Industrial style in a small flat

6 likes

There are many different trends to come across recently, but industrial style is certainly the most appreciated and most commonly chosen in homes in cities around the world.

Inspired by the New York artists' residences of the 1950s and 1960s, the industrial-loft style takes as its basis former industrial spaces converted into living space, but increasingly they are also being converted into small studios or shops. Sometimes buildings built many years ago, which are not prestigious, have elements rich in potential that can be easily exploited.

The renovation project shown in the photos has as its protagonist a flat that is located in a building built in the 20th century, in one of the most popular districts of Barcelona.

Many experienced interior designers know that clients often cannot imagine the potential of a building or house. Flats cannot be judged by what we see at the moment, but by the details that can be improved.

Industrial style - large spaces

In our cities, it is not often that you come across houses where open spaces with high ceilings reign supreme, as can be seen in true lofts. Those who love this style can also realise it in small spaces by taking into account a few basic principles.

The basic character of this type of conversion is to preserve and expose elements of the building's structure, leaving as much as possible in view: brick walls, beams, pillars and so on. The elements dividing the space are kept to a minimum, thus obtaining an open and bright space.

Here, for example, we see an old building converted in such a way as to retain original elements such as the raw ceiling, brick walls and wooden shutters. The brick wall is painted white to increase the brightness in a rather dark flat. This is a less costly option than restoring the bricks. The old wood floor in terrible condition has been replaced with concrete-effect resin.

Given the flat's elongated and narrow shape and the presence of windows, glass walls of typical traditional brick walls were chosen. Dividing the space with glass offers the possibility of total visibility and allows light to penetrate deep into the flat into the most remote corners. These glass walls are realised to size by a blacksmith and were a fundamental element in the design of this interior.

As for the choice of colours, the main shades are white, grey and black.

The walls are painted white, the exception being the kitchen, where the niche created by closing off the former passageways between the two buildings has been painted matte black. A cold raw material such as iron is balanced by wooden elements such as the containers in the kitchen, the table and the sofa.

The final effect of this makeover creates a bridge between modernity and the past, through vintage-style decoration enriched with designer elements that give the right character. The secret to furnishing a home in industrial style is to keep the lines modern and clean, choose minimalist furniture and finish the whole with vintage elements.

Industrial style in a small flat: How to create an original and functional interior?

The industrial style enjoys unwavering popularity among lovers of original interior design. Although it is mainly associated with spacious lofts and old factories, it can also be successfully adapted in a small flat. Below you will find some practical tips on how to bring the industrial atmosphere into your interior, regardless of its size.

Choose the right colours

The dominant colours of the industrial style are predominantly greys, whites and blacks, which can be varied with metallic accents. In a small flat, it is worth opting for lighter shades to optically enlarge the space. You can also add a few accents of colour, such as red, green or orange, to break up the monotony and give the interior a more distinctive look.

Go for raw materials

A key element of the industrial style is raw materials such as concrete, brick, steel or glass. In a small flat, it is worth using these materials in moderation so that the interior does not become overwhelming. For example, you could expose one of the brick walls, install lamps with metal fittings or opt for glass doors or partitions.

Open space and functionality

The industrial style requires open, airy interiors. In a small flat, this can be achieved by removing unnecessary partitions and combining different zones such as the living room, kitchen and dining room. However, it is important to keep each of these spaces functional by dividing them with furniture or accessories such as shelving or screens.

Furniture and accessories

Industrial style furniture is characterised by simple forms and raw finishes. In a small flat, it is advisable to opt for multifunctional furniture such as sofa beds, wall shelves or coffee tables with storage space. When it comes to accessories, metal decorations such as mirrors in steel frames or canvas prints depicting elements of industrial architecture can be used.

Lighting

Lighting plays a key role in industrial style interior design. In a small flat, it is worth paying special attention to the lighting of individual zones. Opt for ceiling lights such as hanging bulbs on long wires, metal shades or spotlights reminiscent of factory lighting. Also use table and floor lamps to create a cosy atmosphere in specific areas of your home.

Textiles and plants

The industrial style can seem a bit harsh and cold, so warm up the interior with textiles. Choose soft, tactile materials such as cotton or linen to bring naturalness and comfort to the space. Don't be afraid to use plants either, especially larger, potted specimens that will bring life and greenery into the interior.

Storage

A small flat in industrial style should, above all, be functional and comfortable. Make sure you have enough storage space by using shelves, cupboards or bookcases made of metal and wood. Also make use of the space under the stairs, in the attic or alcoves to maximise the available space.

Personalise

Of course, it's your home and should reflect your tastes and character. Add personal touches such as photographs, paintings or travel mementos. This gives the interior a personal touch and reflects your personality.

In summary, a small flat in industrial style can become just as attractive and functional as spacious lofts. By using the right colours, materials, furniture and accessories, you can easily create a unique and cosy interior that will please the eyes and hearts of the inhabitants.