Love the raw character of the industrial look, but unsure if these accents are suitable for your abode? An expert tell us what to look out for. 

If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of integrating industrial-style interiors into your home, there are more than a few things you should consider, before adding these rugged accents. We speak to Ed Ong, creative director of Dwell Interior Design, offers his insights on the things homeowners should consider if they are after an industrial look. 

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Above Creative director Ed Ong, of Dwell Interior Design

What’s the first thing homeowners should know about the industrial-style look?

When homeowners ask for the industrial look, they need to realise that they have to be willing to employ the use of materials that are commonly used in industrial spaces, such as factories, lofts and warehouses. These include exposed brick walls, screed concrete, untreated wood and metal beams. So when a client asks for an industrial look, I start by asking if they have seen an actual industrial setting because it means they want the look of living spaces created within disused factories and warehouses.

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Can the industrial style look too cold for a home?

It can if you don’t strike the right balance in the use of materials. You can’t focus on the use of a single element on its own, such as purely metallic finishes or a room entirely decked out in concrete. A well-designed industrial look should combine the use of the various elements as well as accents to make the space unique and special to the owner. There is always the danger of overusing a particular material and turning the home into a showroom.

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Are there different types of looks within the industrial style?

Yes, there are. They range from the sleek and contemporary look filled with plenty of stainless steel finishes to the more rustic industrial style composed of exposed brick, distressed leather and recycled or untreated wood. Recently, there’s been the emergence of the “Scandustrial” style. This style combines the use of Scandinavian furniture design with industrial-style interiors. It’s an ideal combination because Scandinavian furniture designs are simple yet functional and they fit harmoniously with the pared-back approach of the industrial scheme.

What’s a good tip for anyone wanting to achieve an industrial look for their home?

The look is all about adding character to a space, and that means allowing the metal to achieve a patina, leaving scratches in the wood and exposing the brickwork on the walls. Over time, the space will grow even more alluring.

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What colours should be used in an industrial-style space?

If you want to keep to the style, it means retaining the natural look of the materials. Naturally, when we think of an industrial space, shades of grey and black come to mind because of the metallic elements, combined with the light to dark grey hues of the concrete and warm reds of the brickwork. Those would form the basic scheme for the home. However, you should also incorporate some colourful elements, such as a pipe painted a bright red, to add personality to the space. Ultimately, the colours should come from the original look of the materials.

Credits

Photography  

Boonwei / Portrait

Images  

Dwell Interior Design

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