There's something so uniquely interesting about industrial accents in the decor. The rough-hewn textures and finishes add lots of visual interest and a sense of history.
The awesome accessories, pictured here, can be found at Wicker World in Winnipeg. These decorative items are vastly different than the everyday accents often found at big-box stores. The industrial flavour of these accessories adds an element of history from various industries of the past.
Industrial touches can be added to your decor through various means. Anything that is reminiscent of items you might find in an abandoned warehouse can be used to enhance your decor. Finding interesting items, such as the ones pictured here, is one way to add visual interest, but there are lots of other ways to bring some unique touches to your decor.
Using items such as old metal pipe, for example, in an application such as a hand railing is one way to add an industrial touch. Old signs, be they tin or rough wood (especially in a large scale) are wonderful accents for the home. Exposed brick or reclaimed wood used on a feature wall can bring in tons of character and texture to a bland room. Old trunks and suitcases can be used as accent tables. Metal lockers might be something to consider for the entryway instead of a traditional closet. Sawhorses used as table bases add a sense of industry to the decor.
Go by theme
If you're not sure where to begin, consider using accents from a specific industry to enhance your space. Items that come from a garment factory might include old dressing dummies, vintage sewing machines, large spools of thread or twine (such as the one pictured here), old framed clothing patterns (sewing patterns can be found at thrift stores for a few bucks) and miscellaneous sewing notions. This field of industry is particularly interesting here in Winnipeg, which was once a large hub in the garment industry.
A shipping warehouse might include items such as old scales, antique adding machines, metal or wooden tables on castors, old maps and so on. Do some research on specific industries to get some ideas that will translate to your decor and your interests.
Large scale drama
Many items found in a factory or warehouse are large in scale, which can translate into interesting ideas for your home. A large table on castors can become a kitchen island, coffee table or accent table, depending upon the height and size.
Oversized mirrors, lettering, signs, clocks, chalkboards and the like can be used as a headboard or simply as a focal piece of artwork.
Getting there
It's rare to be able to find actual industrial salvage items, so you need to get creative in order to achieve the look. Think of all of the items I've mentioned so far and see how many of them you can create or find for yourself.
You may not come across a salvage rolling table, but you can purchase a coffee table with an industrial feel and add large industrial-styled wheels to the legs. Oversized lettering is hard to find but might be easy to make using papier m¢ché. An old leaded glass window might be hung as a decorative element in your decor.
Your home might not have exposed brick, but you can certainly add a brick feature wall from one of the many brick and brick-like products available. Installing wide-plank, hand-scraped wooden floors is another option.
You can make your own oversized chalk board by painting medium-density fibreboard with chalkboard paint. The list is endless when you open your mind to the possibilities.
You don't necessarily want to go all industrial in your decor, unless you live in an old converted warehouse. Use enough touches to add interest, but don't overdo it. A few well-placed items might be all you need to add that extra something your decor is lacking. Look for opportunities to create these unique touches when you're out and about. Look around at industrial elements in restaurants and large warehouses to garner ideas.
The Internet is also teeming with great ideas to get you started. History, texture and visual interested await you.
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