Are you captivated by the allure of industrial aesthetics? Imagine a bathroom that exudes a raw, utilitarian charm, where sturdy materials and resilient elements take center stage. Welcome to the world of industrial style bathrooms. In this guide, we will explore the key elements that define this design trend and provide you with inspiration to create your own industrial haven.
Industrial Style Bathroom at First Glance
Industrial bathrooms are characterized by their simplicity and functionality. The beauty lies in the effective design of these spaces, with an emphasis on the way things work rather than their exterior decoration. The following elements are essential in achieving an authentic industrial vibe:
- Raw Materials: Concrete, steel, and bricks form the foundation of an industrial bathroom, providing a rugged and robust atmosphere.
- Gutters and Sinks: Incorporating these industrial fixtures adds a touch of authenticity and practicality to the space.
- Glass and Steel Shower Enclosures: These sleek and modern additions create a seamless blend of industrial and contemporary design.
- Small Rectangular Bricks: White bricks with black mortar contribute to the overall aesthetic, adding a subtle yet striking visual element.
- Attention to Detail: Industrial bathrooms boast carefully curated small details that enhance the overall ambiance, such as repurposed pipes, geared hardware, and reclaimed wood accents.
Things That Never Appear in an Industrial Bathroom
To maintain the integrity of the industrial style, there are certain elements that you will never find in these spaces. Industrial bathrooms prioritize functionality over ornamental extravagance. Here are a few characteristics you won’t see:
- Exquisite Furniture or Elaborate Details: Industrial bathrooms embrace minimalism; therefore, extravagant furnishings and intricate decorations are out of place.
- Luxury Amenities: The focus is on practicality rather than luxurious indulgences, ensuring that every element serves a purpose.
- Light or Pastel Colors: Industrial bathrooms favor a more subdued color palette, with shades of grey, black, and white dominating the scene.
- Pristine Surfaces: Industrial style celebrates the beauty of wear and tear, so flawless and polished surfaces are absent from these spaces.
- Ceiling or Baseboard Decorations: Industrial bathrooms maintain a clean and straightforward aesthetic, with no unnecessary embellishments.
Minimalist Color Palette
The color palette of industrial bathrooms is grounded in the materials used, complemented occasionally by splashes of saturated color. Here are the hues that work best in this style:
- Shades of Grey: From cement grey to slate and charcoal, grey tones create a sophisticated and industrial atmosphere.
- Black and White: Opaque white and matte black provide classic contrast and a timeless appeal.
- Saturated Colors: To add a pop of vibrancy, consider incorporating burnt orange, brick red, or navy blue accents.
Portable Bathtub: A Striking Focal Point
Nothing captures the essence of an industrial bathroom quite like a solid black tub or a sleek silver and white modern bathtub. For those who love the concept of a portable tub but desire the convenience of accessibility and easy maintenance, a semi-automatic tub is an excellent choice.
Glass and Steel Shower Enclosures: Elegant Simplicity
Bring a touch of industrial elegance to your bathroom with black-framed shower doors made of aluminum or steel. This color scheme can be extended to other elements, such as shower fixtures or cabinets, creating a cohesive and visually appealing space. Alternatively, you can opt for glass panels to create open corridors without the need for doors.
Raw Materials: Embracing Authenticity
In industrial bathrooms, raw materials play a crucial role in establishing the desired aesthetic. Rather than concealing them beneath layers of drywall and paint, these materials take center stage. Look for hard, durable materials such as concrete, corrugated iron, stainless steel, brick, adhesive, and heavy wooden beams to create a truly industrial atmosphere.
Design Details: The Timeless Appeal of Bowl Sinks
Gutters and sinks reminiscent of those found in old art studios, workshops, and farmhouses make for a perfect addition to industrial bathrooms. Vessel sinks made of white clay, porcelain, or enameled cast iron are excellent choices. Additionally, stainless steel is a suitable material for sinks in both industrial and guest bathrooms, providing durability and a sleek aesthetic.
Decorative Details: Small Rectangular Coverings (Metro)
Once a cost-effective and reliable choice for warehouses and commercial spaces, subway tiles have stood the test of time. These clean and versatile tiles add a touch of history and character to industrial bathrooms. For more contrast, consider pairing white subway tiles with black grout. In some designs, white subway tiles are combined with larger, darker tiles to create a striking black and white contrast.
Design Details: Sliding Doors for Practicality
Larger and heavier sliding doors have become a popular choice for industrial bathrooms, effortlessly combining function and style. Not only do they provide an excellent space-saving solution, but they also offer more privacy than traditional wooden doors.
The Finishing Touches
Industrial bathrooms thrive on simplicity, so a few carefully selected details are all that’s needed to complete the space. Consider incorporating exposed pipes (or fixtures made from repurposed pipes), geared hardware and faucets, string lights, reclaimed wood shelves, metal stools, and planters. These finishing touches add character and personality while maintaining the industrial vibe.
Now that you have been introduced to the key elements of industrial style bathroom design, let your creativity run wild. Embrace the simplicity, functionality, and unique charm of this style, and create a bathroom that reflects your personal taste and vision.
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