You might think that industrial style is limited to modern spaces - think New York City lofts and hip Berlin coffee shops - but this popular interior design trend isn’t dependent on where you live. Whether you call a new-build, a conversion, or a 1930s semi-detached your home, it’s easy to splash a little of the industrial design trend around, either through small details or big, bold statements.

More Than Meets the Eye

You’d be forgiven for thinking that industrial style equals drab, hard surfaces and not enough furniture, but it’s important to remember that industrial spaces were built with efficiency and safety in mind. Far from uncomfortable, they’re the ultimate in functionality. Modern industrial décor provides a blank, sleek, and easily customisable space – effortlessly stylish, easy to live in and the perfect contrasting canvas for whatever it’s paired with. These Industrial Black Matt Wall tiles are an ideal starting point.

Decent Exposure

Possibly one of the most immediate elements of an industrial look that may spring to mind is that of exposed pipes and brickwork. Often due to the popular repurposing of old factory style buildings into apartments in big cities such as New York and London. This feature is actually possible to recreate within any home. You can look for opportunities to expose water pipes, brickwork or air vents in the space to promote that industrial look.

Perfect Partnership

Another key feature of industrial interior design is the choice of materials. Materials like concrete, wrought iron and brushed nickel are beautifully complemented by distressed wood, vintage accessories and piles of soft furnishings, whilst the natural greys and browns of industrial materials ensure that a neutral look is consistent throughout the space, punctuated by metallics.

Create drama by adding contrast wherever you can with both texture and colour: adorn stripped back flooring with a large shag-pile rug and a rustic coffee table, or match reclaimed copper bedside lamps with luxury cotton linen. Industrial doesn’t always have to mean rough and unrefined. If you prefer a clean, bold look, opt for sleek subway tiles like these Industrial Gold Wall tiles, smooth enamel light fittings and polished stainless steel appliances.

Wide Open Spaces

When you think of the industrial trend, the idea of wide open spaces is something that is certainly at the forefront of your mind. Of course, within the limited space in your home, you may not be able to recreate the look and feel of a factory floor. However, by keeping your room free of clutter you can promote that feeling of space. When adding furnishings ensure that they not only add that potential element of comfort but also don't hinder the feel of the open space. Also, where possible, you may want to consider opening up rooms to each other which will create a wider free-flowing space in your home.

Vintage Furniture

Using old furniture, materials or very functional accessories will also continue that industrial interior look. Things such as using old tea chests as a coffee table or breeze blocks in a shelving unit would work very well in creating an industrial living room with that interior design flair. Repurposing any functional wood or metal items in new ways will look great in an industrial look home. Another great tip is to take a few risks and look for vintage furniture that may not traditionally be in the space; it may just be what you were looking for.

Light It Up

Exposed filaments, distinct metals, track lighting: lighting in any industrial look is a fundamental element that can make or break a space. The best part is that it is fairly easy and straightforward to make it look great; nowadays there’s a huge variety of lighting options to choose from that will complement your industrial look. As long as you stick to metallic finishes, muted colours and vintage-style bulbs, you can’t really go wrong!

Contrasting Textures

While industrial style was born from letting what lies beneath shine, you don’t necessarily need original period features to embrace it – you can fake it! HD Technology Concrete tiles will provide that minimal look for your walls and floors. Start small by using them to draw attention to existing architectural focal points, like archways, chimney breasts, or accent walls.

With the exposed brick and raw woods, you may end up with a somewhat harsh feel to your room, therefore, it's important to compliment that look with some softer touches. Sleek reflective materials including glossy tiles and shiny decorative accessories will help offset the rougher textures. Bring in softer textures like rugs, from small and simple to larger statement pieces, a soft rug underfoot can offer to perfect finishing touch.

An Industrial Colour Palette

The final key element to consider is the colour palette in your room. In order to keep the industrial interior design look consistent, keep the colours muted. Beige, taupe, ivory, black, grey and shades of white for walls, floors and ceilings are all great colours to consider. If you are someone who loves a little colour you can add a little pop with a few statement pieces of furniture that add a splash of colour and act as a focal point for the room. Also, consider using paintings or wall clocks to add interest to your walls whilst keeping the overall feel minimal and clutter-free.

Do It Yourself

Kitchens and bathrooms can be given an industrial feel without tearing out the fixtures and fittings. Small DIY projects like a cooker splashback can be completed over the course of a weekend with easily available supplies. The industrial style gives budding interior designers the chance to try out quirky techniques like dark grouting on light tiles, or even artificial distressing. Even a few well-chosen accessories can bring a hint of industrial chic, so why not give it a try?