Industrial style in an apartment – how to achieve it

Industrial style in an apartment means raw materials, loft proportions and functionality. See how to design it step by step – for designers and contractors.

TRENDS & INSPIRATION

7/10/20258 min read

Striking aesthetics

Industrial style, associated with post-industrial spaces and old factories, has successfully made its way into residential interiors. Although its origins are raw, today it’s a design aesthetic that is as functional as it is striking – especially in modern apartments, lofts, or high-ceilinged homes with open layouts.

The key to success lies in skillfully balancing materials and proportions so the interior doesn’t feel cold or impractical. Industrial design isn’t about copying a factory hall, but about drawing inspiration from it and reinterpreting its elements in a contemporary context.

1. Raw materials – the foundation of the style

Industrial design is rooted in authenticity – it’s an aesthetic that doesn’t hide imperfections but turns them into a strength. At the core of this approach are raw materials, often associated with technical spaces, workshops or historic buildings. Their presence adds depth, texture and character to an interior.

Some of the most popular materials include:

Architectural concrete – used as wall panels, mineral plasters or microcements. Perfect for large surfaces like walls and ceilings, as well as kitchen countertops or cabinet fronts. It can also be applied to furniture bodies.

Brick – often reclaimed from demolition sites for authenticity, though brick-effect tiles are widely used in flats for easier installation and maintenance. Brick softens the industrial edge and adds visual texture.

Steel and metal – found in structural elements (such as frames, brackets, stair treads), lighting fixtures, and hardware like handles, table legs, trims and railings. Interiors may feature black raw steel or aged, brushed or powder-coated finishes.

Glass – especially in the form of industrial-style glazing with black steel frames. These are ideal for dividing spaces without sacrificing light – a key feature in open-plan layouts.

Natural wood – ideally solid or veneered with visible grain and knots. Brushed or aged wood balances the cool tones of concrete and metal, adding organic warmth.

It’s worth noting that industrial style doesn’t always require expensive original materials. Modern solutions often use smart alternatives like:

3D wall panels with concrete or rust effect
Ceramic tiles mimicking metal, brick, concrete or wood
Textured plasters for an “unfinished wall” effect

These options are not only more affordable, but also practical for contractors – lightweight, easy to install, readily available from suppliers, and compatible with dry construction systems.

For clients who want the industrial look without a major renovation, this is the perfect solution – aesthetic authenticity with greater comfort and lower cost.

2. Furniture – metal and wood in harmony

Industrial furniture takes inspiration from factories and workshops, so it tends to be functional, solid and raw in form. Its design reflects practicality and durability – key elements in industrial spaces.

The signature combination is metal + wood. The contrast between cool, technical steel and warm, natural wood creates a perfect balance – raw but welcoming.

3. Exposed Installations and Lighting

One of the most distinctive features of the industrial style is the deliberate exposure of what is usually hidden. Wires, pipes, valves, conduits, and even connection points – all become part of the decor, not a flaw. This approach references old factory aesthetics but takes on a new, designer dimension in modern homes.

Visible installations can be run:

in metal pipes or conduits along walls and ceilings,
using open cable trays,
as surface-mounted elements on plasterboard walls – no chiseling or concealing required.

Well-designed, they can discipline the space and emphasize its rhythm. They look especially striking against raw concrete or brick, where they contrast beautifully with the texture of the wall.

💡 Lighting – both function and decoration

Industrial lighting is more than just illumination – it’s a structural and decorative element in itself.

The most commonly used types include:

Edison-style bulbs with decorative filaments and clear glass,
metal spotlights mounted directly to the ceiling or on rails,
pendant lights inspired by factory fixtures (with enamel shades or large housings),
glass shades with raw black fittings – perfect over a kitchen island or dining table.

It’s worth designing lighting at several levels: main lighting, accent lighting, and functional lighting (e.g. under cabinets, in niches). This adds depth and layering to spaces that might otherwise feel cold by design.

🔦 LED in industrial style? Absolutely

Contrary to popular belief, LED strips work great in this style – especially warm white ones (2700–3000 K). Installed under furniture, along ceilings, on stair risers or behind a brick wall, they:

soften the harshness of materials,
highlight surface textures,
add a sense of coziness and modernity.

Use aluminum profiles and frosted covers to give LED strips a more “technical” look – in line with industrial design language.

4. Minimalism with Character

Industrial style embraces intentional minimalism – it’s not about emptiness, but about carefully curating every element. In such interiors, every piece of furniture, color, and texture matters. Overdecorating not only ruins the composition but also strips the space of character, which should emerge from clean forms and noble materials.

The color palette remains limited, ensuring cohesion.

Dominant tones include:

graphite, anthracite, and concrete gray,
deep black and rusty tones,
brick and fired clay hues,
natural wood – ideally oiled, brushed, and with visible grain.

How to soften the rawness?

Although industrial style is often seen as cold, it doesn’t have to be. Coziness comes from soft textures and thoughtful lighting. A few simple touches can break the harshness without compromising the aesthetic:

soft fabrics: linen curtains, wool throws, jute rugs, or velvet cushions,
potted plants: monstera, kentia palm, snake plant, or succulents – they add life and a natural contrast,
indirect lighting: warm LED tone (2700–3000 K), diffused light, under-cabinet or niche lighting,
wood details: countertops, mirror frames, cabinet fronts, storage boxes – especially in natural, unstained tones.

🌿 Less is More

Instead of many decorations, opt for a few strong statements:

a large mirror in a steel frame,
an industrial lamp with an Edison bulb,
a single piece of artwork or print in a black frame,
open shelving with selectively chosen items.

Such arrangements let the space breathe and create an atmosphere of calm, order, and clarity – often missing in cluttered interiors.

A well-designed industrial space isn’t cold – it’s consistent, intentional, and comfortable, even when using minimal means of expression. Minimalism doesn't have to mean austerity – in this style, it's a tool for building character.

5. Industrial Style in Practice – What to Keep in Mind?

Although industrial style may seem simple and “raw by definition,” in practice it requires a lot of precision and sensitivity – both from the designer and the contractor. What appears casual or spontaneous is usually carefully planned. That’s why industrial interiors can be not only striking but also... challenging to execute.

🧱 Material vs. Room Function

Not every material typical of industrial interiors will work in every space.

For example:

Real brick – beautiful and authentic, but porous and crumbly. In bathrooms or kitchens, it needs to be impregnated with a proper vapor-permeable sealer.
Steel – prone to corrosion, especially in wet zones. It requires protection, such as powder coating.
Architectural concrete – heavy and demanding, but there are lighter alternatives like GRC panels or microcement, more suitable for residential interiors.

Contractors need to understand not just the aesthetic, but also the physical properties of the materials they use. This helps prevent problems that could emerge months after the project is finished.

🔌 Aesthetic Installation Planning

Exposed wiring and pipes are a hallmark of industrial style – but only if done with care. Installation chaos, tangled cables, or uneven outlet placement can ruin the entire concept.

It’s worth planning in advance:

where power lines for lighting will run,
how to route conduits cleanly in corners or along ceilings,
whether a lamp or sconce should have visible wiring as a design feature – or if it should be hidden.

Thoughtful installation blends function with decoration. Poor planning, on the other hand, simply looks like sloppy work.

🧯 Authenticity Over Imitation

Industrial style doesn’t like pretense. Plastic brick, metal-look foil, or glossy printed concrete laminates quickly reveal their fakeness and cheapen the space.

That doesn’t mean the investor needs a massive budget – quite the opposite. It’s better to:

limit the range of materials and use a few solid, real elements (e.g. a solid wood countertop, a steel lamp, or a veneered plywood partition),
than fill the interior with cheap imitations that only look good in stock photos.

Industrial style rewards material honesty – even when it’s imperfect. Knotted wood, brushed steel, chipped brick – these are the elements that create a character that’s nearly impossible to fake.

Summary

Industrial style is more than a trend – it’s a design philosophy that combines aesthetics, function, and authenticity. In a well-designed industrial home, rawness isn’t the goal itself – it’s about creating strong character without sacrificing comfort.

For designers, it’s a chance to create bold, memorable interiors. For contractors, it’s an opportunity to showcase craftsmanship with challenging materials. And for clients – it’s a space that doesn’t pretend to be something else, but simply fits their lifestyle.

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❓Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between industrial and loft style?
Industrial style is rooted in raw, post-industrial aesthetics – think concrete, brick and metal. A loft is typically a large, open space – it can be industrial, but also modern, boho or minimalist. A loft is a form, industrial is a style.

Can industrial style work in a small apartment?
Yes – as long as it’s used with moderation. In small interiors, it’s best to limit heavy materials to accent elements: one brick wall, a factory-style lamp, a cabinet with metal details. Proportion is key.

Which colours dominate in industrial interiors?
Shades of grey, graphite, black, rusty brown, brick tones and natural wood. The palette is limited – but that’s what makes industrial spaces cohesive and easy to arrange.

Do I need to use real brick or concrete?
No. Modern imitation materials (tiles, 3D panels, textured plaster) can successfully recreate the industrial feel and are easier to install. Just make sure they’re high quality and don’t look like plastic fakes.

How to run surface-mounted installations in an aesthetic way?
Plan them in advance. Use metal conduits, symmetrical layouts, and install them along ceiling lines and corners. Exposed installations should look deliberate – not accidental.

How to soften a cold industrial interior?
With accessories: linen curtains, jute rugs, plants, soft textiles, warm LED lighting. Wood and fabrics naturally balance out the coldness of concrete and steel.

Which materials should be avoided in industrial design?
Plastic substitutes, glossy concrete-look laminates, fake foam “brick” panels. Industrial style values authenticity – it’s better to use fewer materials, but make sure they’re real.