There is something about an industrial interior that feels honest. Nothing is hidden. Materials show their age, their texture, and their strength. And yet, when you soften it just enough, it becomes a place where you immediately feel at home.
This mood board is for a new apartment in Amsterdam. The owner wanted warmth and character, even though the building itself was brand new. That balance, between new and lived-in, is where industrial style truly shines.
the Space
When you live in a smaller apartment, every piece matters. I always picture an open room where the living, dining, and working areas quietly flow into one another.
The secret is to create an atmosphere through materials, not through clutter.
Think of:
- A strong wall(s) that anchors the space
- Furniture that feels collected over time
- Open areas that allow light to move freely
This creates calm, even with sturdy elements.
the Style
Industrial style can sometimes feel cold, but I always like to soften it.
I combine:
- Strong, architectural materials
- Contemporary, clean lines
- Warm textures that invite you to sit down
It is this contrast that makes the room interesting. Steel and linen. Concrete and wool. Structure and comfort.
Key Elements of this mood board industrial
- A brick wall immediately gives depth and character. I love tones of deep red, brown, or even muted sand. It feels grounding, like the room has a history—even if it doesn’t.
- The vintage rug; This is one of my favorite tricks. A vintage rug adds instant warmth. It breaks the hardness of concrete and steel and makes the room feel gentle.
- Design furniture; A few carefully chosen design pieces elevate everything around them. For example: A simple stool from Vitra or a Hardoy butterfly chair in natural leather
Color Palette
I see this palette almost like an old photograph:
- Brick red
- Warm brown
- Concrete grey
- Soft white
- Touches of black
- Natural linen tones
These colors feel calm and timeless. Nothing is loud. Everything works together.
Soft white and natural linen ensure that it doesn’t feel old-fashioned but modern industrial.
Material Overview
Materials: wood, stone, steel, reed, leather, linen, canvas.
Floor
- Concrete or concrete-look flooring in light grey
- Vintage rug for warmth (Or sisal for a quieter texture)
Walls
- One brick statement wall
- Other walls in soft white or light grey
Furniture
- Wood with visible grain
- Steel frames
- Leather seating
Textiles
- Linen curtains
- Canvas upholstery
- Soft cushions in natural tones
Accessories
- Industrial lamps
- Simple side tables
- A few plants to soften the lines 🌿
This Monday Mood board – Industrial has an associated materials overview. More about making such an overview here.
Why this works
What I love most is the balance. The sturdy materials give strength. The soft textiles give comfort. Together, they create a home that feels both grounded and welcoming.
Industrial style is not about making your home look like a factory. It is about celebrating materials and allowing warmth to grow around them.
Bonus Tips
More information about how to make a mood board here.
If you would like to explore this atmosphere further, I often collect inspiring examples on my boards at Pinterest. It helps to see how others combine concrete, brick, and soft textiles in their own personal way.
And always remember even one industrial element; a brick wall, a vintage rug, or a steel lamp, can already change the feeling of your entire room.
I hope this blog inspired you to make your own mood board. Once it is complete, use it as a guide throughout the design process. Refer to it when deciding about furniture, decor, and color schemes to ensure consistency with your initial vision.
Enjoy making your mood board.
