According to Maries Manor, “Industrial Chic blends the urban edge of utilitarian design with the warmth of aged woods and worn textures. Aged iron and metals with rich patinas are accented by weathered woods and soft neutral surfaces.” Or from the blog Interiorholic, “Industrial chic…can be full of contrasts but it should look harmonious and unified by one theme. Industrial chic doesn’t seem to have a clear definition but to us it’s a refined utilitarian look enhanced with accessories and details.” It’s a look that has become common in the kitchen, dining rooms and bedrooms, but in this article from House Beautiful, the look is applied to the bathroom – and the results are wonderful!
In a recent interview for House Beautiful, interior designer Deirdre Doherty describes the shower. “I’d call it ‘Spanish Revival meets industrial retro.’…We had to build an enclosure because the client wanted a steam shower, and the design was inspired by factory windows. We actually let the steel rust a bit before putting on the sealant, to give it more patina. Then I chose the stamped Moroccan glass to add a Spanish element. It’s translucent rather than clear, so the person inside has a sense of privacy…You don’t have to throw the shower in the corner! This way, you get more light inside, and it becomes the centerpiece of the wall. Then we did his-and-hers sinks on either side, instead of one long vanity. The hanging washbasins go along with the vintage vibe and also feel kind of industrial, like something you’d see in a public washroom. There’s a ledge behind them, because you need some counter space, and we added recessed storage in the wall underneath for towels and things.”
Here is more from that interview:
I love freestanding tubs and all the hardware that goes with them. Originally, the bathroom had one small window, which didn’t give us enough light. When we replaced it with floor-to-ceiling French doors — and a Juliet balcony, since it’s on the second floor — it just seemed natural to float the tub right in front to take advantage of the view. This is a real cast-iron tub made by Drummonds in England, and that dark color is not painted on. It’s actually rusted and raw. They’re the only ones who do that finish.
[The floor tile is] a traditional tile, made of cement. You see it all over Spain and France. It’s super-durable. The cement is tinted various colors and poured into molds. You can pick the pattern and customize the colors, and we chose black and cream. That was the beginning of our color palette. Then, on the walls, I added a little eyeliner in chocolate brown…Look at the baseboard. The bottom is black tile. Right above it is a one-by-six-inch brown liner tile. And above that is subway tile in cream. I also used the same brown tile to outline the black subway tile on the ledge behind the sinks. And I ran it, top and bottom, along the strip of black subway tile that wraps around the room like a cornice. I wanted that black line up there so all the weight was not on the floor. The black lines balance it.
[Subway tile is] what they used in all these old Spanish Revival houses, in the kitchens and the baths. Ours is machine-edged and perfectly straight, so you get the tightest joints. And then I chose black grout. Gray just didn’t seem strong enough. I like subway tile. It’s simple, and the floor has so much pattern and movement that I didn’t want anything that would compete.
[The customer] told me that he wanted his new closet to feel as if you’re in a boutique. So that’s what inspired the open shelves, floor to ceiling, along one wall. Then I figured out how much closed storage he would need and added doors in the center, mirrored to reflect the light.
[The room is] very simple. Strong elements, basic colors — just black, chocolate brown, and cream. It reminds me of a well-tailored suit that will never go out of style. And it has made all the difference to my client. We did the rest of the house before we tackled the bedroom and bath, so he could live in it and see what worked and what didn’t. Then he couldn’t wait to rip it apart. Now, as he’s getting ready in the morning, he loves all the bright light and the fresh air. He rarely closes the French doors. It’s the kind of room you want to be in.
Drummonds’ Spey tub and standpipe take center stage, but the glass-and-steel shower stall, fabricated by Elite Remodeling, is equally eye-catching. Wall tile, Michael S. Smith for Ann Sacks. Floor tile, Cluny by Granada Tile. Tub shelf, Etsy. Rug, Woven Accents. Vintage pendant, Obsolete. Ceiling paint, Dunn-Edwards Suprema in Bone China.1
