Saturday, November 12, 2011

Industrial Age Returns







Have you noticed how much 
the industrial look
has taken over our catalogs 
and national and local home decorating shops?

I like some of it,
I like a lot of it actually....
in the right spot,
but my mother and most people
in her generation think we are crazy
for wanting some of the old cold metal
or rough wooden
"things" 
that their generation
would never even consider
bringing into their homes!









Here are a few things
that I found.... 
some interesting pieces 
and some homes
and living spaces in which 
industrial pieces were used to create 
a simple and utilitarian look.


Durham Cocktail Table
An industrial table from Ballard Designs



How do you feel about it?




Pinned Image




Does it have a place somewhere in your home?

Can you appreciate it
even if it doesn't?





Pinned Image
Pinterest


industrial
Pinterest

French Library Shelving Wide
Restoration Hardware



industrial
Pinterest
Pair French Metal Industrial Stools
Factory20.com




Industrial
Pinterest





Factory20.com

Maisons du Monde industrial range

Industrial
Pinterest


Country Living

22 comments:

The enchanted home said...

I like just a touch of it here and there, it CAN be an overkill when someone uses too much of it or tries to replicate a RH catalog! But I think a bit of it makes for an interesting and eclectic space.

Rebecca said...

Oh, yes! I can appreciate it. (I'm just not very good at pulling it off.... I think some people just have the talent to achieve these looks while others of us can only admire them.)

D'ya know what I mean??? (Probably not - as I perceive you as being one with the talent!)

Gillian Layne said...

I love the kitchen shot, where there's a burst of color to warm everything up. I don't care for metal and black/gray alone. But it's a lovely contrast with other materials.

That hand shot was scary! :)

Debi said...

I like the look of industrial type decorating accessorized properly. It seems to be more common in loft settings or spaces that used to be more industrialized and "unfinished" spaces. I lean more with warm woods, things with a "soul", yet "real industralized" (not impressions) have "history". So maybe a blend can be pulled off in some homes. I "might" could do that here, but it would take a complete re-do.

Salmagundi said...

I like a touch of it in my home, but only if the item has meaning to my family. Sally

Olive said...

I like every little detail in that second image and would use an industrial table here or there if I found one.

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

I like some of it alot, and some of it, I don't like at all! But.......if it is classified as "old", or "junk", I would probably bring it home with me :)

Kelly said...

I love industrial touches in a home. I don't want every room to be full of it, however. I think it adds interest in my decor to have some since I like farmhouse decor. I guess it depends on what type of decor you have. It wouldn't really work with traditional to me. If you have country farmhouse or modern then by all means throw some of it in the mix! I guess I have the most in my kitchen. I have barstools and lighting (to name a few) that are industrial in style.

SLR said...

I am really getting into adding some of this decor, especially the lighting. I think it balances some of the more froufy stuff I have too. I am doing our finished basement in somewhat of an industrial style. It really is popping up everywhere isn't it?! Hope all is well with you!

Divine Theatre said...

I love the juxtaposition of Proletariat and Bourgeoisie.
I used to live in a loft apartment. There was something about the stark nature that made my French antiques stand out more in comparison.
The machinery crafted during the Industrial Revolution had almost an ethereal, magical quality. Indeed, it WAS magical! It lightened the burden of humans across the globe while giving poor people the opportunity to become more!
Lovely post, as usual!

xoxo
Andie

Carole said...

Yes it's very big....replacing it with Shabby Chic for women. Guys love it.

Blondie's Journal said...

I like the look to some extent, but it's not me. Maybe a few galvanized pieces here and there, but then softened up.

XO,
Jane

Tee of Vinnord Cottage said...

I love industrial style... I am using details of industrial vintage in my new atlier/office/library. My sister just bought me a 1940's desk and last week I bought myself a 1930's chair to go with it. And I will try to find a new sideboard as well. As the one I have now simply doesnt do the room any justice :D

Love love love your inspireing photos. Many of which I have saved before :D

{Semplice} said...

Love the uitlity sink, looks like mine in the basement, would love it in my kitchen!
Bristol

Connie (aka LOU) said...

Alison -
Oh wow, you pulled that together nicely. I agree with a previous poster that a little can go a long way. Too much and I think it becomes a little cold, but I definitely like touches here and there with other textures that help keep the look cozy.
Connie LOU

Amy Chalmers said...

Sometimes one piece like that can make a room really step up a notch in an eyecatching way...but it is hard to do, at least for me. I think the best way is to use industrial light fixtures, if you want to add a bit of this look to a space.

michele said...

i love the look, but i think it's tough to pull off in terms of balance. i like it with a spare modern space.

michele

lisa said...

hey alison--you know me...i adore a touch of metal in every scape!!
hope you are doing well--look forward to seeing you soon!
best, lisa (the frenchman's wife).

Sharon Lee Johnson said...

I like it in small doses. It is quite a cold look so I think it needs more traditional, softer furnishings around it to balance it out. I think it is a good look for children's playrooms - nice and hard wearing! Lovely pictures x Sharon

Mary Anne said...

Good Morning~

I love the industrial look if it makes sense. It has inspired me to de-formalize my living room and dining room. I recently added old shutters that I didn't even paint to my bay windows and I loved the look. (my original plan was to do silk at those windows)

I have added accents of repurposed items and love that look as well.

Ricki Treleaven said...

Alison, I only like it in small doses, and like you said, only in the right places. My problem is that I like pretty!!!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I appreciate it a lot! Just bits and pieces of it in my own home though...but I do love it!