What comes to mind when you think of Industrial Decor? Metal? Hard surfaces? Warehouse living? What about mixing up styles?

There’s a modern trend to industrial decor where strong, commanding pieces are being mixed with more delicate colours and fabrics – and the effect is fabulous.

As with any décor, samey-samey gets boring-boring so a lively interplay between different aspects will keep things interesting. For example, this kitchen (below) by Yvonne McFadden has the warmth of wood in the bench, the coolness of winter white walls and the strength of metal. It’s a winning combo.

Similarly, the kitchen photographed by Andrew Snow shows custom-made maple cabinets and stainless steel bench tops. However, the industrial pendant lights and exposed pipes and wires in the ceiling offset the sleekness.

The open plan kitchen/living area (below) designed by Carney Logan Burke Architects is an example of strong industrial decor elements working with modern architectural style. The polished concrete floors, metallic splashback, heavy metal lintel and corrugated iron roof are all industrial. However the high-gloss white kitchen cupboards with concealed appliances reduce the heaviness. The room itself attracts excellent natural light and warmth is added with a mustard wall and wooden dining table.

In the bedroom (below), a softer industrial decor edge is preferable for many. If you find a metal bed frame you love but are afraid it looking too harsh in the bedroom, have no fear. White or light walls will open the space and give ‘breathing room’ to a heavy metal bed frame. Choose light colours for the textiles and add texture with selected furnishings and throws. For example, seagrass mats over a warm wood floor, raw cane furniture with soft fabrics and heavy knotted throws in wool or mohair.

Container housing is becoming very popular with amazing results. The white corrugated interior of this container home is softened with the use of winter white and plush furnishings. The ‘industrial’ coffee table pays homage to industrial decor without making the decor appear heavy.

Recycled and textural elements add softness to industrial decor and create a unique vignette. Fragments of fishing net often wash up on beaches and can be used decoratively. Here, netting becomes the decoration around simple hanging pendant bulbs.

The new, softer industrial décor also allows you to bring in heirloom and pre-loved pieces that perhaps didn’t fit anywhere else. Try different pairings – old with new, soft with hard, antique with contemporary, modern with baroque, or even French with minimalist. Have a play, have fun.

For more design ideas, you’ll love Things of Stone and Wood, Transforming Your Disused Outdoor Space, a unique open-plan home called the Hog Pen, and this AMAZING German designed modern masterpiece of bathroom culture.

I’d love you to join me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram so we can share more great fashion and design ideas.