Unpacking Four Sub-Styles Of Industrial Design

We’ve all got a good handle on what makes up the industrial style aesthetic; original brickwork, raw concrete finishes, surface mount electrical wiring and exposed ducting are the familiar subjects of the theme, but what about the many sub-styles? Today we’re unpacking what makes a crisp modern industrial style, how we can colour up a quirky pop art industrial interior, the cool crash of Scandi meets industrial, and a rather more eclectic take on the industrial vibe. Let’s take a look at how these lofts live up to their industrial sub-styles with tag graffiti walls, colour blocked zoning, mezzanine bedroom ideas, inspired kitchens and unique bathroom designs.

Visualizer: Artem Tafy

Our first focus is on the modern industrial aesthetic, where clean and crisp lines contrast with raw and rugged elements. In this 46 square metre tourist rental in Petergof, Russia, fresh white cladding smooths over an exposed brick interior. A floating tv stand stretches a thin linear volume across the room, which is utilised as desk space at one end.

A huge indoor plant drives a dark green accent into the predominantly neutral modern scheme.

Small white radiators meld with the simple white baseline, and a solid white swivel chair blends in quietly by the desk space. With elements clear and contemporary around the lower half of the room, the crown of the room carries an authentic warehouse vibe, with a bare concrete ceiling and exposed ducting.

The brick beige and basic white backdrop is shaken alive with the introduction of a mood boosting powder blue dining area. A colour coordinated dining pendant light spotlights the small dining table arrangement.

A blue graffiti wall complements the dining furniture whilst maintaining an untamed urban street vibe.

The graffiti wall wraps around the corner of the room into the compact kitchen area. What appears to be a small L-shaped kitchen actually has a third wall of cabinets tucked neatly behind the staircase to the mezzanine. The space beneath the stairs is fully employed as custom closet space.

Up on the mezzanine, a glass wall bedroom design receives natural light from the living room’s towering arched windows.

A swing arm wall lamp illuminates tag graffiti across the headboard wall, and issues reading light into the compact cozy bedroom.

The beautiful blue colour theme returns inside the small bathroom, with solid blue walls and secretive storage unit doors. A deep farmhouse sink beds a sharp white accent into the modern blue vanity unit.

Large wall tiles break apart the blue behind the bathtub.

Visualizer: Pavel Alekseev

Next, we move to a pop-art industrial style loft in Moscow. Blue bookshelves create a box frame around the large living room window. A graphic rug takes the blue accent to the floor.

A small rocking chair and swing seat make a place for chatting in motion. Scribble effect cabinet doors paint an arty vibe under the stairs. A geo rug layers in a burst of yellow, which is complemented by a lemon chevron cushion over on the window seat.

Yellow bursts lead the eye to the kitchen next, where a bright SMEG fridge contrasts cheerfully against charcoal grey walls.

The yellow element is absorbed into the industrial aesthetic via faux “road markings” painted across the kitchen floor and along the home entryway.

A humorous “stop hunger” message has been stenciled by the fridge door. Pop art unfolds as a comic strip across the kitchen backsplash.

Directional chevrons show the way from the foyer into the apartment.

As we approach the top of the mezzanine staircase, the steps change from unfinished timber to aqua blue painted treads. A cornflower blue bedroom awaits at the end of the trail.

Anglepoise wall lights solve the issue of limited space around the bed.

Dual-colour paintwork camouflages the bathroom door.

Visualizer: LVI Studio

Our third sub-style is the Scandinavian industrial combo. An industrial pallet coffee table is adorned with a very Scandi selection of mini trees and a chess set centrepiece. Cushions and tasselled throws add hygge vibes to the leather sofa.

A planter is set into one side of a rustic dining table; a delicate tree reaches up into the double room height.

Metal dining chairs tie in with the attached industrial style kitchen design.

The square balcony has been fashioned into an outdoor room.

A sofa and modern outdoor chairs create a lounge area, whilst stools line up to make a relaxed dining spot with a great view.

Upstairs, a mezzanine closet runs off the glass wall bedroom.

Tonal grey decor and oak flooring creates a calming palette.

The living room pendant lights twinkle just outside the industrial bedroom.

The narrow bathroom is packed with cool industrial style elements to create an atmospheric retreat.

A slatted shower screen adds a unique touch.

Visualizer: Lena Budantseva

Our final tour takes place in an apartment for a young family, in Minsk, with an eclectic industrial style. Black base notes anchor golden woodgrain accents. A maroon modern sofa diversifies the colour scheme.