Nuances of Modern Industrial Design
Let’s face it – in the realm of interior design we LOVE to name things! Whether it’s naming a paint color or a style of furniture or even an entire genre of design style – but love to #cooldesign! While giving names to certain things may be helpful, especially when I am just getting to know a client’s personal taste, it can also limit us, too.
I was recently contacted by a new client – this client had actually come to know Bailiwick Interior Design because they came on one of the house tours on which my own historic property was featured. They lived in a relatively new townhome in a 55+ community nearby. Both still working, the husband, from home, they were by no means ready to retire and enjoy a rich and active lifestyle.
They wanted my help in developing and implementing a design concept for their main living space – a second floor family room which also doubled as the husband’s home office. This existing space had an oddly small-scaled gas fireplace unit and an awkwardly placed support column. Other than these two elements – the space was a blank canvas.
During our initial meeting the term “Industrial Modern” came up several times. Typically associated with the tall ceilings and open ductwork of brick warehouse this term seems to have little to do with what this existing space had to offer. First there was no brick, secondly nothing modern, and third, a standard 8’ceiling height.
To create a design concept that would give this couple the look and feel they desired – while making it feel in scale and proportion with the rest of the house - was going to be a challenge. I started with a floor plan as I ALWAYS do! But more importantly I did an elevation and perspective on the wall area that would encompass the fireplace and TV. (insert original photos and sketch). My concept was to use an authentic brick veneer tile on most of the wall area, but incorporate a modern porcelain tile into the mix. A large reclaimed wood beam from an architectural salvage resource would be the crowning touch and act as the mantle above the fireplace but also the picture ledge above the TV.
Being a lighting nut – my redesign had to include additional lighting – after all what good is a great design if you can’t see it! Now most clients don’t like the idea of ripping up their entire ceiling, and this case was no different. So I suggested some track lighting to add a little industrial vibe to the design as well as feature the awesome texture of the brick and highlight the fireplace, too. We added another section of track on the other side of the room to enhance the homeowners work area. (Originally he didn’t see the point but afterwards it’s one of his favorite additions to the space.)
Although the existing stand-alone fireplace unit was gas – it had never worked properly. The quote that the homeowners got to redo the gas line and install a new gas insert was costly. I mentioned that I had recently installed an LED fireplace in my own home for just these reasons. So they came over for a glass of wine to check it out – and they were hooked! (I have another blog on this awesome LED fireplace if you want more info.)
This scale and proportion of this focal point wall was crucial to the success of this design AND it had to function properly for the size and positioning of the TV. You can never be too detailed when it comes to layouts of this type. The end result is a dramatic space and rendition of “Industrial Modern” fitting into the size and scale of their space. They love the results! https://www.handmadebrick.com/
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