Brooklyn-Inspired Interiors: Get the Look

Who agrees that one of the best parts of travelling is exploring the local culture through its food, fashion, and, of course, its unique style? A place’s interior design reflects its culture, and what’s fascinating is how each destination has its own aesthetic that perfectly matches its environment.

For instance, cities like Copenhagen and Stockholm are renowned for their quirky, minimalist Scandinavian style. But today, let’s shift our focus to Brooklyn, a vibrant neighbourhood in New York, known for its distinct industrial vibe.

The industrial style embraces raw elements like exposed brick walls, oversized skeleton clocks, and a mix of metals, all working together to create an "unfinished" look. It’s a design contrast that you often see in popular TV shows and movies set in New York, where one character lives in the luxurious Upper East Side, and another in Brooklyn with a rugged, industrial feel. Series like Gossip Girl illustrate this divide with the Humphrey family in their industrial brooklyn apartment and then the Waldorf family in their more classic and luxury style apartment.

So, how can you bring this stylish, industrial aesthetic into your own home? If you’re looking to create that perfectly imperfect industrial vibe, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we'll explore practical ways to achieve this look, and highlight key pieces from Olivias that will help you do it quickly and stylishly!

Style Tip 1: Embrace Exposed Elements

The core of industrial style is very rustic with unfinished materials. Opt for exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and open piping. These elements highlight the building's original character and contribute to the rugged charm of the industrial look effortlessly.

How to Achieve It: If your space doesn’t have exposed brick or concrete, consider faux brick wallpaper or concrete finish paints. You can also expose original features like wooden beams or ductwork to bring an authentic industrial feel. If you are after just a subtle industrial look, just even painting your walls a dark colour is equally as good, you then have the ability to easily change it too with this and you can just stick to making the accessories the industrial part of the look

Style Tip 2: Incorporate Industrial Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in capturing the industrial aesthetic. Opt for fixtures made from raw metals like steel or iron, with exposed bulb designs to emphasise that rugged, authentic feel. Pendant lights or floor lamps with industrial features work beautifully, while Edison bulbs, with their vintage filaments, enhance the industrial vibe by adding warmth and character.

For added versatility and functionality, consider adjustable lighting options that allow you to tailor the ambiance to your needs. Black-coated metal or brushed finishes are especially effective in creating a rustic, industrial edge that brings bold style and timeless appeal to any space.

Olivia’s Top Picks:

• Industville Knurled Tinted Glass Dome Pendant Light in Amber with Brass Holder
• Olivia's Soft Industrial Collection - Tinto Floor Lamp
• Quintiesse Pearson 1 Light Medium Wall Lantern in Textured Black
• Garden Trading Curzon Table Lamp in Black

Style Tip 3: Choose Functional, Minimalist Furniture

Industrial-style furniture is typically minimalist and functional, emphasising raw materials like wood and metal. Look for pieces with straightforward, utilitarian designs that align with the simplicity of the style. The key is to focus on functionality and understated elegance rather than intricate detailing.

To achieve this look, invest in furniture with clean lines and durable materials. Metal frames, reclaimed wood, and rugged leather are perfect choices that enhance the industrial vibe. Avoid overly ornate or polished pieces, as they can detract from the authentic, raw appeal of industrial design.

Olivia’s Top picks:

• Richmond Sofa Table
• Richmond Interiors Burrow Side Table
• Richmond Interiors Nox Side Table in Bronze
• Light & Living Set of 2 Rengo Side Table Texture in Black And Bronze

Style Tip 4: Add Textural Contrast

To create a balanced and dynamic industrial space, it's essential to incorporate a variety of textures. Mixing rough, industrial elements with softer materials helps add warmth and depth, preventing the space from feeling too cold or stark. This contrast not only enhances visual interest but also brings a more inviting, comfortable atmosphere to the room.

To achieve this, use textiles like plush rugs, soft throws, and cozy cushions to soften hard surfaces. Layering different materials is key—pair a leather sofa with a metal coffee table and add a woven rug to create a harmonious blend of industrial strength and comforting warmth.