Old is New
Soaring double height ceilings, brick walls, reclaimed wood, concrete floors and windows that span an entire wall to frame the amazing view. Haven’t we all dreamt of this? You are sure to have seen images of this look everywhere lately. Just open a magazine or head on over to Pinterest… Since we all can’t live in Gastown or the Armoury District, just continue reading below for some tips on how to bring this industrial look home.
Oh Natural
Finishes are everything when it comes to an industrial inspired space. Usually the first things that come to mind are concrete floors and brick walls. Concrete floors may not be possible, but that brick wall look can be achieved with the help of some new innovations in wall coverings such as this faux brick. They look just like the real thing! Another key ingredient to the industrial look is when the finish has been distressed or has a patina. You don’t have to look far to find a flood of concrete, or reclaimed wood furniture and accessory pieces. Check out some local favorites like Old Faithful, Crate & Barrel, Style Garage and Restoration Hardware are sure to help you achieve this look. Be careful not to overdo it! Balance it out with some white walls or other white finishes; read our previous blog “Why I Love White” for more. Of course, we can’t forget about the metals. Take your pick from the ever popular steel, copper or coated black. Don’t go with anything too shiny though (leave the glam behind), we want some patina for that unfinished, old and worn look!
Let There Be Light
We’ve mentioned it before, and we’ll say it again – lighting sets the mood! If you don’t have huge windows to let in lots of natural light, your choices in lighting are even more important. Those old Edison light bulbs are back in a big way and can be found absolutely everywhere! Hang just one as a pendant over a side table or cluster of them at various heights over your dining space to create a focal point that is sure to wow. There are also some great vintage looking dining pendants and desk lamps that enhance the industrial aesthetic. Have you seen the Roll & Hill, Bluff City traditional pendant shade and wire cage pendant that provides a postmodern feel? How about the old warehouse pendant in a porcelain enamel finish from Old Faithful? These are only a few examples of how to let the lighting enhance your mood and style.
Reclaimed
One of the best things about the industrial look is that worn and old furniture is perfect. No need to go out and spend thousands of dollars on pristine new pieces! Try using a mix of metal, concrete and reclaimed wood for your key furniture pieces. Locally we have J & S Reclaimed Wood who provide ready-made and custom pieces from salvaged wood from old barns (even old pipes get a new life as legs and gables). Union Wood Co. is another popular source for the reclaimed and salvaged millwork and furniture. Just one key piece of their furniture is sure to add character to your space. Metals – ever considered a rolling stainless steel cart as your dining table? Try the one from Design Within Reach (many of us want it for ourselves here at A3)! Crate & Barrel offers a metal base and concrete top dining table. Restoration Hardware excels in this look, from the vintage dining stool to their concrete outdoor fire pits. No matter what your budget and timeline is, there is no shortage of industrial inspired products out there. Old is new!
What are your favourite elements of an industrial influenced space? Share a picture with us by using the hashtag #area3industrial
