How to be a Concrete Princess: Making Industrial-Chic Work for You
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Loading ...Kelly Ward
Brushed concrete, stainless steel, exposed duct work. What used to be the hallmarks of a construction site are now hot design elements in many urban lofts and condos. But rock and metal don’t exactly scream warm and cozy. So, how do you strike the delicate balance of keeping your space industrial-chic but also feeling like home?
A few simple additions and attention to texture and feel can easily make your concrete palace feel as homey as mom’s living room.
Introducing organic materials into a space can instantly add an element of warmth. A plush leather sofa ups the style quotient and provides a warm, relaxing haven. Natural wood grain softens the severity of exposed concrete, but do be careful which stain colour you choose. Collections such as EQ3’a Nest and Magnolia maintain contemporary lines while providing a rich wood-grain look. Steer clear of oak finishes and anything with overly rounded contours.
Nothing brings warmth to a space like a flickering flame, but all too often candle-lovers transform every surface of a room into a skyline of knick-knacks, losing the dramatic effect that a flame can have amongst the clutter. When it comes to adding candles to your decor, the simpler and bigger the better. Free-standing floor pillars such as these make a bold statement. Keep the lines tall and lean and add only one or two candles per room. Also, stay away from scented candles out of respect for guests and their possible allergies.
Lighting is another of the easiest ways to transform an industrial space into a home. Metal tract lighting, while versatile in that it can be directed to fit your decor, can have an over-bearing quality, especially if it is not on a dimmer switch. Diffusing light throughout the room so that it projects from other angles is pivotal in making the space truly liveable. Don’t choose just any table lamps, though. Opt for something funky that will achieve the desired goal without looking too much like it came from grandma’s parlour. Koma Design Collective in Toronto offers a funky line of re-claimed surgical lighting that does the trick of diffusing light and takes the industrial look even further. Paired with warm leather and wood textures, industrial lighting elements will even out your room’s look.
With just a few simple additions you’ll find that your concrete castle will become a home in no time, without jeopardizing the industrial feel.
Image ©  zveiger alexandre/iStockphoto 2009
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Great article! Very interesting and good tips. But that photo doesn’t really seem to match the content. What’s up?
Hi!
The photo is stock. I was left with options of a very bare looking loft or something like the above!