Help! Exposed Brick & Black Beams!

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

How would one go about designing around exposed brick and a huge black beam? Respecting the industrial style but keeping it modern..

some facts
the furniture here isn't mine, I'll be moving into it empty.
this is a rental in a historical building, no cool rebuilds or wall/brick painting allowed :(

can you help?
struggling picking out a color pallet and design esthetic for sofas and furniture.

I feel like the wrought iron and reclaimed wood style is overdone. (hope that wasn't offensive!)

how would you pick out a design style that "flowed" with the brick and beams? furniture type/colors?

Featured Answer

eburry

13 years ago

I would get two beautiful big gallery stretched canvases (on 2 " bars ) and make my own abstract paintings! Did I say BIG!! What a great space for it!

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Comments (16)

Erah
Original Author
13 years ago
some more pics :)
thanks for taking a peak Houzz-ers!
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PRO
McCabe By Design LLC
13 years ago
Cool space! Steam punk comes to mind for style. Think Restoration Hardware. I like the exposed brick but one thing you could consider is tapestries or small ethnic rugs hung on the walls. I also like the beams but if toning them down is your objective, try treating them like a shelf for collectibles (basest, pottery, etc.) or art.
Erah thanked McCabe By Design LLC
Erah
Original Author
13 years ago
@eburry, wall art is a must here, thanks for the tip!
Camille Pacori
13 years ago
Ultra modern or contemporary furniture would look great against the old brick. A great contrast which will liven up the space. Light, clean and fresh colours for the furniture and for a pop of colour I'm thinking bright lime green.
Erah thanked Camille Pacori
Marci
13 years ago
I think in a space like this you want a more modern, sleek look that will set up a nice contrast with the brick and reclaimed wood. I would check out the Room & Board site and look in the Inspiration Gallery for living rooms. Not saying you need to buy from there, but it may give you some ideas about how to inhabit this space.

Also, is that a painting or a fireplace behind the dining room table? If it's a fireplace you may want to set your space up differently than the current tenant--it should be the focal point of your living arrangement.

Good luck in your new place!
Erah thanked Marci
Erah
Original Author
13 years ago
@ A Kitchen That Works LLC, ethnic rugs and textured wall hangings, I'm with it! Thank you! I would like to "respect" the beams and brick, and steam punk would fit that esthetic. Hoping I find a way to warm up that style too.
Erah
Original Author
13 years ago
@ Camille Pacori... LIME GREEN! Fresh!!!!
Marci
13 years ago
OK, now I see your additional photos. I think you want your dining area closer to the kitchen, and the living area beyond that. Is there a second level where the bedroom is located?
Erah thanked Marci
Erah
Original Author
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
@Marci4 Thank you for the recommendation! Going to check out that site tonight. The fireplace looks silly doesn't it.. its actually one of those plug in faux fireplaces.. With any luck, Ill be able to move it. :)
Erah
Original Author
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
@Marci4 Yep there's a second level, its also in need of new furniture.. Im starting from scratch! P.S. this is not my furniture either.
PRO
sstarr93
13 years ago
Very nice space, but it looks cluttered. You need to simplify, and use style elements that harmonize with the industrial look of the apartment.
Remove objects from the windowsills. Use a solid-color, or modern geometric rug, not the floral.
Fewer small tables.
Get a freestanding screen to visually separate the living room space from the eating space.
Erah thanked sstarr93
Erah
Original Author
13 years ago
@sstarr93 totally agree. Will be getting this space completely empty and will certainly be sure not to duplicate the cluttered look!
Laurie Olstrom
13 years ago
What a gorgeous space! I would go Modern & minimalist with big art.
certdesign
13 years ago
The dining table is too small for the chairs you have and I would consider adding a rung underneath to "anchor" the dining space -- yes, a big geometric pattern. Would move the dining area closer to the kitchen. I disagree with sstarr93 about the screen. -- you have an open area and trying to "screen" the look of another room will take away the charm of the architecture. You already have a good idea of the set up, I would just switch the dining area with the living area so thie dining is close to the kitchen.
Brenda
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
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