5 home décor trends that were actually used in industry first

Home décor is incredibly diverse, with themes ranging from country chic, to art deco, boho and beyond.

But, ‘industrial style’ is one décor trend in particular that’s been gaining popularity for some time now, and it wouldn’t be unusual to find industry influenced designs in a multi million-pound property, as readily as one might find them in a warehouse. 

So why is it so popular? Well, industrial décor has worked its way into domestic dwellings due to it’s lack of pretension or self-importance, and there’s lots of appeal in raw materials, clean lines and designs that are functional as well as beautiful. Here are five trends that have become wildly popular with homeowners, but were actually used in industry first…

1. Concrete floors

Basic flooring, such as concrete floors, are becoming more commonplace in living spaces due to their affordability, durability and easy-cleaning. Concrete is often used in warehouses because it can withstand enormous pressure from heavy equipment, such as forklift trucks and cranes.

This means that while it wont feel very forgiving when you drop a plate, pets claws, high heels and furniture legs wont damage the surface. Many opt to polish their concrete floor to make it feel a little more ‘lived in’, and also serves to make it easier to clean by creating a seal on the concrete.

2. Exposed bricks

Exposed bricks are now somewhat of an interior fashion statement, but in industrial settings they’re common place, due to the fact that the use of the building doesn’t warrant the time and effort that goes into plastering and painting.

Nowadays, home owners clamour to bring exposed bricks into their rooms, adding texture and contrast to a space that is otherwise very ‘finished’. In fact, many are using brick effect wallpaper to get the look if they don’t have the real deal in their homes.

3. Metal

Industry relies heavily on metals such as steel, iron, aluminium and everything in between for its strength, flexibility and ability to be forged and welded.

So, it’s no surprise that this trend is being copied in homes, though real industrial aficionados know to steer clear of ‘warm’ metals such as brass or gold, opting for cooler metals or those with a matt finish; industrial style is all about functionality, not glitz and glamour. 

4. Industrial paint 

Industrial paints have been used on surfaces in warehouses and commercial units to provide uplifting design and those all important health and safety considerations.

Anti-slip paint, thermal paints and even fire-retardant paints are common place in industry, but are being introduced to some domestic dwellings too.

For example, some homeowners are opting to use fire resistant paint on internal doors, as it provides insulation while delivering on style and – most importantly – scores points in the safety department too. 

5. Functional furniture

Finally, the kind of items that originated in industry (such as pallet crates, lockers, ladders and workbenches) are being turned into pieces of functional furniture. Old lockers are being used as storage in hallways, or even repainted and repurposed for use as kitchen cabinets, and ladders are regularly turned into shelving and towel rails. 

Next time you’re perusing Pinterest or flicking through a homes and interiors magazine, see if you can spot any trends that may have their origins in industry!