Estate Living Digital Publication Issue 2 February 2015 | Page 51

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Industrial Chic
The Industrial office revival

T

here was once a clear
cut, distinctive line drawn
between the home and
the office. Whilst residential
spaces
were
relaxed,
comfortable and homey,
offices took on a clean,
unfussy and professional
look, with a degree of
formality.
Yet, over time, this line has
become somewhat blurred,
with a progressive change
in the way office spaces are
designed and used to help
cultivate greater creative
freedom. The industrial chic
design theme is one that
plays along new lines and
the focus is on a bolder
statement, which sits very
well within the context of a
commercial or office setting.
Whereas softer line interiors
had forgiving corners or
areas, now every aspect of
the space matters. This is
indeed a new revival being
put into shape, where the

concept is based, mostly
from the structural angle, on
the space being open and
honest to its components.
Right from the start, the
construction makes room for
a large, open loft-like working
environment, giving room
for the confident concept of
industry and construction,
reflecting the old nostalgic
look of a warehouse or
factory. From the onset,
the architectural concept
makes use of bare and raw
concrete and/or brick, which
plays a vital role in achieving
this look.

the combination of raw and
rough looks with clean,
flattened surfaces, related to
fabrication. This trend brings
a contrast of the classic
meeting the modern, which
has previously been used in
boardrooms and conference
facilities.
The colour palette is usually
of worn, neutral tones,
combining browns, rusts and
black instead of the bright
and bold colours. Shades
of greys work well too and
can add a fresh, clean look
if combined with white for
a more feminine take on
the theme. Greenery, in the
form of indoor plants and
terrariums, are great tranquil
harmonisers, bringing in
natural, bright green life
into the space as a sharp
contrast to the sometimes
lifeless and cold feel.

From the interior view, the
focal concept is based on
something that feels familiar,
but has a new energy and
identity attached to it. The
menu consists mainly of
ceramics, textiles, wood,
steel and metal. Industrial
style, as it’s also known,
makes use of unfinished In preparing to create an
surfaces and focusses on industrial chic office space, it