Cool and edgy industrial interior design has captivated for decades, celebrating the raw beauty of exposed brick, metal accents and open floor plans. But if the traditional industrial aesthetic feels a tad too utilitarian for you, there’s a solution. Neo-industrial design is emerging as a modern evolution, offering a softer, more liveable interpretation of the industrial style. Unpack the defining features of each approach and decide which resonates most with your vision.

What is Industrial Interior Design?

Imagine a converted loft apartment, boasting exposed brick walls, high ceilings with visible ductwork, and large windows flooding the space with natural light. This is the essence of industrial design. It embraces the raw, unrefined elements of industrial spaces, transforming them into striking design features.

What is the History of Industrial Interior Style?

The industrial interior design style has its roots in the late 18th century with the rise of the Industrial Revolution. Factories and warehouses sprouted across Europe and the United States, boasting vast, open spaces with utilitarian materials like exposed brick, steel, and concrete.

These raw elements were purely functional necessities for housing machinery and production lines. However, in the late 20th century, as manufacturing shifted and many of these industrial buildings became abandoned, a clever trend emerged.

Architects and designers began converting these forgotten spaces into unique living and work areas. This newfound appreciation for the industrial aesthetic (with its emphasis on finding beauty in spacious layouts and rustic features) gave birth to the industrial interior design style we know today.

How to Create an Industrial Interior Look?

Materials	Exposed brick, concrete floors, weathered wood, and industrial metals like iron and steel create the foundation of the look.
Lighting	Industrial lighting fixtures, such as pendant lamps and exposed bulbs, add a touch of vintage charm and enhance the utilitarian feel.
Furniture	Think vintage finds, distressed leather sofas, and reclaimed wood furniture with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic.
Doors	Go authentic with black Crittall Style doors and define spaces with black aluminium internal bifold doors. Choose white interior doors for a contrast with darker walls and grey tones.

What is the Colour Scheme for Industrial Interior Design?

The colour scheme for industrial interior design leans heavily on neutrals to reflect the raw, unrefined aesthetic. Softer tones such as browns and beiges are featured too and are often paired with rustic textures. Think: internal oak doors, leather sofas and wall panelling.

Greys, blacks and whites form the main foundation, creating a clean and airy feel that highlights the architectural elements. Black adds drama and sophistication, while white brightens the space and makes it feel larger. Grey bridges the gap between these two bolder shades, offering a sense of balance and neutrality.

Pops of colour can be introduced for personality, but are used sparingly. Think accents of navy blue or teal, mustard yellow, or even deep greens to add a touch of vibrancy without compromising the overall industrial feel.

What is Neo Industrial Style?

Neo-industrial interior design (also called modern industrial interior design) is a contemporary evolution of the classic industrial style. It retains the core principles of exposed elements and functionality, but injects a dose of modern luxury and comfort.

It contrasts elements such as exposed brick with plush furniture, lighter colours and warm wood tones. This style caters to those who appreciate the industrial edge but crave a more inviting atmosphere; blending elements of modern cottage interiors and Scandinavian design.

Typically, neo-industrial interior design takes the core principles of industrial style and injects clean and crisp comfort. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the industrial edge but crave a warmer, more cosy atmosphere.

Key features include an airy neutral base with an infusion of nature-inspired shades, a mix of raw and warm materials, and a blend of industrial lighting with softer ambient options. It’s the perfect marriage of industrial grit and fresh, modern living.

Delve into the worlds of Scandinavian interior design and the modern cottage interiors trend to bring cosiness and comfort to modern industrial interiors.

Modern Neo Industrial Interior Design Characteristics

Materials	While exposed brick and metal accents remain, neo-industrial incorporates softer materials like leather, linen, velvet, and wood with a warm finish.
Colours	A neutral base of greys and whites is softened with the introduction of warmer tones like browns, beiges, and even touches of blush pink or sage green.
Lighting	Industrial lighting fixtures are still present, but they might be paired with glazed internal doors and modern sliding glass doors to maximise natural light.
Furniture	Vintage pieces are contrasted with modern, upholstered furniture with clean lines and plush textures. Think plush armchairs in rich fabrics alongside a sleek metal coffee table

Modern Industrial Interior Design Ideas

Modern industrial design refreshes the classic style with a hint of contemporary polish. Here are some ideas to incorporate it into your space:

Mix Metals
While raw iron and steel remain key, introduce brass door hardware for a more modern take. Complement with matching lighting fixtures, cabinet hardware, or even sculptural accents.

Statement Lighting
Go beyond traditional pendant lamps and explore contemporary options. Sleek track lighting with exposed bulbs or oversized globe pendants add a modern edge while maintaining the industrial vibe.

Warm Accents
Soften industrial coolness with touches of warmth. Think woven throws and cushions in rich textures like wool. Rugs in natural fibres (jute or sisal) infuse organic texture underfoot.

Light, Bright and Minimal
Use glazed interior doors and modern patio doors to bring the outdoors in and illuminate spaces. Pair with internal sliding doors and pocket doors to create a streamlined vibe.

Geometric Touches
Introduce geometric patterns and prints through throw pillows, artwork, or even rugs. This adds a modern feel without straying too far from the industrial aesthetic.

Find out how minimalist interior design can help your home feel more open and spacious. Learn more about the interior sliding barn doors trend.

Complete the Look with Industrial Style Doors

Industrial interior design thrives on a marriage of texture and practicality, and the best value doors should reflect that balance. Here are some top choices for doors in an industrial space:

Barn Doors
These sliding doors, often made from reclaimed wood or metal, are a classic industrial choice. They save space, highlight the open floor plan concept, and add a touch of rustic charm.

Metal Doors
Steel or iron doors with clean lines and a dark finish embody the industrial aesthetic. They offer a sleek, modern look and provide a feeling of security, especially for entry points.

Glass Panel Doors
Interior doors with clear or tinted glass panels allow for light flow while maintaining a sense of separation. This is ideal for smaller spaces or areas where you want to preserve the open feel. Choose doors with black metal frames for an extra industrial touch.

French Doors
Double doors with black metal frames and clear glass panels add a touch of sophistication to industrial spaces. They’re perfect for entrances to rooms like offices, libraries, or even walk-in closets.

Wooden Doors with Simple Hardware
Wooden doors in natural finishes work in industrial settings, especially when paired with matt black door hardware. This adds rustic charm without compromising the industrial vibe.

Remember, the goal is to choose industrial style doors that effortlessly combine with the existing materials in your space. Opt for clean lines, minimalistic panels, darker finishes, and a focus on functionality to achieve a cohesive look.

Why is industrial interior design popular?

Industrial interior design’s popularity stems from its unique ability to blend history and modern functionality. It offers a cool, edgy aesthetic that celebrates neutral tones and open spaces, reminiscent of a bygone era. This resonates for three main reasons:

Versatility
Industrial design seamlessly integrates with various styles. It can be softened with rustic elements for a farmhouse feel or juxtaposed with minimalist, Japandi-inspired furniture for a sleek look.

Durability
Exposed brick, solid oak doors, concrete floors, and metal accents are incredibly durable, making them perfect for high-traffic areas or busier homes.

Light and Airy
The emphasis on open floor plans and large windows creates a sense of spaciousness and allows for an abundance of natural light, a sought-after quality in modern living.

Overall, industrial interior design ideas connect us to a time of innovation and resourcefulness. Their authenticity offers a unique backdrop for everyday living, allowing us to appreciate the past while embracing the present.

Buy Modern Industrial Style Doors Online

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Flood your space with light boosting glazed doors, introduce industrial edge with striking black Crittall style doors or add contrast with black interior doors that deliver on drama and depth.

Our friendly team has years of experience in matching customers with their dream doors; driving projects forward and providing unbeatable prices. Why wait? Contact us now and make a start on your industrial style home makeover and follow us on Instagram for more inspiration.