial design for factory and industrial buildings. This style relies on the use of rough, untreated materials, such as brick walls, concrete floors, and untreated wood. The combination of old and new elements is also a typical feature of the industrial style, for example, by combining old factory shelves with modern furniture. Metal accents such as pipes, steel beams and other elements reminiscent of factory buildings, as well as industrial lighting such as large workshop lamps underline the industrial charm.

This video presents a unique and immaculate 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, which creates a fascinating atmosphere, where rough and untreated materials are stunningly combined with modern design elements. 

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 implement 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 used hard, raw materials like concrete and steel and combined them with softer materials like walnut wood and brass to create a harmonious balance. This concept can also be implemented in your own home by using hard materials like concrete or steel for floors, walls or furniture and combining them with softer materials like wood or fabrics.

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

The furnishings should also be functional yet aesthetically pleasing. In the Carlotta Residence project, the interior designers at Esoteriko Interior Architecture aimed for a "truthfulness" of materials, meaning they emphasized natural beauty and simplicity. You can do the same 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, industrial style might be perfect for you. Using hard and raw materials in combination with softer materials will give your home a rough, but at the same time sophisticated charm. It's important to use every element of the home functionally and rely on the beauty of natural materials to give your home a unique character. 

Importance and influence of the industrial style

The industrial style is more than just a furnishing style; it is a reflection of our society and its history. The use of rough, unprocessed materials such as steel, concrete, or raw wood references the harsh and often unattractive reality of the industrial age. During this period, function and efficiency of production were paramount, and aesthetic aspects were often neglected. By incorporating these materials and designs into its aesthetic, the industrial style imbues our spaces with a distinctive aura of honesty and authenticity. The industrial style is therefore an expression of our industrial history and development, reflecting the values and ideals that prevailed during that era.

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

"Form follows function" - the Bauhaus principle in industrial style

Walter Gropius, the founder of the Bauhaus, stressed the significance of functionality and rationality in the design of objects. The industrial style is directly linked to his statement, 'Form follows function.' This design principle asserts that an object's form is derived from its function. The aesthetics of an object is therefore not an end in itself, but arises from its practicality. This principle had a profound impact on 20th-century design and continues to influence the industrial style today

Influences from other Bauhaus icons

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

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

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

Summary of the most important findings on the industrial style

The industrial style is a furnishing style that impresses with its distinctive and unmistakable aesthetics. With the use of rough and untreated materials, metal accents, and simple colors, it reflects the aesthetics of factory buildings. The influence of the Bauhaus principles is also clearly visible.

The combination of functionality and aesthetics makes the industrial style a timeless classic that will continue to endure in the future. The industrial style offers a wide range of design options, ranging from rustic and striking to minimalist and elegant. Therefore, the industrial style is an intriguing option not only for fans of rough charm, brutalism, and authenticity, but also for those who appreciate minimalist aesthetics.

Outlook on the future of furnishing style

In recent years, the industrial style has become increasingly important and many designers are increasingly dealing with this topic. Materials such as raw aluminium, steel and concrete are playing an increasingly important role in furniture and decorative elements. But not only that: the demand for apartments with concrete walls and floors is also increasing as more and more people recognize the versatility and beauty of this furnishing style.

Similar to Brutalism, which emerged in the 1950s and was characterized by exposed concrete facades and raw building structures, the industrial style emphasizes the beauty of the raw and imperfect. Both interior styles have their roots in construction and reflect the aesthetics of factory buildings.

Designers are increasingly creating objects in industrial design that seamlessly integrate into modern living environments while maintaining a timeless design. The industrial style will continue to evolve and modernize in the future to meet the needs and demands of the times. The use of sustainable materials and ecological aspects is becoming increasingly important, and the combination of different furnishing styles will play an even greater role.

Overall, the industrial style is a timeless furnishing style that impresses with its distinctive and unmistakable aesthetics and will continue to win over more and more people in the future.