Initially emerging as a practical and spontaneous solution for converting unused spaces into residential lofts, industrial style has, over time, evolved into a cultural statement. Today a vintage or modern industrial-style home is very much in vogue, not only for new homes, but also for those undergoing renovations, especially among the younger generation.
For Millennials in particular, drawn to the allure of urban life and to the style of American films and TV shows, this has become a real trend. Why? Because of its practicality and the chance it provides to express one's tastes clearly, enabling individuals to make a statement without being ostentatious.
Industrial-style porcelain stoneware collections, with their essential dimensions and contemporary look, facilitate the design of industrial atmospheres that are easy to live in. Let’s see how.
Exploring industrial style means embarking on a journey of discovery through the urban landscape of 1950s America. It was during this time that disused factories, offices, and warehouses underwent a radical transformation into apartments, providing young creatives with the opportunity to carve out their own spaces for self-expression within bustling urban environments. Especially in New York, this transformation affected entire neighbourhoods, which were infused with a new and vibrant creative energy.
Instead of covering up the history of these industrial spaces, exposed pipes and cables, as well as concrete and brick walls became an aesthetic feature for increasingly sophisticated apartments. Thus emerged a trend that facilitated the creation of elegant apartments with a distinct personality, yet were remarkably easy to decorate.
This quality is still maintained in today’s industrial-style homes, inspired by these New York lofts. From the latest generation of industrial-style tiles to furniture, industrial style is perfect for individuals who love a functional and modern aesthetic which is also engaging, accessible, and perfect for everyday living.
It’s true, however, that replicating the original industrial style is difficult in today’s apartments due to both location and construction materials. That’s why modern trends and technologies have led to the development of a new style: industrial chic.
An industrial-chic-style home uses industrial-style claddings, but combines them with contemporary furniture, new materials, and softer lines to make the space feel warm and comfortable.
So how does one create an environment of this kind? Choosing industrial-style porcelain stoneware tiles could be the perfect solution.
A distinctive feature of industrial-style homes is the open space, a large uninterrupted area that, initially existing for practical reasons, has become a manifesto of a lifestyle.
Working within an open floor plan, subdivided solely by movable walls or furniture, without fixed partitions, offers tremendous flexibility with where to position the kitchen, living room, and bedroom. In fact, these shouldn’t be viewed as individual rooms, but rather as one big space to be designed cohesively.
Therefore, the distinctive qualities of industrial-style porcelain stoneware tiles are an invaluable asset that can be leveraged. This material offers unmatched versatility as compared to other cladding products, providing the ability to create various formats, ranging from small tiles to extra-large slabs, along with the capacity to replicate diverse textures, all while being remarkably lightweight.
The signature finishes of industrial style are, without a doubt, cement and concrete, which recall the unfinished floors and walls of mid-20th century factories. With a strong, yet minimalist, personality, practical and able to evoke a sense of calm, cement-look is a must-have for those who are drawn to this trend.
Cement-look stoneware tiles can be installed seamlessly on floors and walls to create a welcoming and very modern total-look. An option that also extends to outdoor spaces, thanks to the extreme durability of 20 mm-thick stoneware.
The immense popularity of this style is also evident in how effortlessly industrial-inspired spaces can be integrated throughout the home. Of all the rooms, the kitchen is definitely the one with the most solutions in this regard. In a certain sense, an industrial-style kitchen embodies the true essence of modern industrial design. Here, technical and functional elements are transformed into full-fledged decorative features.
Structural elements such as islands and exposed metal frameworks, along with functional solutions like furniture with exposed shelving, become distinctive hallmarks of this style.
Another typical element of industrial style is the use of chrome-plated stainless steel, from worktops and taps to furniture like counters and carts. Lighting, which is essential in a kitchen, is also a distinguishing feature. The prevailing trend leans towards individual pendant lights suspended above work areas, or for an even more stylish touch, articulated lamps.
But when it comes to cladding materials for an industrial-style kitchen and its floors, what should one choose?
In all these cases, porcelain stoneware tiles continue to be the best option for replicating the appearance of natural materials and finishes, yet with the outstanding technical qualities of ceramic.
While cement, steel, and stone dominate this trend when it comes to finishes, one of the distinctive decorative features of industrial style is the use of space. Wide open areas, free from clutter, in which it is the pure texture of the surfaces in the background that stand out, rather than a specific furniture style.
Therefore, embrace exposed structural elements such as beams, pillars, supports, and various types of pipes and cables, along with ample openings, not only in dividing walls (which should be minimal) but also in large windows that fill the spaces with vibrant natural light. In industrial style, it's the absence of solid elements that defines the space rather than their presence.
That’s why choosing the right flooring and cladding material becomes even more crucial, as this is undoubtedly the most striking visual element. The question is which iindustrial-style floor to choose. The technical qualities of porcelain stoneware make it suitable for a wide range of applications, allowing for the design of truly captivating and trendy total-look solutions.
For instance, imagine a vast area clad entirely in a striking and genuine stone-look material, covering every surface, whether horizontal or vertical; such a setting would undoubtedly make a bold statement. This is precisely exemplified by Yosemite, a collection showcasing meticulously chosen limestone-inspired slabs with an authentically natural appearance. Yosemite is a porcelain stoneware series boasting a bold and refined personality, striking a perfect balance between elegance and restraint, making it ideal for projects seeking a distinctly contemporary ambiance.
Finally, a note about the few and carefully selected elements for industrial-style furnishings. Especially in an industrial style living room, the furniture and textiles should lean towards dark colours in the shades of raw materials. Greys and leather tones should be incorporated, enhancing the vividness of red, pink, blue, or yellow details.
Another valid option for a modern industrial-chic-style space is to choose furniture in lighter hues, like white or beige. Silver is also often used for metallic finishes in industrial interiors.
Iron plays a significant role in this style, particularly in vintage-inspired details and lighting. The preference consistently veers towards options featuring exposed wires and supports, such as professional floor spotlights and large pendant lamps crafted from sheet metal.
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