Some say we are in the midst of a fourth industrial revolution, dominated by rapid advances in digital and AI technologies, which don't leave much physical design footprint beyond boxy data centres and the monotonous mobile phone. It is therefore possible that in the years to come we may look back and regard the golden age of industrial style with as much historical reverence as we now do with, say, art deco or mid-century modernism. In this spirit here is our take on the essence of industrial style for the coffee table design tomes of the future.
Shapes of the City
The industrial style was largely born in urban areas. As a result the shapes of the city, from the hulking forms of brutalist architecture to the utilitarian aesthetics of industrial installations, play a defining role in shaping industrial style interiors. We see this in architecturally inspired designs such as the Bridges Cabinet from BD and the Ella Sideboard from Mogg. The Canto Side Table from Sancal looks like a contemporary skyscraper, whilst the shape of the Kite Lounge Chair from Stellar Works carries echoes of manufacturing plants.
1. Bridges Cabinet by BD | 2. Ella Sideboard by Mogg | 3. Canto Side Table by Sancal | 4. Kite Lounge Chair by Stellar Works
The Colour of Concrete
Revered for its flexibility and durability, concrete is perhaps the defining material of the industrial style. Furniture made with concrete, such as the Dice Storage Modules from Lyon Beton, lends an air of industrial chic to any interior space. Other similarly robust materials have the same effect. The Battuto Wall Light from FABR is made with terrazzo, a material commonly used in utilitarian flooring. The Reglobe Suspension Light from Diesel Living has a similar look but is in fact made of plastic pellets in different colours. The Totem Side Table from Collector is made of dark Travertino marble but has the same satisfyingly rough and solid texture of raw concrete.
1. Dice Storage Modules by Lyon Beton | 2. Battuto Wall Light by FABR | 3. Reglobe Suspension Light by Diesel Living | 4. Totem Side Table by Collector
Metallic Magic
The other iconic material of the industrial style is metal. Its ability to be cast and bent into any shape as well as its plethora of finishes, from raw to mirror-polished and rusted to powder-coated, offers vast design possibilities. The Robox Bookshelf from Casamania and the Saturno Plant Holder from Formae show how metal can be used to add a playful forms and colour to your space, whilst the 90 Degrees Wall Light from Frama showcases the beauty of the raw brass finish. We also like the weathered and riveted panels of the Rivet Rocker Aeroplane Trolley from Bordbar.
1. Rivet Rocker Aeroplane Trolley by Bordbar | 2. Robox Bookshelf by Casamania | 3. Saturno Plant Holder by Formae | 4. 90 Degrees Wall Light by Frama
Mechanical Movements
What can be more industrial than objects that showcase mechanical movements, such as the articulated arms of the Bolt Chandelier from Tonone or the Diana Suspension Light from DelightFULL? We also like the Mek Suspension Light from Karman, inspired by mechanical components. Jongha Choi took industrial / engineering inspirations further to create the De-dimension Table, designed with a clever folding mechanism which enables it to be flat-packed and hung on the wall.
Loft Essentials
If there is one type of space that epitomises the industrial style it would be the loft. Popularised by the converted warehouses of SoHo in New York, these large open plan former industrial spaces offer unlimited creative possibilities. Our list of must-have items for furnishing a loft starts with a large statement sofa, such as the Gruuve Sofa from Moroso. A good way to create distinctive zones in such large open plan areas is to use rugs. The Memories Rug from Golran has urban colours and a weathered look which looks great in an industrial style loft. The Supreme Dining Table from Milla&Milli, with its graphic form and mixed materials, works equally well as a dining or work table. The Sampei Floor Light from Davide Groppi works wonders in loft spaces with high ceilings, adding a touch of theatre despite its minimalist form.
