You’ve always dreamed of that big-city loft apartment you’ve never had. Well, today we’re going to give you some tips on how to make your dreams a reality. This is the first in a new series, and it’s all about mobile home interior design tips. So if industrial isn’t your thing, rest assured, we’ve got some tips coming your way in the next several weeks that are sure to hit that sweet spot for you. But today, it’s all about the industrial vibe.
Let’s dive in!
What is industrial design?
What is industrial design and why is it popular? In the 1990s, cities started preserving their downtown areas and industrial design was born. Many old warehouses and factories were made into apartments and attracted a hipster crowd. That crowd was willing to pay a little more money to have the best views of its beloved city. Big, open spaces and large windows (to make the most of that awesome view) were popular. Now, these apartments are expensive and not the most practical homes for the typical nuclear family.
But that’s no reason to ditch industrial design. And we’ll let you in on a little secret: living in a mobile home is no reason to cross industrial off the list. That’s right! You don’t need a rustic downtown warehouse, high ceilings, or brick walls to make it work. Many homeowners are living normal urban and suburban lives and pulling it off marvelously. And we’ve compiled a few tips to help you get started, right in your mobile home!
Tip #1 – Make the most of your space
Sometimes making the most of your space means cramming in as many pieces of furniture and trinkets as possible. But that’s not the mindset you want to have in this instance. Don’t get us wrong. Lots of decor and furniture are still allowed. But first, take a step back and look at your space. How can you make the ceilings look taller? How can you make the footprint of the house look spacious? It might not be the easiest job in a mobile home, but it’s not impossible. Making the ceilings taller might take any number of forms. If you’re brave enough (and your budget is big enough) consider vaulting the ceiling or removing the sheetrock. Industrial is all about exposed wood, ducts, and pipes.
Doorways should be as tall and wide as you can make them. This gives the illusion of high ceilings and large floor spaces. And speaking of floor space, removing walls altogether is a fool-proof method for creating that open feel.
Bigger windows or arched windows let in more light and make the ceiling look taller. Skip the window treatments. They only shrink your precious areas of light. Plus industrial style usually doesn’t include curtains.
Tip #2 – Choose flattering furniture
This tip is spill-over from the last one in some ways. Sleek, modern, low-profile couches and chairs create an illusion of space. Choose dark, neutral materials for your furniture such as cognac leather or black upholstery for chairs and sofas. Wood, concrete, and metal work well for tables, bookshelves, and sideboards.
Remember, antique stores are your best friends right now. Use them to help you pair old and new.
Tip #3 – Work on the walls and floors
This is the fun part. What material comes to mind when we think of industrial style? Well, brick for one. Believe it or not, there are actually several ways you can incorporate brick into your industrial mobile home. A brick backsplash in the kitchen is one way to do it. Adding a fireplace or refinishing an existing one to sport that charming red-brick look is another. If you want to take it to the next level and create an entire brick wall (or two, or three) wallpaper is the answer. You could fool anyone with this stuff. And it come in many trendy styles, too.
Another way to decorate walls is to find vintage wall art, or art prints, and create gallery walls. Marquee signs are also popular.
Floors are often concrete in loft apartments since they were once factories and warehouses, but that’s not a must-have. Wood floors are just as lovely, and classic black or white floors can look stunning. If you’re dead-set on having that concrete floor, there are many sleek tiles that look like concrete. Whichever direction you decide to go, be sure to choose something neutral, like grey, and use rugs with abandon. This will warm up the space and mute the noise level, making everything cozy and comfortable.
Speaking of warming things up, here’s a quick list of items that will tone down a cold industrial space (for those of us who want a less-bachelor-pad-more-family-friendly type of home):
- Plants
- Lots of lighting (go with sconces and Edison lightbulbs in keeping with that industrial feel)
- Fuzzy rugs and pillows
- Plenty of wood and leather tones.
Going industrial
Loving industrial can mean purchasing a trendy loft apartment, but it doesn’t have to. You can achieve the look right where you are. And if you need tips on how to industrialize your own furniture, check out these four ways to make it happen.
About EZ Homes Design Team
