Inspiration / Looks We're Loving / Traditional Industrial

Traditional Industrial

By Chelsea Harris Published On
Wood dining table with candles and a glass vase plant under an industrial pendant, mixed chairs and potted plants by gray built-in cabinets

As part of our continued style point exploration, we're introducing an iconic Schoolhouse trend to the mix, what we're calling "Traditional Industrial". Characterized by thoughtful re-imaginings of industrial silhouettes and finishes, this timeless style is both straightforward in its design, and-emphasizes function, efficiency, and practicality.

A celebration of purposeful design present in factories, workshops, and manufacturers from America’s rich history, we invite you to learn more about this ever-popular style and how to incorporate it into your own home.

A few words that come to mind when thinking about what
"Traditional Industrial" means to us are: sturdy, proportioned, practical, detailed, and mechanical."

A utility cart set against a wooden wall holding a number of home decor items.

[article-products row_number="0" products_per_row="4"]

Large monstera sitting atop a wooden drafting chair.

Front view of stainless-steel utility cart with three shelves styled as a bar, holding potted plants, bottles, and framed ‘Work Hard’ print against dark gray wainscoting

1. Opt For A Neutral Color Palette

Traditional industrial style typically uses a neutral color palette focused on shades such as black, gray, and white. These colors are often used to create a minimalist look, allowing the raw materials in the space to really to shine.

That said, if you're craving a touch of color in your space, choose an accent color in a more muted tone, such as navy or olive green. Some ways we like to infuse color into a space here at Schoolhouse is by choosing lighting, opens in a new tab, pillows, opens in a new tab, or throws, opens in a new tab in vibrant hues.

Rustic and industrial living space with a mid century fireplace, oak walls, and a green factory light overhead.

[article-products row_number="1" products_per_row="4"]

Cozy industrial style living room with mid century accents.

Modern industrial style kitchen with dark accents.

[article-products row_number="2" products_per_row="4"]

2. Add Texture

Texture is a key element of traditional industrial style. Incorporating rough textures such as exposed brick or metal, and pairing with soft textures such as wool or leather, will help to create contrast in a space. We love pairing sleek metals with soft wools, like slinging our Honey Lambswool Throw, opens in a new tab over our infamous 26" Utility Stool, opens in a new tab, to create an understated yet purposeful look.

Another easy way to achieve this style is by incorporating distressed or weathered furniture and decor to add a touch of texture and character.

Distressed bar cart with wall sconce above it.

Antique bar cart with mirror behind it and clock above.

[article-products row_number="3" products_per_row="4"]

3. Focus On Function

Lastly, traditional industrial style is all about functionality, so make sure your furniture and decor serve a purpose. Look for pieces that have a specific function, such as a metal cabinet for storage, or repurpose a vintage drafting table as a desk. This will not only add to the practicality of your space, but also help reduce overall clutter in your home.

Industrial style breakfast nook full of plants with metal stools at countertop.

Small nook in the corner of the living room by a large window with a desk and plant.

[button label="Shop Traditional Industrial" url="https://www.schoolhouse.com/collections/traditional-industrial" style="primary"]

Back to blog