New York City artists of the 60s and 70s didn’t find their art studios – they created them!
For decades artists have gravitated towards the nitty, gritty, urban landscapes of city life like New York and Detroit. Remarkably, it was the artists of New York City during the 1950’s and ‘60’s that would birth the revolutionary interior design aesthetic that we know of today as, industrial style décor.
Artists like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko turned abandoned warehouses and factories into their own personal work spaces, where they created some of the most influential art of the 20th century.
Today, artists and designers alike continue to be charmed by these similar characteristics like exposed brick, concrete, raw and unfinished materials. It’s no wonder that the industrial style aesthetic remains one of the most popular for interior design. Its use of raw materials and focus on functionality and simplicity make it a perfect canvas for creativity.
You don’t have to be an artist like Jackson Pollock or live in an urban landscape like New York or Detroit to live in your dream décor aesthetic. Below are some insights that can help you achieve this aesthetic in your own home.
MAGNIFICENT SNAP-SHOTS OF LIVED-IN INDUSTRIAL STYLE HOMES
IMAGE SOURCE: BEHANCE, PINTEREST
IMAGE SOURCE: DORIS LESLIE BLAU ON PINTEREST
IMAGE SOURCE: ONE KINDESIGN, PINTEREST
IMAGE SOURCE: APPOINTFIX ON PINTEREST
SHOP
When shopping for items to achieve the Industrial Style aesthetic, think: raw materials, vintage elements, metal finishes, and functional furniture — as these are synonymous with this decor.
LEATHER & LOUNGE
When deciding on furniture, stick to the holy trinity of Industrial style aesthetic: they should be simple, functional, and utilitarian. Consider adding a vintage chair or leather sofa for added warmth and unique twist to the room.
CORNELIA LEATHER CLUB CHAIR AT JOSSANDMAIN FOR $1240
CHESTERFIELD LEATHER SOFA AT POTTERY BARN FOR $4,699
FRESNO UPHOLSTERED DINING CHAIR AT POTTERY BARN FOR $679
BLACK LEATHER OAK CHAIR AT KATHY KOU HOME FOR $1,699
ENTERTAINMENT & METALS
Entertain your guests (and yourself!) by incorporating metal finishes to your space. Be creative, select items with metal in fun and unexpected places such as in the lighting fixtures, hardware, and furniture!
BELMONT METAL CABINET IN BLACK AT BURKE DECOR FOR $2199
SCHMIT ACCENT TABLE AT BURKE DECOR FOR $249
DECMODE BRASS FUNCTIONAL ANTIQUE PHONE AT HAYNEEDLE FOR $152
52-IN TORQUE MEDIA CART AT MODERN INDUSTRIAL FURNITURE FOR $1,750
TEXTURES
Add character and depth to your space with textures! Natural elements like plants or wooden accents are just one option to achieve this. Another alternative is to use textiles like wool or jute rugs and cozy throws. The space should feel raw and untouched, yet still warm and cozy.
DUNMORE NATURAL JUTE RUG AT BALLARD DESIGNS FOR $400
KESTLER INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY WOODEN CRATE AT MR.DARBY’S ANTIQUES FOR $39
ANTIBES, BRONZ ACCENT THROW PILLOW AT COTEIRE FOR $68
FIDDLE LEAF FIG PLANT AT HOUZZ
FOR $64
LIGHTING
Choose lighting fixtures with metal finishes such as copper or steel. This is a fun and creative way to add to the overall urban, raw feel of the space.
JORDAN PENDANT LIGHT AT POTTERY BARN FOR $169
JONATHAN HOMER 13 IN. 1-LIGHT MODERN INDUSTRIAL IRON LED DOME PENDANT AT HAYNEEDLE FOR $183
CHABEI LOFT VINTAGE ROPE MONKEY PENDANT LIGHT AT AMAZON FOR $126
NEWTON HAND BLOWN GLASS MINI PENDANT AT POTTERY BARN FOR $249
