What Defines an Industrial Style Home?

by Corcoran McEnearney

Colonial, split-level, Cape Cod… it’s no surprise that real estate has its own lingo, right down to the style of a home. In an effort to establish a deeper understanding of home styles, both in terms of how they’re built and what they seek to represent, McEnearney presents a series of articles to explore these differences. We’ll explain what makes a home a split-level versus a split-foyer, define traditional Colonials and Cape Cods; and learn to appreciate the subtleties of Art Deco and Victorian details. Fourth in our series is exploring industrial-style homes. Want to catch up on the series? Click here (Townhouses vs. Rowhouses), here (Bungalow vs. Cape Cod) or here (Mid-Century Modern).

Head into the District, and you’re likely to come across converted warehouses, factories, mills and even old firehouses that have been converted into residential living spaces.

Welcome to the industrial style of homes.

In this category, the addition of new architectural details are skipped in favor of maintaining the bare bricks, metal and wood of the original structure, and combined with salvaged and recycled materials, in order to create a living space that is one-of-a-kind. In short, industrial style focuses on giving spaces and materials a second lease on life without removing their original character.

It’s hard to say when the industrial style started, but it’s likely to have developed during the early 20th century. At the end of the second industrial revolution, the increase of globalization meant scores of factories in the U.S. closed and moved production overseas. As a result, vacant buildings became commonplace, and when cities began to increase in popularity and land always scarcity, turning old buildings into residential spaces became the way to go.

Characteristics of industrial style include:

Natural tones, such as earth tones and neutrals (grey, white, browns and black) that create a clean, minimalistic look.
Exposed materials, such as brick walls and concrete flooring, and the combination of wood, steel, aluminum or stone for furnishings.
Exposed features typically hidden, such as metal pipes and silver air ducts.
Use of natural materials, such as reclaimed wood and metal, or the repurposing of items and giving them a new function.
Industrial style homes tend to have flexible, open-concept spaces that lack definition by walls found in more traditional spaces and layouts.

If you’re looking for an industrial-style place around the DMV to call home, consider The Helicopter Factory (770 Girard St. NW, Washington, D.C.), the Wonder Bread Factory (641 S. St. NW, Washington, D.C.) or the Canal Street Malt House (1220 Bank St., Baltimore).

Contact your favorite McEnearney Associate to help you find your own industrial style home today!

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