Image copyright Clair Strong Interior Design

Industrial design came to the forefront as a contrast to decorative and elaborate styles. While it’s usually considered to be a hallmark of modern interior design, it’s actually been around since the turn of the century’s Modernist aesthetic. I think that one of the reasons why the industrial look has such lasting power is that it looks fantastically fresh and pared back – working brilliantly as a décor theme on its own, or as a contrasting element against other styles.

Rather than having every surface polished and smoothed until it is gleaming, industrial décor takes a different approach. You’ll find furniture crafted out of reclaimed wood; with stains and scratches intact. Or metal fixtures with a hint of rust and age, or exposed gears, rivets and cables that are normally tucked out of sight. Modern industrial interior design is all about embracing the natural imperfections in items and revealing the process that goes into making them rather than covering it up.

The Industrial Home: Modern Interior Design to Live With

To incorporate industrial design into your home, I’d recommend starting with small touches. Accessories are an ideal way to incorporate a new look; a metal wall clock or a desk tidy made of perforated aluminium is great for a study. While an old-fashioned angle poise lamp can look good on a living room table. If you’re feeling creative, you can also try your hand at upcycling discarded items such as factory crates, pallets or metal containers, for an authentic industrial look.

If you’re ready to embrace this trend more fully, you can think about incorporating different items and styles for a balanced overall result. While floor to ceiling steel and glass might look impressive, it can be uncomfortable to live with. I’d suggest contrasting a striking metal coffee table with a tactile and inviting distressed leather or soft upholstered sofa for a warm and liveable result.