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Posts Tagged ‘urban interior design’

Urban or Industrial Style – And How to Make It Become You

Monday, May 21st, 2018

Uttermost Living Room Patten Distressed Walnut Console Table 25977

If you fancy using materials such as rough wood, metals, and brick; and if you love the idea of exposed structural elements or even the use of ladders as a bookcase, then you would probably embrace the concept of urban interior design.

Also known as Industrial interior design, this is a style that does not require any cosmetic tricks. Today, we’re aiming the spotlight at this particular style.

Urban Style and Its Humble Beginning

There isn’t a lot of information about the origin of urban interior design. It is assumed that it was developed during the early part of the 20th century. By the time that the second industrial revolution ended, this trend has already captured the world. Decades after, the style became even more globalized.

What spurred all these were the Western European factories which started to close down. They then moved their business to low-cost nations. This resulted in vacant buildings and neglected warehouses.

These plants were suitable for what are now known to be residential conversions. Through the years, cities became quite popular with such renovations. And with the lack of space that is often associated with urban living, it has become a fight-for-living-space of sorts out there. The transformation of the old industrial structures has become the most logical solution.

And with more and more people moving into such buildings, it soon became apparent that they did not even try to conceal the bare walls, large window panes, and the rough cement. As a result, urban interior design or what’s known more popularly as industrial interior design was born.

The Uttermost Accessories Nakul Industrial Wall Clock 06449 has ‘aged’ features which makes it the perfect decorative feature to those bare concrete wall.

Urban Style Elements

Each interior design comes with specific characteristics. For instance, when you want to use the Nordic interior design, you should be prepared to use light colors and just natural materials. The urban interior design is just the opposite.

First, there are rough brick walls. No need to hide them or do cosmetic applications. In many cases, the focus is more on the bare structure even un-plastered walls. These elements create a cozier and warmer ambiance.

Other elements that you can use include wood and concrete floors. Homeowners often pick a concrete floor more than the wooden option, though.

A third option that you can take is to have an open ceiling. This element must also be left bare. Emphasize the concrete columns, beams, and steel girders. If the ventilation pipes are exposed then let them be. You can paint the ceiling black so you can add depth to your surroundings.

A fourth design element that you might want to include are huge steel windows. These can give your space a retro look because of the small panes. What’s great about these is that more natural light can stream in.

Urban interior design is all about having an open space layout. To have visual divisions, you can use wooden screens and cabinets.

Leather seats are also a wonderful addition to an industrial design home. Dark furniture is the best choice while bright-colored pieces are a no-no. Those that show a bit of wear and tear may also be added as are metal lockers and such.

When it comes to décor, be sure to pare down your options. You will not see a lot of plants, pots, and figurines. In this home, less is definitely more.

Steel stairs can also add to the openness of the area. The types that have a simple landing and railings are a wonderful option.

Lastly, you should consider adding industrial lighting since this is a must in any urban style dwelling. You can have the pulley-inspired types or even the scissor accordion lights that you can use on the walls. The beauty of this kind of lighting is that you can fuse contemporary styles with the older structural features.

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Urban Glam – For the Accomplished Individual

Thursday, February 4th, 2016

 

This Flexsteel Living Room Sofa 7399-31 spells urban fashion and comfort.

This Flexsteel Living Room Sofa 7399-31 spells urban fashion and comfort.

You may just be in your mid-30’s or 40’s but if you have already accomplished a lot of things in life, then you deserve to have another feather in your cap. The next best accomplishment for you at this point is to obtain your dream home, try urban living, and dress your home up according to your liking.

Would you want a big home right away or would you choose to have a condominium unit as your first home? You can be hands-on with the design process. Whichever you choose, be sure to review your choice of a dream home from the day you get your hands on the blueprint.

Next, find an interior designer whom you can trust. This expert should be able to discuss your personal preferences, what you would want the house to evoke, and your spatial needs.

There are a lot of responsibilities that come with your new home. If you are a hardworking professional, then you deserve to glam up your urban dwelling. You can begin with a white color scheme.

Stylish living begins with this simple color. Shades of white can create a bright and airy atmosphere while creating an aura of peace and balance. As you enter your home, you would soon understand how white opens up the space and gives the dweller a welcoming feeling. Be careful in using white, though, as it can have a stark appearance when left without complement.

Apart from white, earth tones are the next best colors to use when going with the urban look. Green, brown and yellow can be used in varying shades. If you want to contrast the starkness of white, you can bring in potted plants. Just be sure to water it daily and place it atop a side table that is not directly hit by sunlight.

Sam Moore Living Room Urban Ottoman 1061 offers patterns that will stand out in a neutral background.

Sam Moore Living Room Urban Ottoman 1061 offers patterns that will stand out in a neutral background.

Create a Homey Aura 

Urban interior design makes use of the design concept where only essential furnishings are brought into the home. This means you have to let go of any trinkets or furniture that can clutter the overall look.

Choose your furniture and accents wisely. A quick look on our lovely furniture pieces will soon give you an idea on how to spruce up your new home.

Area rugs will make any living room stand out. Find one that has varied designs since you will be using a neutral backdrop. A decorative area rug will complement, say, a shiny marble flooring. Other attention-getters inside a living room can be a baby grand piano, art sculpture, chandelier and any abstract painting. These will provide the much-needed contrast for the white scheme.

When it comes to the couch, any upholstered kind will do. Here’s a tip – be sure to rotate the cushions. It’s been observed that most homeowners have a tendency to stay on just one side of a couch.

An urban dining area will also look great with a 10-seater table made with wood. Find mirror panels to reflect this grand sight. Hang a crystal chandelier right above this set. The kitchen space can have a breakfast nook right by the window overlooking the garden. Find cabinets and shelves to store your kitchenware.

FFDM's Boulevard Collection features this streamlined bedroom piece,

FFDM’s Boulevard Collection features this streamlined bedroom piece,

The home office for someone who knows success can have an old-meets-new motif. Modern conveniences such as a laptop and LED TV can be placed in the same room as the antique manual typewriter seated on a streamlined desk.

If there’s space to spare, then take time to find an ottoman that will match your office couch. This ottoman will not just serve as a seating piece but also as a table should you nephews decide to play a board game while you’re busy working.

Frame some of your black-and-white photographs and hang them proudly on your office wall. You can also use this room to store your favorite books, trophies, and some personal items.

Have fun with urban glam!

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