Industrial design is a mix of old and new: old-world charm crossed with the sleek style of modern design. What does that mean? Find out how you can achieve the industrial look today!

<p><img alt="The industrial style remains popular among many." height="400" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_canada/CAN_industrial-style-in-your-living-room_1.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>If you're a fan of old architecture and exposed building elements, then you'll love the industrial design look. This style draws inspiration from old, defunct factories, embracing the appearance of piping, brick, concrete, iron steel and ducting.</p>
<h2>Origins</h2>
<p>Industrial design was born out of necessity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when commercial buildings and factories were converted into homes. This was after more people began moving into cities, leaving many commercial buildings empty, and not enough land to make new residential real estate.</p>
<p>Those abandoned factories were then turned into residential buildings. But instead of erasing the exposed elements like piping and ductwork, these became crucial to the overall design. Andy Warhol famously converted old warehouses into lofts for artists and quickly made loft-living popular, so the industrial trend began.</p>
<p><img alt="Many commercial buildings became empty, giving rise to the industrial look." height="400" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_canada/CAN_industrial-style-in-your-living-room_2.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<h2>Materials &amp; Fixtures</h2>
<p>In industrial design, the use of raw materials becomes the prime focus. For instance, you'll find that wood, aluminum, iron, steel, tin, stone, copper, and concrete are all crucial to the overall design. Once combined with the architectural and mechanical details like brick, beams, ducts, and pipes, a unique look comes together.</p>
<p>Combine all those elements with iron, brass, chrome, glass, and copper fixtures, and you'll have a flexible backdrop that also makes a bold statement.</p>
<p>And since these materials are often recycled or salvaged from their previous industrial life, this design is incredibly environmentally-friendly!</p>
<h2>Colours</h2>
<p>Another defining feature of an industrial look is its colour scheme. Black and white? Certainly, but it's also a lot more than that.</p>
<p>The main colour scheme is neutral and monochromatic, with a touch of design freedom provided by the accent colours. You can easily make a stunning statement with hues like rust, wood tones, and vivid splashes of vibrant colours such as red, blue, purple, or green. Just be sure to use these sparingly to make the rest of your living room pop!</p>
<h2>Shapes</h2>
<p>Another central aspect of industrial design is the shapes used. Straight or contoured forms can be used to show off clean lines and embrace the room's negative space, making the room appear larger.</p>
<p>You can also use squared lines and blocky shapes to show off cohesiveness in your design, as well as organic curves and abstract shapes for a little bit of fun!</p>
<h2>Overall Aesthetic &amp; Decor</h2>
<p>The overall aesthetic for the industrial look emphasizes open space and comfort. You want to make your living room feel as relaxing as possible and incredibly stylish. So, make sure you have an open layout and keep your surfaces clutter-free and clean.</p>
<p><img alt="Keep an open layout, avoiding clutter as best you can to keep the look as clean and clear as possible." height="400" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_canada/CAN_industrial-style-in-your-living-room_3.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>To keep the industrial vibes going, use vintage <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/catalog/coffee-tables">coffee tables</a>,</span> textured <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/catalog/home-decor-indoor-rugs">rugs</a></span>, abstract <a href="/catalog/wall-art">art</a>, vintage photographs, and plants for added texture and colour. As for lights, floor lamps, pendant lights, and track lights work best.</p>
<h2>Blending Design Styles</h2>
<p>If you're the bold type who likes to try something new, you don't have to stick to pure industrial guidelines &mdash; you can blend in other design styles!</p>
<p>For example, modern design style focuses on man-made materials, just like industrial design, using steel and glass. So, if you pair the straight lines and bright lighting of modern design with the industrial look, you'll have an aesthetic that is sure to wow.</p>
<p>You can also mix industrial with chic tones, which adds comfy furniture and pops of colour to create a touch of elegance.</p>
<h2>How to Achieve the Look</h2>
<p>Now that you know more about the key characteristics, it's time to start making the look happen for your <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/catalog/living-room">living room</a>!</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Start with a neutral colour palette or monochromatic colour scheme.</li>
<li>Keep your layout open to create a sense of space.</li>
<li>Combine wood and metal, like a vintage wooden vanity with a steel-framed <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/catalog/home-decor-mirrors">mirror</a></span>.</li>
<li>Make sure your <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/catalog/lighting">lighting</a> </span>is metal (pendant lights should be low-hanging with wide shades).</li>
<li>Use polished concrete flooring for an ultra-modern look.</li>
<li>Highlight exposed pipes.</li>
<li>Decorate with salvaged industrial parts, vintage photography, and abstract art.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> If you're tight on space, try strategically arranging your furniture into groups to break up the space and make the room appear larger.</p>
<h2>Upgrade Your Look</h2>
<p>There you have it&mdash;the industrial look and how to get the look for your living room. So, if you're ready to start, check out our <a href="/catalog/living-room"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">living room furniture </span></a>! You won't believe the pieces you'll find!</p>
<p><img alt="Metal lighting accentuates the look." height="400" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_canada/CAN_industrial-style-in-your-living-room_4.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Have any questions? <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/contacts">Give us a call or stop by</a></span>, our team will help you create your dream look!</p>

How to Achieve the Industrial Look in Your Home

Are you a “less is more” kind of home decorator? Do you prefer a house with a place for everything and everything in its place ...

<p><img alt="A white, minimalist living room with a white Scandinavian couch, wooden TV stand and armoire, and a blue accent chair." src="https://cdn.avbportal.com/magento-media/blog/iStock-926182182.jpg?w=700" /></p>
<p>Are you a &ldquo;less is more&rdquo; kind of home decorator? Do you prefer a house with a place for everything and everything in its place -- preferably hidden out of sight? Then minimalism might be the style you're looking for!</p>
<p>A minimalist design aesthetic creates a sense of peace and order by minimizing visual (and actual) clutter, but there's more to it than just white walls and sharp edges. When some people think of "minimalism" they often think of dull, drab, and stark. Done right, however, minimalism can feel as cozy and personal as any other style. All you'll need is the right furniture, the perfect decor, and a few tips for pulling the look together.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Think Clean Lines</h2>
<p>Straight edges and symmetrical curves in furniture, patterns, and art are a hallmark of minimal design. You won't often see tufted cushions or elaborate scrollwork in minimalist spaces, so when selecting furniture, seek out basic shapes and unadorned edges. Contemporary, mid-century modern, and Scandinavian-styled furniture is all well suited to the style.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Limit Your Color Palette</h2>
<p>When picking everything from the paint color to the sofa to your wall art, a limited color palette is key to reducing visual clutter and maintaining a clean, minimalist design.</p>
<p>That doesn't have to mean making your whole home boring black and white -- shades of cream, blue-grey, olive green, and yellow all add some life to a minimalist home, while maintaining a clean, reserved look. Try combining a coffee-colored couch with some blue pillows, or adorning a coffee table of pale wood with a green vase or bowl set. There are plenty of ways to incorporate color while keeping your palette clean and simple!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Play with Texture</h2>
<p>The trick with minimalism is retaining visual interest without contributing to visual clutter. One way to do this is by using textures to your advantage.</p>
<p>Slatted walls, vaulted ceilings, macram&eacute; rugs, and faux fur throw blankets all infuse some life and excitement into your space without compromising the carefully tailored look you&rsquo;re going for. Soft textiles can also help make the clean lines and sharp edges that often go with minimalist styles from feeling too severe.</p>
<p></p>
<p><img alt="A pale pink, minimalist living room with grey low-backed sectional covered in mismatched blue throw pillows and blanket. Blue vases and books line the walls, with small plants in clear green vases on a pale wooden table." src="https://cdn.avbportal.com/magento-media/blog/blog-furniture-minimalism.jpg?w=700" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Get the Details Right</h2>
<p>In a traditional-styled home, you might be able to get away with displaying any old photos or trinkets and calling your decor complete. In a minimalist home, though, decorations require a little more thought.</p>
<p>Decor is the key to making your furniture come together cohesively, while adding hints your own personal taste. Plants, unique art, sculpture, and statement tableware all introduce a special warmth and flavor to a space. Black metalwork and potted plants are definitely on trend, with the industrial edge of metal and the soothing, natural vibe of plant life combining into something both elegant and comfortable. Try some framed black and white photography, or perhaps a statement sculpture that falls into your color palette. Minimizing quantity and maximizing visual impact is the way to go when decorating for a minimalist style.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Minimalism can be a great way to take back control over a messy home or shift your focus back to the things you do in your home and the people who live there, not the stuff you own. For furniture, decor, and even more tips on how to make the most of a minimalist design aesthetic, stop by our store. We have everything you need to give your home the fresh perspective it needs, and all the know-how to help you plan a style that feels both comfortable and clean.</p>

4 Minimalist Home Decor Tips

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How to Achieve the Industrial Look in Your Home

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