Lately I’ve been working too hard I think… and am feeling my creative edge slipping. So I’ve started looking for inspiration. I’m turning to the outside- to houses that inspire me, to objects, to scents, to words- and to my books and magazines.
Today I’m inspired by Notebook’s feature on “Industrial Chic…” Its about finding beauty and character in peeling paint, recycled wood, neutral tones and a pared-back look. These are all some of my favourite things! Ahh how refreshing and comfy. It made me instantly feel like creating a new room.
What I love about these images of industrial chic decorating- is there are a couple old bits- mainly the coffee table. But really when you look closely at the pictures, the couch is designer, the cushions are fresh, white and definately wouldn’t smell like an old cupboard.
There is mainly a heap of mixed textures- woods, numbers, paint, metal, books. It’s very quirky and very interesting. Too me- industrial chic is one of the perfect beach styles. Get this look and add a large chunk of coral to the coffee table and an all white sand white on white canvas art piece and you’ve arrived at your beach house.
Speaking with someone today who spent the weekend on an island… they stayed in a modern holiday home. I asked this person if the owner decorated it like a beach house… she said “No there wasn’t a shell in site…”
Its the perception of what a beach house is that boxes people in. Industrial chic could be the perfect beach style decor look- without the cliche fish and boats. Although in my mind you could add a white vintage sail boat and it would fit right in.
To learn more about how to decorate a beach house- or how I think you can decorate a beach house you might like to check out my book.
Notebook even has a little sea bird in on of their industrial rooms. They say to make sure you have heaps of texture including knocks and bumps which add character to your furnishings. Also working with what you’ve got in your possession to begin with makes this exercise more fun as you have to be more creative!
Keep your colour scheme to neutrals- loads of whites, creams, light browns and greys, blacks and silver will work perfectly.
7 Steps to Get the Industrial Look + add a piece of coral to make it a bit beach style meets the factory
- Use large glass jars & metal lids for storage.
- Do revamp your furniture using Porter’s Paints.
- Buy new white cushions.
- Add white ceramics on top of industrial (factory or office furniture) to contrast.
- Use big metal lamps.
- Display old signs, letters and industrial drawings as art.
- Hang wire hooks (think IKEA or Howard’s Storage for this) and display bits of music, favourite numbers, ripped out pages of a book and black and white images and drawings- again mood art.
