Tips on how to get the warehouse look and feel

Ask any interior designer, home improvement specialist or stylist and they’ll tell one of the hottest trends today is the warehouse look and feel. Whether it be called industrial, shabby chic, retro, reclaimed or vintage, the warehouse look is most definitely sought after. So here’s a few tips how to get the warehouse look and feel….

Let the light in

If you’re looking for the true warehouse look and feel, natural light – and lots of it – is your friend. Think about the famed New York hipster-style apartments, and the first thing you’ll notice is the abundance of light.

Although not all the windows may be functional or opening, any opportunity to bring light in should be welcomed. Think about converting vents, old loading doors or similar openings in the wall to let your space truly shine.

Curtains, blinds, shutters and screens can also be used to cover any openings, however in some cases bare windows are left uncovered for that true trendy effect – especially if there’s a skyline like Manhattan to look out over.

Dare to bare

The next  tips on how to get the warehouse look and feel are to consider the walls, as to achieve the true look bare walls work best. Exposed brickwork, stripped back timber, or even stone or concrete all create a unique appearance. With literally a bare or base wall, your design inspiration will know no bounds, and when paired with cool retro accessories e.g. signs and old photos those walls will really shine!

Flooring can help too

In a similar, but lesser way, floor coverings are like the walls, and can complement the light and walls to create an individual look. However, when you’re considering how to get the warehouse look and feel, the truth is the floor is not as important as the light or walls (perhaps because people tend to notice it as much).

As with the walls, look for the stripped-back look or barely treated, but also use rugs and other features to break up the bare effect.

Accessories matter more than you think

When you’re looking for the warehouse look and feel, every accessory or addition to the room needs to be considered. Often, the more eclectic and retro the better, as there really is a ‘blank slate’ for anything you feel may be stylish or useful.

Shipping trunks, old luggage, vintage or industrial light fittings, blinds or window coverings such as sheets or panels – it all counts towards creating your true unique space.

Balance shine with stripped-back

With an abundance of light, and polished floors (or even walls) be a little mindful of too much shine though. Don’t forget you’re aiming for a vintage or retro look, so too much shine  will look modern and new. Shadow, and stripped back or matt finishes should balance out the shine..

For example, if you’ve a highly polished and shiny floor, partner this will exposed brick which will then provide a winning contrast that also complements.