Get Quirky

Sharmila Chand

Industrial décor does not mean décor fit for the industries. Contrary to that, it signifies, décor inspired from industries for homes. So, if you have a lamp made out of a bucket or a pipe converted into a bookshelf or old used glass jars converted into hanging lights, you are close to having an industrial décor. 

Guess what, once you create this kind of a décor, you are also in the limelight as the out-of-the-box industrial décor is quite a rage. 

It needs specific ideas, a particular bent of mind and a good eye to pick the right stuff. Thus, if your taste is for industrial chic look, you are expected to like peeling paint, recycled wood, neutral tones and worn-out whacky accessories. When you find old objects and convert them into something useful, you have successfully imbibed the concept of the industrial spirit.

Here is a low down on the tricks to decorate an industrial home

Texture talk

Industrial décor plays around with a combination of metal, wood and stone textures. The key point is to have  raw finish and earthy tones, say experts. Texture is important, hence aged pieces of furniture with a wear and tear look, knocks and bumps, and even flaking paint, fits in the theme. 

Material mix

These days leather is being used cleverly with metal and it gives a chic look. For example, bar stools are being made with natural wood and leather furnishings.

Plenty shades of grey 

Sorry, but this décor is not about colours. You are supposed to restrict your colour code to a fairly strict palette of black, grey and white, with some natural wood thrown in. As said earlier, if the wood has a worn-out and distressed look, you have mastered the art well.

The right accessories 

Explore the flea market wherever you travel and look for utility items like old glass jars with metal lids or a sawhorse. Visit hardware store, and pick up stuff, maybe a metal ladder and use it to hang your clothes. If you spot cable and horn brackets, get them  to create your own unique space for displaying photos. If you can get hold of pipe fittings and wooden planks,  transform them  into a rustic industrial shelving unit.

Budget friendly 

It is budget friendly. No wonder, one often finds this look in bachelor pads. No frills, and focus on re using utility items. Cut-down on the cost spent on finishes and you are bound to save a lot of money.

Useful tips 

• Remember the industrial style is not about shine and sparkle, so choose "cold" metals and not gold or brass that have a matte finish.
• Look for a worn out rustic feel. 
• Co-ordinate the wood, leather and metals well. 
• Keep the palette black and white or neutral. Muted colours render calmness to the theme. 
• Your list of pretty items should include screws, nuts & bolts.

Check out  

• 'Rain & Peacock', New Delhi, for handpicked collection of modern furniture, art, and design objects from around the world.
• Desi Jugaad. Home Decor and Furniture label, 'Desi Jugaad' creates products from everyday objects which would otherwise be disposed off without a single thought. For them it’s about starting over and turning it into something better. As they say old is the new new.

www.desijugaad.co.in

• The Wishing Chair, Gurgaon

The creative touch: Pipes, cycle wheels, old buckets, anything can be a design inspiration in the industrial decor style. Raw finish with minimal use of paint  makes this style a low budget and stylish option. 

Pics courtesy Desi Jugaad