10 Inspiring Workspaces With an Urban Edge
Would you do your best work amid raw materials, pared-down furniture and simple décor? Then let these industrial home offices inspire you
Industrial-inspired design lends itself to home office schemes, where this simple and functional aesthetic translates into practical storage and less distracting décor. Hard-working materials, such as wood, metal and concrete, are key to the look, and can easily be incorporated in the form of desks, shelving, wall and floor coverings and accessories.
Whether you’re into full-blown urban edge courtesy of exposed brick and visible ducting, or a warmer version of the look that allows a few soft furnishings, give this accessible style a go in your workspace.
Whether you’re into full-blown urban edge courtesy of exposed brick and visible ducting, or a warmer version of the look that allows a few soft furnishings, give this accessible style a go in your workspace.
Celebrate raw materials
This inspiring office has industrial elements coming out of its ears. Exposed brick? Check. Visible RSJ? Yes please. An expanse of concrete? Why not.
The raw materials add texture and interest without being distracting, while a slimline rustic desk and classic Eames-style chair allow the room’s statement features to take the limelight.
This inspiring office has industrial elements coming out of its ears. Exposed brick? Check. Visible RSJ? Yes please. An expanse of concrete? Why not.
The raw materials add texture and interest without being distracting, while a slimline rustic desk and classic Eames-style chair allow the room’s statement features to take the limelight.
Choose tactile concrete
Any industrial-inspired scheme benefits from a dose of concrete. If your house is more manicured mansion than abandoned warehouse, you can cheat the look with convincing concrete-effect wallpaper. Restrict yourself to one statement wall and combine with wooden elements and elegant lighting to stop things from feeling stark.
Any industrial-inspired scheme benefits from a dose of concrete. If your house is more manicured mansion than abandoned warehouse, you can cheat the look with convincing concrete-effect wallpaper. Restrict yourself to one statement wall and combine with wooden elements and elegant lighting to stop things from feeling stark.
Slip in a sofa bed
This bijou study does double duty as a spare bedroom thanks to a neat buttoned sofa bed. Keep accessories metal and minimal to maintain the industrial feel. Here, the angular floor lamp provides a dash of colour, while the stool has a touch of ‘school science lab’ about it – instant geek chic.
Discover ways to turn your spare room into a multi-tasking space
This bijou study does double duty as a spare bedroom thanks to a neat buttoned sofa bed. Keep accessories metal and minimal to maintain the industrial feel. Here, the angular floor lamp provides a dash of colour, while the stool has a touch of ‘school science lab’ about it – instant geek chic.
Discover ways to turn your spare room into a multi-tasking space
Work a heavy-duty desk
For a chunky hit of industrial flavour, upsize your office desk. This commanding metal number packs a hefty storage punch thanks to all those drawers. Search reclamation sites and junk shops for solid office desks.
A geometry-inspired feature wall and black metal shelving ground the scheme and stop the robust desk from looking too heavy in contrast. Instead of chalkboard wallpaper like this, you could try blackboard paint for a similar but more personal feel.
For a chunky hit of industrial flavour, upsize your office desk. This commanding metal number packs a hefty storage punch thanks to all those drawers. Search reclamation sites and junk shops for solid office desks.
A geometry-inspired feature wall and black metal shelving ground the scheme and stop the robust desk from looking too heavy in contrast. Instead of chalkboard wallpaper like this, you could try blackboard paint for a similar but more personal feel.
Try painted brick
If bare brick is too bold a look for your tastes, a white-painted wall offers a lighter alternative. This urban office includes graphic prints and an antique wooden desk to amp up the industrial appeal.
If bare brick is too bold a look for your tastes, a white-painted wall offers a lighter alternative. This urban office includes graphic prints and an antique wooden desk to amp up the industrial appeal.
Look for signs
Repurpose old street signs and other unusual contemporary paraphernalia to add an easy industrial update to your study area. This illuminated American crossing sign provides a welcome flash of colour in this pared-down industrial office space.
Take a closer look at this home office, which was created in a disused swimming pool
Repurpose old street signs and other unusual contemporary paraphernalia to add an easy industrial update to your study area. This illuminated American crossing sign provides a welcome flash of colour in this pared-down industrial office space.
Take a closer look at this home office, which was created in a disused swimming pool
Get a retro refit
Midcentury-style furniture pairs beautifully with the stripped-back industrial look. Hunt down an original 1950s desk at specialist sellers or pick up one of the many modern alternatives. Add an angular metal office chair and some statement lighting and your scheme is complete.
Midcentury-style furniture pairs beautifully with the stripped-back industrial look. Hunt down an original 1950s desk at specialist sellers or pick up one of the many modern alternatives. Add an angular metal office chair and some statement lighting and your scheme is complete.
Introduce urban artworks
Bold photographs depicting buildings and belongings in various states of decay lend this industrial office even more edge. Think carefully about what artwork will give your workspace extra impact, or provide you with something interesting to stare at during those (incredibly rare) unmotivated moments.
Bold photographs depicting buildings and belongings in various states of decay lend this industrial office even more edge. Think carefully about what artwork will give your workspace extra impact, or provide you with something interesting to stare at during those (incredibly rare) unmotivated moments.
Add touchable texture
For a softer, more feminine take on the industrial look, keep your walls neutral, but add a few textiles into the mix. This soothing space uses sheer curtains, a washed-out rug and a zebra-print ottoman to contrast with the angular furniture. Gold-toned pendant lights introduce a hint of metallic glam.
TELL US…
What style is your home office – and do you like these industrial looks? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
For a softer, more feminine take on the industrial look, keep your walls neutral, but add a few textiles into the mix. This soothing space uses sheer curtains, a washed-out rug and a zebra-print ottoman to contrast with the angular furniture. Gold-toned pendant lights introduce a hint of metallic glam.
TELL US…
What style is your home office – and do you like these industrial looks? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
Industrial doesn’t have to mean raw materials and earthy neutrals. This space shows how it’s possible to combine the airy simplicity of a white space with industrial-style metal fixtures and tactile surfaces.
Clean-lined shelves and storage drawers are given an industrial slant thanks to the exposed brackets, while the rough ceiling and beam have simply been whitewashed. Track lighting is a practical choice and maintains the linear appeal of this space-efficient workspace.
Tour a stunning all-white house with a very surprising exterior