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HOW TO FULLY DECOR YOUR STUDENT ACCOMMODATION ROOM FOR LESS THAN £650 #5: INDUSTRIAL STYLE

Hello Design Lovers! Here we are at the fifth and last ‘episode’ (for now) of our weekly series about how to best décor your Student Accommodation room for a small budget, today we discuss Industrial Interior Design!

This is an interesting contrast with last week’s article about Playful Interior Design. Where one is colourful and fun, Industrial Interior Design is more minimal, stylish, and toned-down. Generally speaking, it is also more serious even though it can still incorporate some fun elements.

If you are interested in comparing all the Interior styles we suggested in the past weeks see the links below:

5 Tips to Organise your new Student Accommodation Room
Student Accommodation Room Interior Design: Boho Style
Student Accommodation Room Interior Design: Scandi Style
Student Accommodation Room Interior Design: Vintage Rock Style
Student Accommodation Room Interior Design: Playful Style

And now let’s proceed with today’s topic

Industrial Interior Design Style

The basic aspects of Industrial interior design style are a widespread use of black against light paint colours, neutral or earthy tones to complement, metal and wood, and a certain degree of minimalism. No wonder it often recalls (or it is used in) warehouses and lofts, right?

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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Waw3nFJbq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by The Blackburns (@buildwith_theblackburns)</a> on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2019-10-08T08:20:05+00:00">Oct 8, 2019 at 1:20am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>{/source}

Something to keep in mind is that sometimes details can overlap with those of Vintage Rock Interior Design that we described two weeks ago, which is also my favourite Style. This contributes to raising Industrial Design quite high in my personal ranking. But it is important to mark the differences well and nail every detail to achieve the desired result.

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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1axv5Sg618/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Lovestruck Interiors⚡️ (@lovestruckinteriors)</a> on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2019-08-21T07:55:06+00:00">Aug 21, 2019 at 12:55am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>{/source}

A student accommodation room is a great place to achieve the perfect Industrial Interior Design. The neutral colours used for the interiors are the perfect starting point to create the contrast needed. Even with modern furniture, the right items, and accessories will convey the vibe you’re looking for.

It’s important to be careful though and not clutter the space too much. Industrial Interior is usually quite minimal and airy (unless you go for a more vintage and natural vibe but I like it better when minimal). There is space anyway for some edgy statement piece, to go along with the contrasting colours.

As far as materials go, Industrial interiors often feature exposed bricks, quite unlikely to be found in student accommodations, metal, and wood (Remember to always stay away from brick pattern wallpaper! The proper industrial look is achieved only if the textures are real). These textures are what give the Industrial Interiors the raw look it should have. So, it is up to us to use every essential item we select to recreate that look. Last but not least, this interior Design has a strong utilitarian function. Differently from last week’s Playful interior, which is concerned more with emotions and a more irrational communication, Industrial is more direct and form has to follow function.

Loft Dreaming and art galleries

I mentioned that one of the reasons I like Industrial Interior Design is its similarities with Vintage Rock Style. But the biggest one is probably because my dream is to live in a loft.

China was also a good place to find inspiration for this style. Nowadays, many old buildings from Beijing’s industrial development period are still intact but used as shops, art gallery or exhibition halls. Many of these places are the exact definition of Industrial aesthetics and it very interesting to see the design solutions employed by people in such a culturally different country. Most of all, this was visible in the area called ‘798’, an old cluster of warehouses turned in recent years into a proper contemporary art district.

798 pic

This is the photo that Rick took at 798 when we were living in Beijing back in 2014. 

I was glad to find such diverse and unexpected inspiration and hope to have brought some back. Let’s have a look at today’s selection.

KITCHEN

industrial interior design kitchen

  1. Data, IKEA – Stainless steel, 24-piece cutlery set £25.00
  2. Snitsig, IKEA – 7-piece cookware set, £27.00
  3. Styx, Made.com – Set of 4 stainless steel utensils, £25.00
  4. Utensil holder, Etsy – Half gallon, mason jar utensil holder, £17.05
  5. Bistrot De Paris Vintage French, Dibor – Tea Towel, £4.00
  6. Linen Oven Glove, Muji – 100% Linen oven glove £3.95
  7. Traditional Kettle, Cuisinart on Amazon – Stainless steel colour cordless kettle, £50
  8. Tableware, Zara Home – matte black, £4.99, £5.99 x piece
  9. Black like my soul mug, Neon Tiger – Thick stoneware mug, microwave safe, £11.95
  10. Negroni, Habitat – Glasses, set of 4 £15.00
  11. Vardagen, IKEA – Grater with handle, £5.00
  12. Koncis, IKEA – can opener, £5.00
  13. Chopping board, John Lewis – Naturally Med Olive Wood Chopping board, £25.00
  14. Colander, John Lewis – Stainless Steel 22cm, £8.00
LIFESTYLE

industrial interior design bedroom

  1. Black Resin soap dish, Zara Home – soap dish, £7.99
  2. Black Resin Tumbler, Zara Home – Toothbrush holder, £7.99
  3. Santorini, Made.com – Set of 2 Bath Towels, Elephant grey, £22.00
  4. Santorini, Made.com – 100% Cotton Bath Mat, 50x80cm, Elephant Grey, £15.00
  5. Grusb Grusblad, IKEA – Duvet, 7.5 TOG, Single, £12.00
  6. Hampdån, IKEA – 50×80 cm firmer pillow, £6.00
  7. Cotton Duvet Cover Set, H&M – Dark grey patterned Cover set, £19.99
  8. Johanne, IKEA – throw blanket, black/white, 130x170cm, £25
  9. Cotton Silk Broken Stripe Cushion Cover, West Helm – cushion cover, £39.00
  10. Aslack, Lampsy – Table Lamp, black £45.00
  11. Pen Holder, Etsy – Wood Desk Organizer, £36.98
    Playing Card Box, Etsy – Vintage wooden card box with brass Inlay, £10.99
    Hakuun, Made.com – Set Of Two Terrazzo Plant Pots With Rubberwood Legs, £69.00
  12. Sunny, Made.com – Large Pendulum Wall Clock 47cm, Brushed Copper, £49.00
    War is Over, Desenio – Poster, 21x30cm, 30x40cm, £10.95-£16.95
    Beige Art, Desenio – Poster, 21x30cm, 30x40cm, £8.95-£12.95
    Woman by Manhattan Bridge, Desenio – Poster, 30x40cm, £12.95
    Vintage Camera, Desenio – Poster, 21x30cm, 30x40cm, £8.95-£12.95
  13. FJjälla, IKEA – Storage box with lid, dark grey, 18x26x15 cm, £3.50

 

We’re waiting for your feedback!

This is it for now! I hope you enjoyed these articles and found them useful, especially for the coming months when we gradually go back to our regular daily life. Let me know if you enjoyed the series and you plan to use our selections for your own room! You can tag us through our major social media: Instagram, Facebook,Pinterest, LinkedIn

I am going back to the regular schedule on the blog, with one article every two weeks. To follow future topics and in-depth without missing anything sign up to our newsletter here! It will take just 10 seconds.

 

Cheers!

Why Millennials use Serviced Accommodations and Shared Living | A Millennial's opinion

We all heard it many times. Millennials and Gen Zs in large cities, where salaries stay stagnant and rents keep increasing, are forced to work outside the regular office hours and live longer with their friends. So they resort to shared living.

In the last 5 to 6 years, this trend sparked a massive development of the sector of serviced accommodations and shared living. The segment offers a solution to these issues. It is spreading in large European capitals, where higher education, as well as an active and innovative work environment, are already in full force. This phenomenon has two roots though. One, as mentioned, is economic, the second is social.

Research, in fact, claim that people constantly travelling and living in big cities, where professional life is the daily focus, often suffer from loneliness. Especially those digital nomads used to work from remote on a computer and having as a consequence even fewer direct working relationships.

big city crowd street

As for me, I am a Millennial and I also design serviced accommodations. That’s why I decided to ask myself this question: “Are serviced accommodations a real need for my generation? Do they enhance our lives as developers claim?”. My answer is clearly yes, otherwise I wouldn’t be doing this for a living.

fIRST OF ALL, WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO TYPES OF PURPOSE-BUILT DEVELOPMENTS?

The serviced accommodation is usually a flat whose building includes a number of additional services at a monthly fee, such as the gym and 24-hour concierge. The shared living concept takes it a step further. Very often, along with these amenities, a co-living has significantly reduced private spaces, in favour of communal areas: dining rooms, kitchens, cinema rooms, etc.

shared living gym

Interestingly, shared living and student living development concepts often overlap in some aspects. As it happens for serviced and shared accommodations. It is not only about the amenities and facilities provided, but about how designers conceive the spaces to achieve the main objective: encouraging the growth of a community, while still supporting people’s creativity and individuality.

HOW HAS THIS MARKET EVOLVED SO FAR?

Today, with a consistent number of developments already operative, the shared living accounts for a significant part of the housing market. Northern Europe is at the forefront of this new wave. According to JLL, as of 2019, London and Amsterdam together represent over 40% of the entire market.

shared living graph

I know I’m biased here, but I love the fact that cool interiors are often an integral part of these spaces. The design of each area has to be functional and flexible to suit different moods and needs. With the right design, it can also gain such a distinctive style that people will feel part of the community. They don’t just look pretty, shared living and serviced accommodations sell a lifestyle.

An important component of serviced accommodations’ and especially shared living’s success is, in fact, also up to estate managers and the activities they organise to favour this new lifestyle. Naturally, these may vary significantly depending on the size of a co-living space. They range from regular converted buildings to huge developments specifically designed for this single purpose. Regardless, the main trend is the focus on health and wellbeing both physical and mental. Estate management companies guide the community that flourishes in these spaces toward a healthier way of living.

MY TAKE ON THE ‘COMMUNITY’ TOPIC

coworking

As a new business owner, I decided too to set my company up in a co-working. For a small start-up, having a community around you can make a huge difference.

The reality is that, for the first 8 months of A Designer At Heart, it was just me and Aga. Now, a year and a half later, we are still a small four people team. Could you imagine how alienating would have been to share a tiny office just the two of us for months?

Without even touching the topic of having to deal with bills, buying office furniture, and so on. Especially, when you don’t even know if your business is going to make it to the next 3 months!

As a new business owner, I decided too to set my company up in a co-working. For a small start-up, having a community around you can make a huge difference. The reality is that, for the first 8 months of A Designer At Heart, it was just me and Aga. Now, a year and a half later, we are still a small four people team. Could you imagine how alienating would have been to share a tiny office just the two of us for months?

Without even touching the topic of having to deal with bills, buying office furniture, and so on. Especially, when you don’t even know if your business is going to make it to the next 3 months!

Instead, we spent our days in a beautiful, spacious, clean, and bright shared office. Here, we could decide to work on our desks or near the café. On cosy sofas or more privately in a booth with view on the city centre. We also met our current accountant and many other friends. Choosing to share our office space with other people made a huge difference for the better.

IN CONCLUSION…

My answer is yes, serviced accommodations enhance your life on many levels but (there is a but) it doesn’t mean that you should use them forever.

As Reza Merchant CEO of the Collective, one of the largest Co-living development and management companies said in an interview with the Financial Times: “This is a transitional product — it’s not somewhere you’re going to live for the rest of your life” (FT).

What are your thoughts? I would love to hear them. Have you ever lived or worked in a serviced building? What was your experience like?

Let us know in the comments!

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