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| Reused materials include a storm drain, corrugated steel panels and crazy paving |
Featuring strong lines and exposed finishes, industrial style design makes a statement
Back in the day, industrial style wasn’t classified as a style per se. Rather, the term referred to an everyday workplace aesthetic for locations such as warehouses and factories. Over time, however, an appreciation for the stripped-back and utilitarian look emerged, with the industrial look now a popular style to incorporate into a range of outdoor settings.
Distinguishing features
A space boasting the industrial look can often give the appearance of being unfinished and the materials and fittings employed may have been previously used in another form or for a
different function. Its signature lack of pretence seeks to expose the raw beauty in utility.
It is far from decorative in appearance and often features simple and naturally textured finishes that celebrate the natural wear and tear that occurs over time. Such elements as exposed steel supports and joinery is common, as is mismatching and weathered wood, unpolished steel and decor with rust finishes. Subtle color may be found in multiple layers of stripped-back wall paint or uncovered red brick.
The beauty of this style is often attributed to the natural ageing process seen in the materials something that adds character and a sense of history that many find appealing.
Old becomes new
There are generally two types of industrial styles, according to Aaron Jackson, head of design at Think Outside: industrial and vintage industrial. Vintage industrial can be genuine old industrial furniture often from the ’40s through to the ’60s, or made using original or replica components from this era.
The restoration or repurposing of preused materials adds an eco-conscious edge to the industrial style. Recycling and upcycling previously used local materials means we are cutting down on travel miles and encouraging sustainability. It’s also a durable choice that has the benefit of getting better with age, which means it will require minimal care and upkeep and still look fantastic.
Integrating industrial style
Industrial style is very versatile due to its simple and strong design concepts, and can work with a number of settings and outdoor designs. It can be incorporated as accent pieces in a greater design scheme, such as light fittings or wall art pieces, or it can take on a larger aesthetic, such as wall screening or suites of furniture, such as a dining table and chairs.
The great thing about the industrial look is it can work with ultra-modern looks to create a statement, or with old warehouses and traditional cottages. It generally works best with lots of wood and natural stone. However, if you think creatively, its variety of uses will astound you.
When looking to integrate some industrial style into your outdoor areas, Aaron suggests having a couple of signature pieces, such as a large dining table, for focal points. Don’t be afraid to mix and match chairs, or you might have a bench seat down one side with stools and chairs on the other. There are no rules, so have some fun with this design approach and enjoy its versatility.
Spoiled for choice
The ways in which you can incorporate an industrial-style aesthetic into your outdoor areas are endless. You can use reclaimed materials and fittings from factories or industrial sites in the construction of outdoor structures, or you can buy products made from salvaged industrial materials or materials distressed to look the part. From storage boxes, coffee tables and shelving to lighting, works of art and mirror frames, utilizing this style in your own home is only
limited by the bounds of your imagination.
The most important thing with this type of look is to go as authentic as the budget allows, whether it will be original pieces or good-quality reproductions or, perhaps, a combination of both. The danger is if you go too cheap with bad imitations the whole look can appear very contrived and lose its effect Entirely.
Design tips
1. Raw or aged metals work extremely well with weathered timber finishes. For visual contrast or a design accent, mix neutral industrial palettes with pops of bright color.
2. Add some softening touches to hard surfaces such as a decorative pot plan on an industrial-style table or some vibrant cushions to add texture and create balance on a bench seat.
3. Don’t underestimate the importance of lighting when looking to achieve an industrial look. As the style is quite masculine in nature, tone things down with warm lighting effects such as lamps or down lights.
Expert tip
Concrete surfaces and finishes complement the industrial style and suit contemporary outdoor designs. Consider expose aggregate paving, polished concrete bench or table tops or cast-concrete bowls and pots.
Back in the day, industrial style wasn’t classified as a style per se. Rather, the term referred to an everyday workplace aesthetic for locations such as warehouses and factories. Over time, however, an appreciation for the stripped-back and utilitarian look emerged, with the industrial look now a popular style to incorporate into a range of outdoor settings.
 |
| Materials from an industrial site get a new lease of life in this modern landscape design. |
A space boasting the industrial look can often give the appearance of being unfinished and the materials and fittings employed may have been previously used in another form or for a
different function. Its signature lack of pretence seeks to expose the raw beauty in utility.
It is far from decorative in appearance and often features simple and naturally textured finishes that celebrate the natural wear and tear that occurs over time. Such elements as exposed steel supports and joinery is common, as is mismatching and weathered wood, unpolished steel and decor with rust finishes. Subtle color may be found in multiple layers of stripped-back wall paint or uncovered red brick.
The beauty of this style is often attributed to the natural ageing process seen in the materials something that adds character and a sense of history that many find appealing.
 |
| Relying heavily on disused industrial materials, this garden won gold at the Chelsea Flower Show |
There are generally two types of industrial styles, according to Aaron Jackson, head of design at Think Outside: industrial and vintage industrial. Vintage industrial can be genuine old industrial furniture often from the ’40s through to the ’60s, or made using original or replica components from this era.
The restoration or repurposing of preused materials adds an eco-conscious edge to the industrial style. Recycling and upcycling previously used local materials means we are cutting down on travel miles and encouraging sustainability. It’s also a durable choice that has the benefit of getting better with age, which means it will require minimal care and upkeep and still look fantastic.
Integrating industrial style
Industrial style is very versatile due to its simple and strong design concepts, and can work with a number of settings and outdoor designs. It can be incorporated as accent pieces in a greater design scheme, such as light fittings or wall art pieces, or it can take on a larger aesthetic, such as wall screening or suites of furniture, such as a dining table and chairs.
The great thing about the industrial look is it can work with ultra-modern looks to create a statement, or with old warehouses and traditional cottages. It generally works best with lots of wood and natural stone. However, if you think creatively, its variety of uses will astound you.
When looking to integrate some industrial style into your outdoor areas, Aaron suggests having a couple of signature pieces, such as a large dining table, for focal points. Don’t be afraid to mix and match chairs, or you might have a bench seat down one side with stools and chairs on the other. There are no rules, so have some fun with this design approach and enjoy its versatility.
 |
| From Think Outside, Spindle table set is made of recycled industrial cable spindles. |
Spoiled for choice
The ways in which you can incorporate an industrial-style aesthetic into your outdoor areas are endless. You can use reclaimed materials and fittings from factories or industrial sites in the construction of outdoor structures, or you can buy products made from salvaged industrial materials or materials distressed to look the part. From storage boxes, coffee tables and shelving to lighting, works of art and mirror frames, utilizing this style in your own home is only
limited by the bounds of your imagination.
The most important thing with this type of look is to go as authentic as the budget allows, whether it will be original pieces or good-quality reproductions or, perhaps, a combination of both. The danger is if you go too cheap with bad imitations the whole look can appear very contrived and lose its effect Entirely.
Design tips
1. Raw or aged metals work extremely well with weathered timber finishes. For visual contrast or a design accent, mix neutral industrial palettes with pops of bright color.
2. Add some softening touches to hard surfaces such as a decorative pot plan on an industrial-style table or some vibrant cushions to add texture and create balance on a bench seat.
3. Don’t underestimate the importance of lighting when looking to achieve an industrial look. As the style is quite masculine in nature, tone things down with warm lighting effects such as lamps or down lights.
Expert tip
Concrete surfaces and finishes complement the industrial style and suit contemporary outdoor designs. Consider expose aggregate paving, polished concrete bench or table tops or cast-concrete bowls and pots.
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