6 Undeniably Appealing Urban & Industrial Design Ideas
Raw meets refined in these six industrial and urban design ideas that balance edge with elegance. From exposed textures to curated contrasts, discover how to bring city-inspired character into your space—without sacrificing warmth or livability.
By ABBY winstead
Design Specialist
Urban and industrial design ideas capture the imagination of homeowners who crave both grit and sophistication. Both approaches celebrate raw materials, bold textures, and the character of life in the city, yet each brings its own influence to the look. When these aesthetics are combined, they result in interiors that are not only stylish and practical, but deeply expressive.
The Roots of Industrial Style
The Industrial Revolution gave rise to the industrial style when designers started taking inspiration from the period’s factories and warehouses. Elements like exposed brick, steel beams, concrete floors, and utilitarian finishes were once practical necessities—but over time, they became coveted design features that celebrated form through function.
Today’s Industrial Design Trends
Modern industrial interiors balance this gritty authenticity with warmth and livability. Rather than feeling cold or cavernous, today’s industrial spaces pair weathered or unfinished materials with sleek accents and layered lighting to soften the look. Hyper-realistic faux materials—like faux brick wall panels or faux wood beams—make it easier than ever to recreate this aesthetic without sourcing reclaimed structural elements.
Urban Design Defined
Urban style is all about individuality and creative adaptability. Think compact apartments, revitalized lofts, and open-plan living spaces filled with eclectic decor. Urban interiors reflect the dynamic, layered energy of city life—often blending vintage finds with modern finishes to maximize space and style.
Modern Urban Design Trends
Today’s urban interiors emphasize flexibility, expression, and reinvention. These qualities make them a natural fit with industrial materials, which add weight and texture. The result is a design approach that feels curated yet casual—filled with visual contrast and creative detail.
Urban and Industrial Kitchen Design Ideas
The kitchen is a hub of creativity, making it an ideal space to play with urban and industrial aesthetics. Whether you’re going for an industrial effect or an urban kitchen design, the goal is to create a space that is both functional and filled with character. In either case, that means you’ll need to pull together a creative mix of colors and textures that add both edge and personality.
1. Mix Eye-Catching Elements into Urban Refinement
This urban kitchen design expertly balances drama and sophistication. The colorful tile backsplash and black-and-white contrast scheme are bold without being overwhelming. Above, the ceiling is anchored by our Hand Hewn Faux Wood Beams, which bring texture and a sense of permanence to the space. The eclectic pairing of materials—from stone and metal to soft furnishings and organic wood tones—helps this kitchen feel simultaneously upscale and livable.
Shop Featured Products
2. Pair Classic Architecture With Modern Colors
This kitchen embodies the industrial ethos with materials that feel like they’ve lived a life. Aged brick and exposed ductwork give the space its distinctive bones. But it’s the color palette—featuring rich blues and woodsy browns—that modernizes the room and makes it approachable.
Our Driftwood Faux Wood Beams in Java amplify the aged aura overhead, echoing the classic industrial ceiling detail while still bringing plenty of warmth and structure from modern design.
Shop Featured Products
Urban and Industrial Living Room Design Ideas
In living rooms, industrial features often serve as architectural statement pieces. Meanwhile, urban design principles invite comfort and self-expression, which is often captured through multiform decor.
3. Create a Sleek and Stylish Living Space
With a black and white color scheme, a fireplace surround made using our Chevron Faux Wood Wall Panels, and metal elements found throughout the furniture and decor, this decorating scheme does just enough to capture the industrial vibe. However, no one wants to feel like they’re trying to relax in a workspace, and that’s the logic behind elements such as the plush rug, comfortable seating, and warming fireplace, all of which work together to keep this aesthetic both stylish and comfortable.
As you work on your fireplace upgrade, always keep safety in mind. Polyurethane products have similar burning characteristics to real wood and are considered combustible. Most of our products can be used around a fireplace as long as you follow the insert or stove manufacturer's specifications for required clearances—and you must use a stone or non-flammable border when using them around an open hearth. Please visit our terms for full fire safety information.
Shop Featured Products
4. Mix Something Old With Something Stylish
Here’s an urban living room design that accomplishes so much with a few simple choices. Antique furniture, baskets, and historic portraits all combine in a space that feels both comfortable and personal.
With architectural elements like a brick wall and our Hand Hewn Faux Wood Beams, this design leans into the industrial, though the overall look doesn’t feel like something inspired by the Industrial Revolution. Rather, it remains eclectic enough to give it the creative feeling that the urban style is known for.
Shop Featured Products
Unleashing Urban and Industrial Looks Throughout Your Home
Industrial and urban influences can extend beyond main living spaces. Whether you’re upgrading a bathroom or carving out a stylish home office, these aesthetics bring edge and personality to every corner.
5. A Clean and Classic Bathroom
This industrial bathroom design uses a stark black and white color scheme to create a clean and polished look. The industrial theme comes in through several elements: The radiator, lighting, ductwork, carefully designed conduit, and, of course, our Driftwood Faux Wood Beams to cap off the look.
The end result? A charming combination of industrial clarity and timeless elegance.
Shop Featured Products
6. Work From Home in Comfort and Style
This stylish home office pairs thoughtful decor with industrial structure. The Hampton Cobblestone Faux Stone Wall Panels create a textured focal point, while layered art, books, and workspace essentials make the room feel personal and lived-in. It’s a space where industrial backbone meets urban flair—perfect for focused work and creative thinking alike.
Shop Featured Products
DIY Resources for Your Urban and Industrial Design Ideas
Bringing your design ideas to life doesn’t require a full renovation or a hired crew. At Barron Designs, our lightweight faux wood beams, stone panels, and brick accents are artisan-crafted to be as easy to install as they are impactful. You won’t need special tools, just a little creativity and a free weekend.
We’re devoted to supporting you throughout the process, which is why we provide comprehensive installation resources. Take a look at our faux panel interior installation page to discover how easy it is to create backdrops, accent walls, and more. Our instructions for flush-mounted box beams will make it simple to install a new urban or industrial ceiling design.
Explore Unique Elements for Your Urban and Industrial Designs
Your space deserves materials that look authentic but work smarter. At Barron Designs, we offer an ever-evolving selection of custom-crafted box beams and wall panels that deliver the texture, depth, and realism you need to master urban and industrial style. Find your favorite looks and start building a home with structure, personality, and distinctive appeal.