Micro Design Trend: Factory Windows
I'm forever spotting things that I think could be the next trend, like decorating with plants, taking a slower approach to living, brick walls painted white, adopting a more laid-back approach to flower arranging, and of course, Nordic design taking over Europe (and it truly has). All of these trends not only arrived but have stuck around, almost becoming a part of the bigger picture, of a more established design. But every now and then, I spot micro trends, and that is how I see factory windows, also referred to simply as black metal-framed doors and windows, -- a micro trend yet a trend indeed. They are making a real comeback in both commercial design but also residential spaces - not just vintage ones but faux versions, too. And I think they're all quite fabulous.
Home of fashion fashion designer Naja Munthe via Mad & Bolig
If you follow industrial design, you'll note that concrete floors, soaring ceilings, brick or stone exposure, metal with raw wood furnishings and large bell-shaped pendant lights, also in metal, are hallmarks of industrial style. And of course, black-framed metal windows and doors with their grid-like patterning and squares, or rectangles, of glass. They are a great solution for when a homeowner or office places priority on creating a space with multiple functions without losing natural light.
I like them, not just because they bring a hint of nostalgia, even a bit of "edge", to a space but also because they are practical. How so? First, they act as terrific space definers if you're using them to divide a space. Next, they really let the light in. They're also great for allowing privacy without sacrificing a sense of space - a room divided by glass still feels spacious - a wall wouldn't accomplish that. Finally, paned windows and doors are quite practical because if you break one, you only need to replace a small panel of glass e vs. an entire sheet as in windows without panes. Maybe that's why they were popular in factories years ago? If a metal part flew through the window off of a machine, only a panel needed to be replaced.
Whenever I see factory doors and windows, I think of the homes I've worked in while in Paris for my books. I think of old factories. I think of some of the restaurants I've been to in New York, London, Amsterdam and Copenhagen. I think of vintage schoolhouses. I remember some of the restored lofts in Lowell, MA that we toured back in 2006 (and almost purchased but, being in Lowell, we politely passed). I also think of creative spaces because I imagine lofts in cities that were only used in the flower power era to house artists. I remember seeing them in Sonoma at some of the wineries we toured or in LA at the stunning home of Amy Neunsinger when I worked on my first book.
I've also spotted more modern versions in Denmark when decor8 was invited to visit the home offices of Muuto so I sent my roving reporter, Emilie Gupta, to attend and photograph it for me.
The Copenhagen home of music producer Jon Oron as photographed by Pernille Vest for Elle Decoration UK
The Copenhagen home of music producer Jon Oron as photographed by Pernille Vest for Elle Decoration UK
The Copenhagen home of music producer Jon Oron as photographed by Pernille Vest for Elle Decoration UK
Heidi Lerkenfeldt for Still Stars, Munich, Germany
©Renee Arns styling & photography
©Renee Arns styling & photography
Fab Showroom Amsterdam by Bricks
Photography: Armelle Habib
I've created a Pinterest board to share examples of rooms globally with black-metal framed doors and windows if you'd like to see it - click here.
What do you think? Do you like this look? Would you like them in your own home or office?
(images: source linked below photos)