Choosing the right style for the walls and floor is never easy (especially when it comes to industrial-style floors and handmade terracotta). It is one of the most complicated aspects to decide during the renovation or construction process of a building, precisely because it’s not simple to determine which style and material are the best aesthetically and functionally based on personal needs.
As a result, many people end up deciding to rely on others during the selection process. However, it can happen that the choices proposed by an architect may not fully satisfy one’s needs. For this reason, it’s important to know how to choose the best material for a renovation and what style to adopt along with the furniture.
Among the various artistic styles for walls and interior floors, one of the most appreciated is the industrial style. More and more often, it is accompanied by the abundant use of handmade terracotta.
What is the Industrial Style?
The industrial style refers to a trend that emerged in the 1950s in New York. It involves repurposing abandoned industrial spaces and factories to create living areas.
Many buildings previously used as industrial workplaces have found new life as spaces for everyday use. This is because the great American metropolis has always been a major center of production. The style of domestic environments, however, has remained the same, creating a new style of interior design.
As a result, industrial-style finishes and floors feature distinctive characteristics, which have made it one of the most appreciated interior design styles of all time.
The most important factors are:
- The open space, meaning large, open areas inspired by factories. For this reason, a room decorated in a good industrial style should feature large, airy spaces, often furnished with very simple elements. In these types of environments, herringbone or straight floors are quite popular.
- The use of metal, concrete, and wood, which were some of the main components of industries. In an industrial-style building, it’s common to find furniture made from iron, steel, or cast iron. This style tends to be simple, with open circuits, exposed pipes, wooden chairs and tables, and much more. The key is to preserve the typical feel of factories, with their captivating, rudimentary, and seemingly bare charm.
- A low use of technological elements. This style of furniture is one of the furthest from the modern style possible, and, therefore, it obviously lacks all the characteristics of modern design. For example, it’s quite rare to see LED lamps in industrial style (except in small quantities and with warm colors).
The last, crucial element typical of the industrial style is the use of terracotta floors or terracotta cladding (such as walls, arches, or columns), which requires a more detailed discussion.
How to use handmade terracotta in this style?
Handmade terracotta is a completely natural, eco-sustainable, and artisanal material. When we talk about handmade terracotta, we refer to a very ancient type of brick that has been used in homes for hundreds of years. The strengths of terracotta floors are their durability and efficiency. Specific treatments of terracotta can make it water-resistant and perfect even as flooring for lawns.
Handmade terracotta is often used for industrial-style floors, thanks to its rustic appearance that can evoke old factories. Its color also blends very well with copper and metal tones. To ensure the creation of a truly captivating industrial atmosphere, a raw finish in dark tones can be used. In open spaces, large terracotta tiles are often employed to create continuity.
Not only floors: in industrial-style homes, masonry walls with terracotta bricks make a strong impact. One can choose to leave the wall completely exposed or create a “damaged plaster” effect.
The use of simple furniture (typical of the industrial style) is also ideal when paired with industrial-style terracotta floors. You can choose from different types of finishes and colors depending on personal preferences.
