16 GOLDCOASTBULLETIN.COM.AU REAL ESTATE SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27 2016 GCBE01Z01RE - V1

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Grungy glamThe industrial look can give your home some show-stopping character with raw, natural finishes and plenty of edgy appeal.

WORDS RACHAEL JANSEN

Top left: Industrial style at Alex Hotel, Perth by Sydney interior designer Arent&PykeTop right: Shed 17 Industry light, $210, Jan Flook Lighting, janflooklighting.comLeft: Tilt slab wallpaper by Milton and King, from $160, shop.miltonandking.com Above: Concrete table in tri gold, Harrison & Co Pty Ltd, $249, harrisonandco.com.auRight: Industrial room styled by Ghify, ghify.com

into the ceiling paint colour provide the illusion of height.” Vintage furniture or the ‘‘old worn’’ comfortable leather couch are also key pieces in this look. “If you really want to push the boundaries, don’t conceal pipework and ducting – expose the copper plumbing in the bathrooms and use oversized shower heads,” Katrina says.

The look hinges around open spaces and sharply contrasting colours.

“Choose white or off white for your walls andpaint air conditioning and electrical ducting in black to add sharp contrast to the light walls,” Katrina says. “Open up your ceiling space and let the rafters from your roof be seen although this a limited option dependent upon the structure of your building. Have open shelving for everyday items and preferably have freestanding storage that can be wheeled

When it comes to creating ahome that is both easy care,hip and a crowd stopper, theindustrial look ticks allthe boxes.

Today’s industrial look adds a contemporaryhipster vibe to a home and is reminiscent of the converted warehouse and loft apartments found in Melbourne and Teneriffe in Brisbane.

The look transfers beautifully to our coastallocation though, with the modern use of raw materials, easy-care surfaces and exposed and open spaces creating a cool and light home environment.

“With open plan living, robust and easy-to-maintain surfaces this is an ideal residential living environment for couples with children or singles alike,” says Eyecandy Interiors principal design consultant Katrina Ness.

“Although a lot of raw materials are used forthis look, the space can still be warm, welcoming and light depending upon your chosen styling.”

When putting together an industrial look that is still inviting and comfortable, Katrina says start with keeping the space open and use raw and unfinished materials.

She says elements to use include exposed pipework, grey concrete, old worn timber, black-painted metals and stainless steel metals and a combined colour scheme of neutral tones such as black, grey and white, mixed in with earthy colours like aged worn caramel tanned leather.

“Grey polished concrete floors, or alternatively wide chevron pattern wooden flooring is popular in achieving the industrial feel of today,” she says. “Black metal windows and door fittings add contrast while neutral white or light grey walls that seamlessly flow

around.” Katrina says the industrial style transfers to all rooms, from a high-impact kitchen and living zone, through to bathrooms and bedrooms. “The kitchen can provide the most impact with stainless steel freestanding stoves with oversized range hoods, open shelf storage with metal and wood furniture,” she says. “Brick or wood feature walls can be carried through from the kitchen.

“Depending upon the kitchen space and layout,different splashback finishes can be used through other areas, like subway tiles which can be carried through to the bathrooms.

“Concrete flooring can also be incorporatedinto all areas while natural texturized rugs are used to soften the bedroom zones. A light neutral wall colour with metal architectural finishes and black metal window frames will also provide connectivity.”

EXPERT TIPSChoose oversized metal pendant lights with warm coloured bulbs to ensure the area doesn’t become stark or cold.

Make your appliances show stoppers and choose freestanding options rather than built-in.

Paint your walls and ceilings in the same paint colour to trick your eye and make the walls appear taller.

Choose black metal architectural hardware and fittings to provide contrast.

Select storage cabinets made from metal.