Industrial interior design first took root in 1950s New York, when old factories and warehouses were transformed into residential lofts. Instead of covering up raw materials and structural quirks, designers chose to highlight them, and what began as a practical response to urban growth soon evolved into a timeless design movement.
At Sticks & Stone Co., we’re drawn to this style because industrial interiors are not about adding layers; they’re about letting the building speak for itself. And more often than not, that’s more powerful than any decor could be.
Today, industrial style is still going strong, and it's easy to see why. It combines practicality with beauty, especially when paired with carefully chosen materials. Whether it's a textured concrete basin in the bathroom or one of our custom rectangle kitchen basins in the heart of your home, the right elements can tie a space together with purpose and personality.
So, let’s take a closer look at what industrial interior design is all about and how you can bring its grounded beauty into your own home with confidence and clarity.
What is Industrial Interior Design?
Industrial interior design takes its cues from converted warehouses and factory spaces (places where the structure was never meant to be hidden). When these spaces became homes and studios, their raw elements were left on show: exposed brick, steel beams, visible pipes, and oversized windows. Rather than covering them up, designers embraced them, and a new interior style was born.
At its core, industrial design is about celebrating what’s real. The materials stay real - concrete looks like concrete, metal like metal. It’s minimal but warm, practical but full of character.
How to Create an Industrial Interior Look?
If you're looking to bring this look into your own space, here are 10 must-know elements to help you get it right, without losing the raw charm that makes it so compelling in the first place.
1. Natural Materials
Concrete, Wood, and Metal in Raw Form
One of the hallmarks of industrial interior design is that concrete, wood, and metal are so central to the look. Concrete is the standout here, not just for floors and walls, but increasingly in finer details like kitchen benchtops, furniture, and lighting. It’s sculptural and surprisingly versatile. In the right space, a concrete pedestal basin doesn’t just serve a function - it becomes the focal point.
Wood brings the heartbeat. Its natural grain softens concrete’s cool temperament while adding visual rhythm. Reclaimed or rough-sawn planks still carry the saw marks and nail holes of their previous life. Perfect reminders that age and imperfection can be assets, not flaws. Pair a polished concrete basin with a chunky timber vanity, and you immediately balance tactile extremes: hard/soft, cool/warm.
Metal provides the backbone. In old factories, it was purely structural; in today’s homes it gives definition and edge. Raw steel brackets, blackened frames, or brushed-brass taps outline the room. Think of metal as concrete’s sparring partner: both are strong, but metal’s crisp profiles highlight concrete’s sculptural curves. Over time, small scratches or a subtle patina add depth rather than detract, aging in step with the space.
2. Exposed Architecture
Brick, Beams, and Pipes on Show
Exposed brick walls instantly add texture and soul to a space, especially when they’re a little uneven or weathered. They show that the building’s lived a life, and that’s part of the appeal. And you don’t need a converted warehouse to get the look - brick slips or the right textured finish can bring that raw edge into newer homes too.
Beams and other structural elements work the same way. What used to be purely practical (like timber supports or steel frameworks) can now become a standout feature. Overhead beams help create visual structure in open spaces, while visible pipes and ductwork, left as is or painted dark, add a bit of grit and depth.
3. Open-Plan
Layouts and Loft-Style Spaces
Open-plan living is at the heart of industrial design. Think high ceilings and spaces that flow easily from one area to the next. And while you might not have a converted loft, you can still take cues from that style. A large dining table can act as a natural anchor. And if you’re feeling bold, you can even keep the bedroom partially open, using a platform, a sheer curtain, or a change in materials to set it apart without shutting it off completely.
Of course, function matters too. Just because a space is open doesn’t mean it has to feel undefined. Area rugs, open shelving, even the way you use lighting can all help break the room into clear zones.
This is where the benefits of concrete in interior design really start to show. Polished concrete floors, for example, allow you to move seamlessly from one space to another while giving the whole home a unified feel. It’s low-maintenance and naturally works with the flow of an open-plan layout (no harsh transitions, no visual clutter).
4. Neutral and Industrial Colour Palettes
Greys, Blacks, and Whites
Industrial interiors are known for their pared-back, neutral palettes (we mean layered greys, deep blacks, and clean whites). The darker tones bring weight and moodiness, while lighter shades stop things from feeling too heavy or cold. It’s that contrast that makes the space feel lived-in and intentional, not stark.
At Sticks & Stone Co., our colours are inspired by the Australian landscape - cool tones drawn from stormy skies, weathered steel, and pale coastal sands. These shades work beautifully within an industrial setting, especially when you’re working with natural textures like timber and stone.
Texture is just as important as tone in industrial design. A matte black fixture, a rough concrete wall, or a distressed leather chair all contribute to the palette in their own way. That’s why our collection of basins leans into this philosophy. Each piece has a tactile quality and a subtle depth of colour that works in harmony with the rest of the space.
5. Minimalist & Functional
Furniture with Clean Lines
The best pieces strike a balance between utility and design. You’ll often see metal frames paired with reclaimed timber, or low-profile sofas next to a concrete coffee table - each element chosen for both its look and its longevity. These aren’t trend-driven objects; they’re built to last and to work hard.
At Sticks & Stone Co., our approach to custom concrete furniture follows that same philosophy. Each piece is made with intention, adding weight and texture to a room without overpowering it. When furniture is this grounded and minimal, it becomes part of the architecture itself.
This kind of simplicity doesn’t limit expression; it makes room for it. By stripping back the unnecessary, you’re left with a space that feels open, relaxed, and easy to live in.
6. Statement Industrial Lighting
Edison Bulbs & Factory Fixtures
Lighting does more than brighten a room; often, it sets the tone. And in industrial interiors, it becomes part of the architecture itself. There’s something unmistakably bold about a single exposed bulb hanging from a black cord, or a row of old factory pendants lighting up a kitchen island.
Edison-style bulbs are a staple for a reason. Their visible filaments and warm glow bring a softness that balances out harder materials like concrete, brick, and metal. And it’s not just about the bulb - the fittings matter, too. You’d want brushed steel, salvaged piping, or even chain suspensions.
7. Exposed Windows
Steel, Iron, and Brushed Hardware
One of the most iconic features of industrial spaces is the presence of large, steel-framed windows. They flood the space with natural light and act almost like structural artwork, giving weight and rhythm to the room. The dark metal framing, whether painted black or left in its raw state, adds a sense of strength and contrast that softens when paired with warmer materials elsewhere in the room.
Of course, not every home comes with warehouse windows, and that’s okay. You don’t need to knock down walls to capture the feel. Simple touches like brushed metal finishes, slimline window frames, or even the use of steel hardware in curtain rods or lighting can echo that same industrial edge.
8. Vintage Finds
Reclaimed Industrial Decor
Industrial interiors feel most alive when they carry a sense of history. That’s where vintage finds and reclaimed materials come in. A scuffed workbench turned console, an old factory cart reimagined as a barcart, or timber rescued from a warehouse floor, each piece adds a layer of authenticity that can’t be faked.
Reclaimed wood is a standout here. Whether it’s used for shelving, tabletops, or statement walls, its worn textures and natural imperfections bring warmth to otherwise hard-edged spaces. It softens concrete and steel, bridging old and new in a way that feels grounded, not curated.
9. Mixing Textures
Rough Industrial Meets Soft Touches
There’s no strict formula here. Some spaces lean more modern and polished, others more rustic and worn-in. The beauty lies in how you layer the two. A sleek black leather sofa might sit across from a weathered timber coffee table. Exposed brick might meet crisp white walls. The proportions are entirely up to you.
Even in smaller moments, the mix matters. Picture one of our concrete basins paired with a fluffy white towel draped nearby. That little contrast makes both elements feel more intentional, more elevated. It’s those thoughtful combinations that give industrial spaces their soul.
So don’t worry about getting the ratio "right." Instead, focus on how the textures in your space talk to each other. That conversation is what makes the room feel real.
10. Function First
Practicality as a Design Principle
One of the most underrated benefits of industrial interior design is how easy it is to live with. That’s especially true for concrete. It’s tough, low-maintenance, and doesn’t demand constant upkeep. Caring for concrete in the home is straightforward: a gentle clean with a soft cloth and pH-neutral soap is usually all it needs. No special treatment, no complicated routines.
Over time, you might want to think about concrete maintenance depending on use, but it’s more of a quick refresh than a renovation. It’s about keeping things practical and purposeful, not pristine.
And in a world where materials are often replaced before they’ve even worn in, that kind of longevity makes a quiet case for sustainability too. Industrial interiors aren’t precious; they’re built to last, and that’s the point.
Ready to Embrace the Raw Beauty of Industrial Interior Design?
By now, you’ve probably noticed industrial style isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about getting it right for you. Letting the space breathe, giving materials room to show their age and strength, and choosing pieces that don’t shout for attention but still hold their own.
That’s the approach we take at Sticks & Stone Co. We believe in the kind of design that lasts, and we back that up with a product warranty that reflects our confidence in the things we make. From half-moon bathroom basins to statement concrete furniture, every piece is crafted to carry its weight, both in style and function.
If you're ready to start bringing industrial style into your own home, we’d love to help. You can always get in touch with questions, big or small. Or if you’re just after a little inspiration, check out our gallery, it's full of projects, textures, and ideas to spark something new.
Here’s to interiors that aren’t afraid to show their bones, and the beauty that comes with keeping it real.