Designers and trend forecasters say industrial design will play a popular part in home styling this year, with darker and moodier colours for interiors. On walls expect to see tones such as charcoal grey, dirty blue and muddy purple, while raw textures such as weathered woods and beaten metals will be prominent in decor and furnishings.
To offset the industrial look, polyresin shutters in natural or a white finish will give a more masculine look to a room, says Jenny Brown from Luxaflex. Lightweight sheer blinds in green or neutrals will make a room appear lighter and brighter as they offer privacy while letting in natural light.
Trend forecaster and interior designer Bree Leech says industrial design offers a sense of nostalgia.
“We now see beauty in the industrial style due to the simplicity, aged materials, natural patina and wear-and-tear found in these pieces,” Bree says. “To achieve the look, complementing decor should feature vintage and rustic finishes, such as exposed or painted brick, polished concrete and recycled timber.”
Bree says if you don’t want to add mood or drama through colour, then go soft and neutral with white and green. “Also, by adding greenery to the room you will freshen and balance the industrial edge.”
Complete the look with a decorative pendant that features glass or metal in a dome or cage shape, says Brilliant Lighting’s interior product manager Jacqueline Hughes. “Alternatively, hang exposed bulbs on simple fabric cords with brass fittings,” Jacqueline says. Or mismatch pendants in a cluster.
