Your Guide to Industrial Design Style.

A few design trends are flexible, easy to implement, and a lot of fun to look at. And one of those is industrial style interior design. The industrial design aesthetic manages to give a sleek looking modern space; yet also manages to incorporate an organic and old industrial charm. When you say industrial style, many people think about stainless steel and sharp edges. However, there can be much more to it.

Industrial Living Room With Wood Tones

There are no true principles that urban industrial style was built from. Instead, it slowly morphed into today's Open-plan spaces with high ceilings, huge windows, and lofted bedroom space. The key element for any urban-industrial space is flexibility. Thoughtfully arranging furniture turns your Singapore HDB or Condo into whatever you need it to be — everything from a nursery to an office, while still being a place to call home.

What Is Industrial Design & Where Did It Originate?

Industrial Design Dining Space

The industrial look has been around for centuries, but initially, it was never a “style” at all. Or at least, it didn’t set out to be. In the 1700s, the industrial revolution hit, and the world was changed forever. Factories sprung up all over major cities in Europe and America. These large buildings were simple, functional, and utilitarian. They had huge windows to let in natural light and an open plan floor space. To save money and minimise fire risk, most were kept plain – no paint, and with bricks, pipe, and ductwork left completely exposed.

Two hundred years later, advancements in the construction industry allowed us to make bigger, better, and more efficient structures. The old factories closed down, giving way to modern manufacturing plants on the outskirts of the city. But the factories wouldn’t stay abandoned for long. In the mid-20th century, many of these spaces were revived. Not as factories, but as housing.

Thus, the “industrial chic” look was born. Interior designers worked with the exposed brick and metal to create spaces that were bold, edgy and could blend with any style.

Industrial really refers to the fact that this style is very much fuss-free. It is a no-nonsense type of interior design and pulls a lot of inspiration from warehouses, industrial structures, and factories. But that does not mean that it needs to be a cold environment.
Urban Industrial design is unique in comparison to other home styles. Instead of manifesting from an architectural movement, this gritty look came from a lifestyle choice of artists and musicians. Forgoing traditional housing for makeshift live-work spaces inside of abandoned warehouses and factories, artists created this thrown-together look of street finds, thrift store purchases, and pieces made out of whatever happened to be laying around.

You can have a nod to the industrial style interior design simply by having some bare bricks and some salvaged materials; exposed brickwork, industrial pipe, and more to pull this look together.

Why industrial style interior design might be for you. 

Industrial bedroom with metal light fixture

There are some styles of interior design that are hard to keep up with. For example, if you love minimalism, but you have a family, minimalism can be hard to keep control of. More people usually means more stuff. You have to be very smart with storage, and that can take its toll. However, interior design that is based on industrial styling is super flexible.

While most people try to conceal the building materials of their home, the industrial interior design distinctly displays these materials. This results in the kind of raw, unfinished look that has recently become an incredibly popular design style. The industrial design mixes the old with the new by blending wood and metal elements in a unique and upscale way.

This style of home interior design is perfect for those living in an urban environment, so if you’re moving into or thinking of redoing your Singapore HDB apartment, renovating your BTO or your Condo, the industrial interior design may be the style for you. It’s all about showcasing neutral tones, an open layout, and mixing wood and metal furniture to achieve that signature industrial look. 

Styling tips to bring Industrial Design into your home. 

Bring industrial style into your bathroom with unique fixtures

The Key Features Of Industrial Decor.

• Industrial home design features exposed pipes, air ducts, wire, beams, and brick.

• Industrial homes are usually open concept.

• Industrial furniture and decor is often blocky in shape and made of metal, wood, leather, and even salvaged parts.

Here’s how you can achieve the modern industrial style throughout the entire home.

Layout.

All industrial spaces tend to follow the “converted warehouse” look even if the building is new construction and was never truly a warehouse, to begin with. This means brick walls, high ceilings (or the illusion of these), natural light, exposed piping, and small-plank wood or poured concrete floors. Carefully placed furniture and area rugs define each space as a living area, dining area, and office. 

An open plan layout is a core element of industrial design.

True industrial lofts that have been converted from warehouses typically don’t have walls, but if they do, the walls are not full height, allowing natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows to penetrate every corner.

If you have a loft to work with, the only clearly defined rooms are the kitchen and the bathroom. Often, lofts feature a one-wall kitchen with a cabinet, fridge, sink, and stove all along a single wall. Using a kitchen island is a great way to further define the kitchen and it can often double as a dining table. This keeps the kitchen open to the rest of the space and sticks with the flexibility rule that defines industrial design.

Industrial Style Flooring.

Flooring is similar to all other architectural elements of industrial design, in that it is usually made from natural materials such as wood and concrete. Concrete can be left a plain grey and polished or stained to give it a more old-fashioned look, which can bring in an interesting textural element. A concrete floor would feel unfinished in many other spaces, but it adds some real visual impact within industrial style homes. 

Concrete floors can feel cold and impersonal to some people, so an alternative to consider is another natural flooring material like hardwood. If you’re doing a traditional take on industrial design, you would select distressed floors made from reclaimed wood. For a modern spin, you might choose polished wide planks of wood instead.

Area rugs to help delineate and define separate spaces. You can position these rugs carefully to create spaces like a living room and a dining nook. Proper rug placement is one of the easiest ways to help an open concept floor plan flow more naturally.

Concrete Or Brick Walls.

One of the easiest ways to achieve the industrial vibe is by leaving your concrete or brick walls just as they are. No paint or plaster is necessary.

Concrete is a blank slate – literally. You can match it with neutrals like grey or brown, or you can experiment with contrasting colours. What works best in an industrial styled home that has exposed brick walls and uncovered windows to let in the lightest, is a blend of deep colours, soft fabrics, and lots of patterns. 

Colours. 

Generally speaking, industrial design features neutral colours. Black and white both feature prominently, along with various shades of grey and brown. Using neutral tones throughout the home helps it feel more spacious and lends a sense of continuity. Using neutral tones can also help the industrial details in a room pop out even more.

You can bring in your own personality with bright pops of colour in the form of art, rugs, and some other decor that will be in direct opposition to your industrial style.

Exposed Piping.

In most homes, exposed pipes and structural beams would be plastered over, covered up, and painted before you even move in. But with industrial house design, you can skip that last step and save on money and stress. Exposed piping is a staple of the industrial style. This makes it perfect for HDB’s where piping cannot be permanently concealed. And contrary to what some people believe, it isn’t messy at all. It’s authentic, raw, and captivating.

Use Metal And Wood Furniture.

A key feature of industrial design is the use of metal and wood in the space. Selecting furniture pieces made from either metal or wood blends the old with the new and gives your home an interesting contrast. Wooden pieces should be weathered rather than new looking, so find unfinished furniture.

For metal furniture, you can choose an antique brushed or oiled finish to give your home a vintage feel. If you prefer a more modern look, you can opt for polished chrome. And metal furniture doesn’t have to be uncomfortable; you can find plenty of comfortable metal bar stools or tables that will accentuate your home's style without sacrificing comfort. After all, this style is meant to be inviting, not severe.

Leather has a prominent place in industrial-style spaces, as (you guessed it) furniture upholstery. Leather embodies the essence of industrial style, which is all about taking something old and giving it new life and purpose. It's equal parts rugged and refined. Think about furnishing your industrial living space with a cosy leather club chair or leather side chairs with metal legs. If you don't want to go too crazy with leather, think about furnishing your space with a leather ottoman or pouffe instead.

Soft Textiles.

Without any softness, an industrial space can feel a bit cold and uninviting. This is where faux fur and thick wool textiles come in. Soften the hard lines and cold metal of industrial furniture by throwing thick wool throw blankets over your sofa and side chairs. It might seem glamorously out of place in concept, but a faux sheepskin or hide rug can be one of the best additions to an industrial space, as it can add softness and texture to bare floors.

As far as patterns, once again the flexibility of industrial lofts comes into play. It can be any pattern you like and can even be a combination of boho, geometric, and stripes. This is a chance to experiment and discover your own personal look.

Industrial Shelving.

What do you get when you combine wooden planks and metal pipes? Chic industrial storage solutions for your home.

Open shelves are a great way to display your knick-knacks and show off your personality. These are also perfect for defining space within your home. 

Edison Lights

Get it right, down to the details. Industrial-style lighting can come in many forms, most of which are old vintage lamps making a comeback. But the most popular style by far is the Edison light. These filament bulbs from the 20th century give off a warm yellow-orange glow.

You don’t have to swap out your energy-efficient lights for century-old bulbs, however; there are many LED versions in the same vintage style. Hang it loosely via its wires or frame it in metal to get the look you’re going for.

Exposed walls bring an industrial style together

Antique-Looking Wall Art.

When it comes to wall art, industrial style favours prints of old designs over new and modern art. Blueprints, diagrams, maps, and vintage posters all work really well in industrial spaces where abstract paintings, colour-blocked posters, and overly colourful photos might not. If you're looking for more texture, metal wall sculptures, well-travelled license plates, and old store signs can all be dynamic additions to your walls.

Accessories. 

Much like minimalism, an interior design based around industrial style has a limit to the number of accessories that should be in the room. You’re looking to keep your services clutter-free and always clean, so try to go for items of furniture that have extra storage. Industrial interior design is often described as very masculine, simply because it is dark and robust. But don’t be afraid to add in some unique touches, like metal structures and sculptures, or stone ones.

Plants.

Though accessories and decor aren't necessary for perfecting the industrial look, they can really tie a space together and give it some personality that its rigid foundation might be lacking. Plants are especially important in ensuring that an industrial space doesn't look too dreary – they can literally breathe life into a room. Struggle to care for live plants? Go with artificial instead. You can get creative with planters – think about repurposing old cans or other vessels instead of buying new pots. If you do go with new pots, opt for matte cement pots and situate them on metal plant stands.

Industrial Design doesn’t have to be cold or uninviting.

In Summary.

An advantage of industrial spaces is that they can be decked out in just about any style. This means anything you want goes and often results in an eclectic blend of styles with leather seating, boho rugs, and mid-century coffee tables. Flexibility is the only true principle of urban industrial design. Fill the space with antique pieces or keep it open and minimalist — the beauty of the industrial design is that the gritty architectural elements make an intriguing backdrop for every kind of look.

9 Tips for Maximizing Space in a Small Apartment in Singapore in 2022

In the United States as well as other developed countries like New Zealand and the United Kingdom, living in small homes is *a thing*. In times of recession and rising property prices, small apartments can be a much more affordable option than larger ones (and they're also much easier to clean), especially for singles and families without kids.

There are many definitions of what constitutes a 'small house,' which range from less than 37 sq m to a maximum of 93 sq m, but Singapore homes seem to fit the bill. HDB flats typically range in floor area from 36 sq m (2-room flexi, type 1) to 90 sq m (4-room flat). It's 50 sq m to 70 sq m for shoebox or 1-bedroom condo units.

Especially if you live in a small home and have lots of stuff or want to minimize clutter, space efficiency is vital. It may be that you just want more space for guests or that you want to make your living quarters seem more spacious.

It is always a good thing to have more space for your home, no matter what the reason.

1. Do away with the false ceiling

A false ceiling is a good option if you want to conceal messy electrical wiring, or if you want to install sound-proofing or aesthetically pleasing cove lights. Many people who install false ceilings claim they help with thermal insulation (keeping the house warm/cool) or even prevent damage to the actual ceiling.

In Singapore, the ceilings aren't that high, so a false ceiling could make your apartment seem even smaller and cramped. Plus, that pocket of space could harbor dirt and creepy crawlies if not kept clean.

2. Brighten the room with simple colors

Colours should be kept to a minimum. While a multi-hued interior would be ideal for quirky personality types, it might make your space look smaller if you add patterned wallpaper or textural effects to the walls.

Your space will appear more spacious and airy if you use a light, simple colour scheme. Generally, lighter shades reflect light to make a home appear brighter, whilst darker shades absorb light. A Scandinavian-style home will have a light color palette. The designs usually feature a lot of wood-like surfaces and even touches of turquoise, black, or green for a bit of interest.

3. It is important to compartmentalize

Separating different areas and creating a multifunctional space with defined boundaries helps to minimize clutter as well as give a feeling of more space.

Living areas can function as a dining area, a work/activity/relaxation area, and even contain storage, making every inch count. Creating a sense of separation between the kitchen and living areas is also made possible by changing the colors and textures in the space.

4. Make use of glass walls

The unique quality of glass is that it can physically separate a room while still letting in light, all while giving the impression that the room is open and accessible.

Add geometric interest to your home by installing glass walls with colored frames, especially in the living room. In addition, they maintain a semblance of privacy for the person inside, while providing a sense of openness. Having glass walls in a room with darker tones helps to balance out the dark colours, creating an interesting light interplay and visually opening up the room.

5. Make a room larger by cutting it down

Sometimes it can be worth removing walls in an already-small house to make the area look bigger and more spacious. In addition to providing a fantastic social area or a fun play area for your active children, an open concept home can compromise privacy and wall space for cabinets and hanging decor.

It's important to keep in mind that hacking walls can increase your renovation bill significantly. Furthermore, it may make your house less valuable.

6. Use a platform bed to maximize storage

The right amount of storage not only helps you keep your belongings in order, but also keeps clutter out of sight and ensures your home looks neat and tidy to visitors. Flush-mount storage does take up some valuable space, but the clean lines and minimal clutter make any home feel bigger and cleaner.

You can also maximize your storage areas in "hidden" areas such as under your bay window bench and seat, inside your coffee table, or even inside your platform bed. You will have plenty of storage space while looking sleek.

7. Keep the kitchen open

In addition to hacking walls to open up living spaces, you can also make your kitchen appear bigger by turning it into an open-concept one. The dining table can be used as a kitchen island or a "tasting table" for the chef of the house via a simple hack such as using similar colors in your living room and kitchen.

One (small) downside, however - if you usually cook with oil or fried foods, an open-concept kitchen may cause the cooking fumes to seep into your living space.

8. Create a sense of space by strategically using mirrors

Reflecting light makes a room appear brighter, and they give the illusion that your home is larger than it actually is. A mirror can also add a touch of class and sophistication, add privacy to a room, or even use it as an intriguing feature wall.

9. Opt for furniture with exposed legs

In small apartments, bulky furniture will only add to the cramped feeling. If you choose furniture pieces with exposed legs that are smaller and slender, you give the illusion that they are floating since the legs allow visual breathing room and provide a way for light to enter the room. Besides being easier to clean under them, it's also easier to retrieve lost objects.

Guide to Asian Zen Home Design.

How should you go about bringing Asian Zen interior design into your home? How can you master the look with authority? As inspiration, we're going to show you how you can use the interior design style in your home. We've got your back on what to source, celebrate, and how to use it.

Zen: What Is It?

'Zen' is actually the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese term 'Ch'an', which is the Chinese way of saying 'Dhyana', the Sanskrit term for meditation. Today, Zen refers to a state of self-awareness of our place in the universe, in addition to being at peace with our thoughts.

How Does Asian Zen Design Differ From Other Interior Design Styles?

Asian Zen interior design aims to create a home that promotes harmony, balance, harmony, and simplicity. Inspired by the concept of Zen and the importance of incorporating nature into your décor, something usually found in Asian interiors. A simple and minimalist style is achieved by layering rich textures with simple elements.

Furniture With An Asian Influence.

Another aspect of Asian zen interior design is furniture. The furniture influenced by Asian design is often minimal and made from dark wood. The contrast between that and your otherwise subdued colour palette would be perfect. Other great furniture choices include bamboo and rattan.

Cotton and linen should be used for upholstery and accessories such as throw rugs and pillows. Coloured fabrics look comfortable and undemanding, thanks to their natural hues. You can also use them creatively to give your home a pop of colour to make it a bit more dynamic and interesting.

Using Low-height Furniture.

There is nothing more Zen than floor-level furniture. When you sit at low heights, your eyes will generally be drawn upwards, helping you feel the volume of the room. Platform beds, floor mats, low sofas, pouffes, and ottomans are the way to go. If you want a more authentic Japanese look, pair a low table with floor-level cushions or bring in a futon. By keeping furniture pieces of different heights consistent, you can create visual harmony.

Lightness Is Your Goal.

As far as visual complexity is concerned, Zen interior design is all about lightness. It is said that light, minimalist and floating forms have a calming effect on the mind. Follow the less is more principle from individual decor pieces to the overall layout of the room. Lightness can be achieved by varying traditional decors, such as choosing bamboo furniture over solid pieces or translucent screens instead of heavy opaque doors. The appearance of bamboos and other thin, long-stemmed plants is lighter.

Pick A Natural Palette.

Throughout Asian Zen interiors, nature plays an important role, as you probably already know. Natural colours are usually at the heart of Zen palettes. Our recommendation for enhancing this style's sense of calm is to select the most neutral and natural hues in the softest shades for your primary and secondary colours, such as white, different shades of beige, or grey. As for accent colours, some popular choices include... natural colours, of course, but in bolder shades (such as green, yellow, orange, and blue).

Adding Natural Fabrics.

Choosing natural fabrics over impersonal synthetics is another way to celebrate your connection to nature. Additionally, you will reinforce their sense of comfort and cosiness to help them feel more relaxed at home. Linen, cotton, and wool are some popular Zen fabrics, and you can incorporate them in several ways, from curtains to throw pillows.

Zen Homes Are Minimalist In Design.

The Asian Zen interior design is minimalist as well. If you are surrounded and distracted by clutter, how can you focus on tranquillity and balance? Decluttering is an excellent way to start your journey to Asian Zen.

 In other words, you should consider only keeping those pictures or decorative items that have a special meaning to you or that are truly precious to you.  Ask yourself whether each of your objects sparks joy, as Marie Kondo says. In that case, it probably isn't suited for your minimalist Zen home.

Bring In The Light.

If you plan to build an Asian zen house, you will want to make sure your home gets as much natural light as possible. There are various things that you can do, such as opening up new window spaces. It is still possible to optimise the amount of sunlight reaching every room without demolishing and reconstruct.

By reflecting the light and directing it to the dark areas of the room, mirrors and reflective surfaces are ideal for maximising the amount of light available in the room. White and light beige are also good choices for walls.

Select artificial light bulbs that are similar to those in sunlight in terms of tone and warmth. Switch to dimmer switches or smart bulbs if you want to be completely in control of your environment. By adjusting the intensity of the light, you can change the ambience of your home easily.

Keeping Patterns To A Minimum.

This style is not suitable for heavy patterns in fabrics, wallpaper, carpets, or rugs. Think plain and simple, even if different textures all contribute to the overall finished look. A Zen world cannot tolerate chintz! Even a straightforward geometric pattern, or a touch of Japanese blooms, will work in a room or home.

If possible, keep lines simple and straight, with a few softer curves thrown in for effect. It would be best if elaborate table legs and swirls or embellishments were left at the door—also, angles and points with harsh, sharp edges.

Add A Splash Of Green.

To give your Zen style home the finishing touch, bring a little green into the decor. What about a bonsai tree? Perhaps some lush plants with large leaves to create a sense of calm? Zen-inspired interiors can also benefit from displaying a stunning orchid. The presence of plants helps to create more calm and oxygen in an environment. Even the tiniest plant can help to create a sense of peace in a room.

A Zen-inspired interior can be a place of complete relaxation and tranquillity when textures and colours come together in the right way.

How to Maximise Space In A Small Bedroom.

In Singapore, space is at a premium; our homes are getting smaller. Based on 2018 resale transactions, the average area size of a 4-room flat across HDB estates across the island is around 1,027 sq ft. Meanwhile, 4-room flats in new Built-To-Order (BTO) projects offered in 2018 were roughly 1,001 sq ft. Bedrooms are getting smaller, but thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, many homes need to do double or triple duty as not only a space for sleeping but also a home office or home gym. 

If you have a small bedroom, it’s more important than ever to get clever in making your space whilst catering for your home’s needs. To ensure a tight space fits all your needs, you'll have to get creative with your small bedroom layout, furnishings, storage solutions, and design choices. With the right pieces in the right places, the elements can come together to create a comfortable, organised retreat.

Whether you're looking for small master bedroom ideas or decorating advice for a little guest room, these tips on how to decorate a small bedroom will help you maximise whatever space you have available and make it feel much larger than it actually is.

Consider How the Room Functions.

To make the most of a small bedroom, you first need to decide how you plan to use the space. Sleeping is a given, of course, but you might also want to use the room as a home office area or a place to get dressed in the morning. You'll likely need to get creative with bedroom furniture arrangements to accommodate various functions. For instance, you could push the desk next to the wall by your bed so it can pull double-duty as a bedside table as well as your home office. Once you are clear on the room's functionality, you then know what is essential and what is nice to have. 

Build storage around the bed.

Bespoke wardrobes are the most effective way to get the most out of your bedroom storage. Building wardrobes on either side of the bed help to create a frame that holds the gaze on that one wall. This allows the remaining walls to be free of any obstructions, which will take up valuable space. Use the other walls for artwork or mirrors instead. You could use the space further by creating storage above the bed too, be mindful not to make the decor feel dated – or claustrophobic with too much going on. If in doubt, keep the shelving above the bed to a simple floating shelf, one on which to keep an alarm clock and display trinkets.

Bulk Up Your Bedside.

Storage space is one of the essentials in our bedroom checklist. But if you don’t have a lot of room, maximise the space next to your bed. Instead of a bedside table, opt for a small dresser or a compact chest of drawers instead. These function just like a bedside table but offer more storage for clothes, sheets, and other essentials. You can even pull in a set of baskets underneath for storing small items, such as books or pillows.

Opt for Double-Duty Pieces.

Smaller spaces mean less room for more furniture. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice storage! One of the easiest (and cost-efficient) small space hacks to maximise storage in a small bedroom is choosing pieces with multiple functions. Think of a bookcase that doubles as a room divider. Furniture with hidden storage. A dresser that doubles as a TV stand. A console table that doubles as a desk. Basically, make sure your furniture pulls its weight by giving you multiple functions!

Float Some Shelves.

If a small bedside table, chest, or bookshelf are all still taking up too much floor space, opt for a floating shelf or two (or three!), which leaves zero footprints and won’t clutter up a small bedroom that’s already tight on space. The best part is that these can go anywhere and double as display surfaces for cool art, personal objects, and plants.

Consider adding storage to your headboard.

Free Up Desk Space By Opting For Wall Lights.

These are one the best ideas for small bedrooms because they will practically give you more free space. Instead of heavy table lamps, consider mounting your lights on the wall. This is especially useful for anyone who has a teeny-tiny bedside table or none at all. You can use vertical space and keep other things on the side table instead.

Full-length Curtains Create An Illusion Of Height.

Another great idea for small bedrooms is to hang your curtains and drapery as close to the ceiling as possible. This trick works in adding visual length and tricks your eye into believing that your room is bigger than it actually is. Also, pick light fabrics for curtains—sheer cloth works best. This will keep the light coming in and not make your room look heavy.

This dresser doubles as a TV console whilst the iron bed and plant makes the room feel brighter and more spacious.

Plants Bring Life Into A Small Room.

Why should plants always stay outside the bedroom? Especially for plant lovers, you can bring greenery to your bedroom as well. When it comes to decorating with plants, choose a corner and place your favourite planter right there. Not only will this give a fresh feel to your interiors, but it also helps uplift your mood if ever the size of your room starts bothering you. 

Go For Hidden Storage With Fitted Furniture.

Having a small bedroom doesn’t necessarily mean lesser clothes or accessories. It simply means that you need to use every inch of space at your disposal. One of the best ideas for small bedrooms is to have concealed storage in fixed furniture. You can have an elevated platform and have drawers that come out of it. This is a clever way to add storage without making it too obvious.

Add Texture With Rugs.

Instead of doing up your walls, look down. Your floor can have some texture in the form of a rug. A little bit of texture goes a long way in adding some depth to a room. Choose something that merges with the rest of your decor, or go all out with a bold colour. You will not regret either.

Consider A Platform Bed.

Another great way to add more storage is to have it underneath your bed. And platform beds are one of the most popular ways of squeezing in storage in Singapore homes. For this, you can go for a regular bed with hydraulic storage or opt for a platform bed. You can also look for a bed that has an option or shelves for storage. A platform bed serves a dual purpose of being a bed at night and a makeshift daybed during the rest of the day.