7 Tips For Adding Softness & Warmth To Industrialist Interiors
Vintage Industrial Steel Cage Ceiling Lights by Loomlight.
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Stepping into any industrialist interior, you just can’t help but find yourself immediately captivated by the sleek lines, raw materials and minimalist aesthetics that these spaces always effortlessly exhibit. It goes without saying that the signature blend of metal, concrete and exposed pipes that are synonymous with this style of interior design exudes a sense of modernity and urban charm. However, amidst the industrial allure, there can sometimes be a longing for a softer and warmer ambience. After all, the ultimate goal for many DIY home designers is to transform their space into a warm and cosy sanctuary; this can feel like an impossible task when you’re contending with concrete flooring and steel beams.
If you find yourself in this very predicament, you’ve come to the perfect place. The good news is that achieving a harmonious balance between industrialist chic and inviting warmth is entirely possible. In this article, we will delve into 7 expert tips that will help you infuse your industrialist interiors with softness and warmth, transforming your home into a haven of cosiness. Read on to find out more.
Add Soft Window Treatments
When it comes to industrialist interiors, large windows are often a prominent feature that allows natural light to flood the space and create an open and airy atmosphere. However, these expansive windows can sometimes make the room feel cold and exposed. To soften the look and infuse warmth, incorporating soft window treatments is key. For example, for the living space, sheer see-through lounge room curtains can work wonders to add a delicate touch to your industrialist interior as their translucent nature allows diffused light to filter through, creating a gentle and ethereal ambience. Opt for curtains in muted tones or natural hues to maintain the understated elegance of your space.
The Birdy Light floor lamp, available via La Lumiere.
For those seeking a more rustic and organic vibe, consider designing with bamboo blinds or woven shades. These earthy window coverings can add an effortless touch of nature to your industrialist interiors, blending seamlessly with the raw elements present in the space and creating a visually pleasing and harmonious environment. You may even opt to layer your curtains and blinds to add further depth and support your pairing of hard and soft elements at a micro-scale. This layered approach also adds dimension to your windows which can be a great way of balancing out monochromatic elements like concrete.
Remember, the goal of incorporating soft window treatments is to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics. So be sure to choose materials, patterns, and colours that harmonise with your interior’s existing elements, whilst still providing a unique contrast to the colder look and feel that industrial decor can so easily shoulder.
Incorporate Plenty Of Textiles
Textiles can play a crucial role when it comes to adding softness and warmth to industrialist interiors. Introducing the right fabrics and textures can instantly transform a cold and stark space into a cosy and inviting haven that you can be proud to call home.
Original Style Tileworks in Steel Midnight Blue.
The best way of easily incorporating textiles into your industrialist interiors is simply by covering up those cold, hard floors with something soft and texture-rich. Choose rugs with a deep pile or shag textures that provide a soft and luxurious feel underfoot. We also recommend opting for rich colours or natural tones that complement the industrial aesthetic, while adding warmth and comfort to the space.
You can also incorporate a little added softness by draping cosy throw blankets over sofas, armchairs, or beds. Opt for blankets made from soft materials like wool, cashmere, or faux fur. For added comfort and cosiness, be sure to scatter cushions across your furniture. Don’t forget to mix and match different sizes, shapes, and textures to add extra visual interest to your industrialist interior.
Opt For Warm Lighting
As you probably already know, lighting is a fundamental element that greatly influences the ambience and mood of any space, including industrialist interiors. While industrial design often embraces cool-toned and stark lighting, opting for warm lighting can add a much-needed touch of softness and warmth to the overall atmosphere. Thankfully, incorporating warm lighting into your home space is as simple as replacing harsh, cool-toned bulbs with warm-toned ones throughout your space. Choose bulbs with a lower colour temperature, typically labelled as "warm white" or "soft white.
Davey Lighting Narrow Pillar wall light in polished brass, Original BTC.
In addition, consider swapping out industrial-style pendant lights with those featuring soft shades. Look for pendants with fabric or frosted glass shades that diffuse the light and create a warm, gentle illumination. These fixtures soften the harshness of direct light while adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your industrialist interior. Use warm-toned LED strip lights to illuminate shelves, artwork, or architectural details. The gentle glow accentuates these elements while infusing a warm and inviting ambience into the space.
At the end of the day, the right combination of warm illumination will enhance the overall aesthetics and create a soothing environment within your industrialist interior.
Introduce Greenery & Natural Elements
In the realm of industrialist interiors - where raw materials dominate the design landscape - incorporating natural elements can add a much-needed dose of warmth, organic beauty and a connection to nature. Fortunately, injecting the elements of nature into your space doesn’t have to be an arduous or expensive affair — simple additions such as indoor plants or freshly cut flowers are a great way to add a touch of natural beauty and freshness. Place them on window sills, shelves, or in decorative plant stands to soften the industrial aesthetic and create a calming and soothing atmosphere.
Modular Industrial Style Shelf Unit by Shelved.
In addition to greenery and foliage, incorporating wooden elements into your decor is yet another simple way to instantly add some warmth and a sense of organic charm. Incorporate wooden furniture pieces such as coffee tables, sideboards, or dining tables. Look for pieces made from reclaimed or distressed wood for a rustic touch. Wooden shelves, wall art, or decorative accents like bowls or vases can also bring natural textures and warmth to the space. You can even include furniture that boasts natural fibres like cotton, linen, or even wicker to further compliment your design choices here.
Use A Soft Colour Palette
While industrialist interiors often embrace a monochromatic or neutral colour scheme, incorporating soft and warm colours can significantly enhance the cosiness and warmth within your space. Start by choosing neutral tones such as whites, soft greys, and light beiges to create a calm and soothing backdrop for your industrialist interior. Once you have a foundation of neutrals, begin building up your soft colour palette by incorporating earthy colours to evoke a sense of warmth and natural beauty. Consider hues like warm browns, muted greens, or soft terracottas.
Soft tan Industrial-style desk chair, £375, Cox & Cox.
To take it one step further, infuse pastel accents into your industrialist interior to add a touch of softness and whimsy. Colours like blush pink, pale blue, or sage green can create a gentle and dreamy atmosphere. Use these hues sparingly as pops of colour in artwork, decor, throw pillows, or accent furniture to create visual interest and a sense of playfulness.
By embracing soft colour palettes, you can transform the overall mood and feel of your space with minimal effort or cost. The gentle hues create a sense of calm and tranquillity, adding a layer of softness to any industrial-inspired interior.
Create Cosy Nooks
Whether you’re an avid reader, crafter or simply someone who enjoys cosying up to a great movie at the end of a long day, creating intimate and cosy nooks to counterbalance the vastness of your industrial space is key. Here are some ideas to help you create cosy nooks within your industrialist interior:
Cosy Reading Nooks - Set up a dedicated reading corner with a comfortable armchair, plush cushions, and a side table. Add a floor lamp or a wall-mounted reading light to provide ample lighting for your reading sessions.
Fireplace Lounge - If you have a fireplace, create an inviting lounge area around it. Arrange plush sofas or oversized armchairs facing the fireplace, complete with soft throws and cushions. Add a coffee table or ottoman to hold books, candles, or a tray for beverages. This snug corner becomes the perfect spot to gather with loved ones or enjoy a quiet evening by the fire.
Eureka Border Design window film from Purlfrost.
Dining Nook - Create an intimate dining nook by using a corner or alcove space. Install a built-in banquette or a cosy booth-style seating arrangement. Adorn it with plush cushions and soft upholstery and place a round or small rectangular table for intimate meals or morning coffees.
Window Seat - If you have large windows, consider building a window seat or incorporating a built-in bench beneath them. Add soft cushions, throw pillows, and a cosy blanket for extra comfort. This nook allows you to bask in natural light while providing a peaceful spot to enjoy a cup of tea or simply gaze outside.
Personalise With Tasteful Accessories
Last but not least, don't forget to add personal touches and accessories to bring warmth and personality to your industrialist interior. This means hanging up artwork, photographs, or other decor that is imbued with meaning or sentiment that’s unique to you.
For an added touch of luxury, accent your decor with scented candles or essential oil diffusers. Choose scents that evoke a sense of comfort, such as vanilla, lavender, or sandalwood. The flickering candlelight adds a soft glow and the scent helps create a relaxing environment.
Industrial Shaker Kitchen by Higham Furniture.
Remember, personalising industrialist interiors should reflect your own unique style, and there are no right or wrong choices. So, don't be afraid to experiment and create a space that truly feels like home. By incorporating personal touches and accessories, you can transform an industrial space into a warm and inviting haven.
And there you have it — 7 tips that are guaranteed to inject some much-needed softness and warmth into any industrial space. These strategies create a balance between the raw industrial elements and the comfort of a welcoming space, turning cold and austere into embracing and hospitable. Remember, it's all about creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere where you can relax, unwind, and feel at home within your industrialist interior.
