One of the most common themes in an industrial style design is the use of warm woods and cold metals together for contrast, and it also embodies the modern design.

Dark Walnut with Black Steel

A combination of dark walnut and black steel is a true classic of the industrial style. The rich chocolate stains of walnut create a barrier to the cold, hard surface of black steel; therefore, recreating “warmth” and texture in a room that is typically hard or stark. Dark walnut is ideal for shelving/open shelving units, desks, and solid wood dining tables.

Light Oak with Chrome or Gunmetal

Light oak is a great choice for open shelving units or desks when you want a bright, airy atmosphere, and the addition of chrome or gunmetal gives your room that factory look to complete your design. Light oak does produce a nice, open and light atmosphere; however, adding chrome or gunmetal provides a nice industrial feel and gives the room a finished industrial look.

Using Materials in Your Space

  • Floating Shelves: Create floating shelves by using thick plywood finished with high-quality veneer as the top of the shelf, then mounting the shelf to black iron pipes or L-brackets to hold the shelf board underneath. The underside of the shelf creates a natural, rustic appeal in contrast to the metal.
  • Statement Wall Panels: Create a statement wall by using vertical strips of veneer; between those veneer pieces, place a thin/vertical steel channel (either brass or black) to create contrast. The contrast of the veneer with the vertical channel highlights the height of the wall with deliberate design elements.
  • Custom Workstations: Combine an industrial-style desk with a handmade pedestal or trestle base by combining the top of the desk (rugged, durable veneer) with a raw, welded base, thus demonstrating “honest” use of materials traditionally used in industrial design, while providing a functional home office.

Permanent Quality

Finally, consider quality when designing with industrial aesthetics. Low-grade materials (laminates) will not provide the tactile depth expected with industrial. By using premium materials (such as those found from Royale Touche, you achieve both the look and feel of high-end wood and are engineered to sustain usage (damage) due to the industrial-designed lifestyle. The use of high-grade quality materials will ensure your furniture will maintain structural integrity (do not delaminate) and remain attached to cold, conductive metal.

Conclusion

By combining metal and veneers, you are using two materials that represent two completely different natural resources; thus, exploring the balance of the forest and the factory. The correct metallic accents can provide a unique and distinctive element to either walnut or light oak when designing with the two wood species listed above. By selecting quality materials to create your design, you will have successfully transformed raw industrial potential into a stunning and durable reality!