Warm Industrial Styling at a Paris Restaurant
When I visited Paris last month, I stumbled upon The Place To… along my way to the Arc De Triomphe. I thought the name was a bit odd, but I can kind of see where they’re going with it – they provide a relaxed industrial space for you to meet friends, enjoy delicious food or enjoy a celebration – fill in the blank - it’s up to you.
Situated on Wagram Street, the cosy restaurant also has outside seating where you can watch the ever-stylish Parisians go by – which is exactly what I did!
Outside seating with burlap cushions
I ordered the deliciously fresh Asian basket salad of crunchy vegetables, tuna sesame sashimi, peanuts, lime sauce, honey and fried onions - in my best French (which is very, very bad!)
Food out of the way, I started to explore the interior. I’ve always appreciated Industrial style for its’ stripped back architecture and humble materials. There is a lack of pretension in the pure practicality of the raw materials and salvaged objects.
The under-lit rustic bar with worn leather bar stools
Industrial pieces are usually minimal and no-nonsense. When I’m designing an industrial space, I like to mix new with old or reclaimed pieces. Search charity shops, flea markets and antiques markets for unique and affordable items. And if you happen to be passing a skip, have a quick peek inside, you never know what you might find! Upcycling is usually key for this style, so look for items that can reused or re-purposed. It’s a look that can be affordably achieved.
These three fabulous reclaimed timezone clocks create an eye-catching focal point in the restaurant.
An old bicycle is used to add interest to the plain railings.
A colourful mural painted directly onto the bare brickwork is very effective.
Industrial steel and wood chairs provide robust seating and clean lines. The flooring is kept very basic.
Factory-style pendants provide lighting on the terrace.
Want to get the Warm Industrial look in your home?
Here are some style tips:
Start with space planning: originally, industrial spaces were huge warehouses or factories, so it make sense to start with an open-plan layout that feels spacious.
Architecture: It's all about having the bones of the building on show, leave beams uncovered, brickwork and railings exposed and window frames visible.
Flooring: Poured concrete is usually the industrial flooring of choice, but I think large format tiles or worn wooden floorboards work really well too.
Lighting: It's easy to nail industrial lighting these days, if you can find authentic reclaimed pendants and lamps, that's awesome, but there are so many great reproductions available as well. Think bare or black painted metal and an exposed light source for pendants and extendable and adjustable arms for wall fixtures.
Palette and Materials: It's all about metal! Choose steel and iron and avoid a finish that is too shiny, aim for matt finishes with some patina. Keep your colour palette natural overall - think metals, rust, natural stone and wood. A punch of bright colour can be added with furnishings or artwork, or both. Never forget texture - add elements of well-worn, rustic wood and raw concrete - texture is very important in this style to break up a palette that can become too monocromatic.
Furnishings and Styling: As much as I love the practical style industrial offers, it can often seem quite harsh and cold, so I'm a massive fan of 'warm industrial' styling.
I usually start with the industrial basics above, and then layer with a lush velvet sofa, sheepskins and hides, natural rugs and plants.
Have you done industrial in your home? Please share! I'd love to see it.
