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The New Industrial

Industrial style has been with us for a while, but shows no sign of waning. Maybe its our desire to live in a building with a history - an old factory space or agricultural building, that makes it appealing. Or converting a living space from an empty shell that is the challenge. But even if you don't have it in you to convert an old biscuit factory or chicken shed, there are lots of ways to get the look with some clever additions.

A classic loft space in what looks like an old factory. Old brick walls, a huge metal door and that classic multi-pane window - the perfect setting. Big furniture works perfectly in a space like this, so go for a large corner sofa, and leather is a good choice, it never really goes out of style for long and seems to work well with rough walls and floors. A large, funky light fitting adds newness, then add furniture that looks as if its been around the block, weathered and a bit battered. You could find vintage pieces, but there are plenty of new pieces around that look just right. A monochrome rug anchors the space and the tones are then picked out in the cushions and throw. Colour would work too, just be careful with the tones, earthy tones would work best - brick, ochre, a touch of coral or bottle green. A big plant adds life, fake or not (the plant, not the life). Keeler 3 drawer chest, £315, Michigan corner sofa group, £3315, Kiro coffee table, £295, Michigan footstool, £689, all Barker and Stonehouse

More leather but in a lighter shade and a boxier shape. Just love those walls with their layers of paint built up over time, and that battered floor. Rugs on walls isn't a new idea but it really works here and adds a different boho vibe, as well as texture and subtle colour. Open metal shelves add to the industrial vibe. French Connection Hackney sofa, £1399, DFS

Exposed brick again but with an interesting arch, I wonder what was there before? I think that is part of the pull of old buildings. This is a good blend of old and new, the units on the back wall look like they could have come from a draper's shop but the island unit in the foreground is pure 60's with its spindly legs and curves. The sink is copy of a vintage one and that copper worksurface is just stunning. As is the industrial pipe with different light shades - inspiring. The school-style wooden stools are the perfect finishing touch. The Haberdashers kitchen, from £20,000 deVOL

Another kitchen in an industrial space. These dark units look like they came out of a school chemistry lab, topped with a gold coloured stone worktop. Dark walls work particularly well in an industrial space and a concrete floor is ideal for that industrial vibe. The vintage looking dining chairs look suitably battered. White top up bottom down blinds from Duette blinds from Luxaflex.co.uk

As I said before, dark colours work well, so choose furniture in gunmetal or black, but weathered wood also looks good. Dark wood mid-century chairs look elegant but a rustic wood bench would look great too. This vintage style stool is perfect. Copper accessories on the table pick out the brick colour and add a touch of shine and sophistication. All Amara

Industrial works in the bedroom too, but it needs to be relaxed, a structured bed and stiff bedding just wouldn't work. Choose soft cotton for bedding or better still, linen. The walls are the hero again, cleaned up but still untouched. Isn't that sum on the wall great? And if there is a pipe there, so what? Make it part of the look. A concrete floor might be chilly but you could warm it up with rugs which would also give you the opportunity to add colour and texture. That soft pink bedlinen is perfect against the grey. And the shelving is perfect, wire shelves that you can have in any combination are just right.

String shelving system, Skandium

Bathrooms get the industrial treatment too. Painted brickwork can look just as good, and brighter than unfinished brickwork. Another dark wall in a textured finish gives depth and a focal point to the space, its a lovely, bluey black which is really interesting. And that sink is gorgeous, it looks like stone, but could be metal. The vintage-style brass taps and towel holder is absolutely spot on.

All accessories, Debenhams

For a cleaner industrial look, this would fit into most homes, Lightweight, spare, sink stands are so fashionable at the moment, but still have an industrial feel. An exposed bottle trap is the right touch and that reclaimed wood floor is perfect. Woodworks flooring by Ted Todd

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