Farmhouse vs. Industrial Design: What Suits Your LA Home?
Let’s cut to the chase: you’re staring at your Los Angeles home, wondering if it’s time to ditch the beige and embrace something with personality. Farmhouse charm or industrial edge? Both styles are everywhere in LA right now, but which one actually fits your vibe—and your life? (Spoiler: We’ve got strong opinions. And yes, we’ll share them.)
Here at America Green Builders, we’ve helped folks from Mission Hills to Silver Lake navigate this exact dilemma. Whether you’re eyeing a small bathroom remodel or planning a full custom home build, let’s break down these two iconic styles—no jargon, no fluff, just real talk from your nearest remodeling contractors who’ve seen it all.
Farmhouse Design: Cozy Vibes or Overplayed Cliché?
Farmhouse style is like that avocado toast you can’t quit: comforting, Instagrammable, and occasionally overdone. Think shiplap walls, apron sinks, and open shelves filled with mason jars. It’s perfect if you want your home to whisper, “Come sit on this porch swing and drink lemonade.” But in a city like Los Angeles, where modern minimalism often reigns, does it hold up?
Why Farmhouse Works in LA
- Warmth Over Sterility: LA’s concrete jungle could use a little rustic charm. Farmhouse brings warmth to spaces that might feel too sleek.
- Flexible for Renovations: Converting a garage into a guest suite? Farmhouse aesthetics can soften the transition between old and new. (P.S. We’re obsessed with garage conversion contractors who nail this balance.)
- Budget-Friendly Tweaks: A small bathroom remodel with subway tiles and a clawfoot tub won’t break the bank.
Where Farmhouse Might Flop
- Space Hog: Farmhouse furniture tends to be bulky. Not ideal if you’re squeezing a room addition into a tight lot.
- “Live, Laugh, Love” Overload: Without restraint, your kitchen could end up looking like a Joanna Gaines fever dream.
FYI, we recently helped a family in Mission Hills blend farmhouse elements with Spanish colonial architecture. The result? A kitchen that’s equal parts cozy and cool—no chicken coop required.
Industrial Design: Urban Edge or Cold & Sterile?
Exposed brick. Steel beams. Edison bulbs dangling like they’re too cool to care. Industrial design is the leather jacket of home styles—bold, unapologetic, and very LA. But let’s address the elephant in the room: without careful planning, your loft might feel more “abandoned warehouse” than “chic urban oasis.”
Why Industrial Rocks in LA
- Maximizes Raw Spaces: Got an ADU or loft with concrete floors? Industrial design turns “unfinished” into “intentionally edgy.”
- Durable AF: Those reclaimed wood tables and metal accents? They’ll survive kids, pets, and that one friend who spills red wine every time.
- Pairs With Outdoor Living: Slide open a steel-framed glass door to your deck or hardscaping—suddenly, indoor-outdoor flow feels effortlessly cool.
Where Industrial Can Go Wrong
- The “Too Cold” Factor: If you hate the idea of your bedroom doubling as a Brooklyn loft, tread carefully.
- Cost Surprises: Custom steel fixtures and kitchen remodeling with professional-grade appliances add up. (Pro tip: Ask your contractor—cough, like us—for budget hacks.)
We once transformed a Silver Lake garage (yes, another garage conversion contractor flex) into an industrial-chic home office. The client’s review? “It’s like working in a coffee shop, but without the $7 lattes.”
Farmhouse vs. Industrial: The Showdown
Let’s get nerdy. Here’s a quick comparison table to help you decide:
| Aspect | Farmhouse | Industrial |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Reclaimed wood, ceramic, linen | Steel, concrete, exposed brick |
| Vibe | “Sunday brunch with grandma” | “Craft cocktail bar at midnight” |
| Best For | Families, bathroom remodels | Urbanites, ADU contractors |
| Cost | $$ (moderate) | $$$ (higher for custom metalwork) |
Mixing Styles: Can You Have Both?
Why choose? Blend farmhouse warmth with industrial grit for a look that’s uniquely LA. Try:
- Kitchen Remodeling: Open shelving (farmhouse) + stainless steel countertops (industrial).
- Outdoor Living: A rustic wood deck (farmhouse) paired with geometric hardscaping (industrial).
Just don’t go overboard—your home shouldn’t look like a Pinterest board threw up in it.
3 Burning Questions (Answered)
-
“Which style boosts resale value in Los Angeles?”
IMO, industrial edges out farmhouse in trendier neighborhoods (DTLA, Arts District). But farmhouse kills it in family-friendly spots like Mission Hills. -
“How do I find reliable remodeling contractors near me?”
Check reviews, ask for portfolios, and please avoid that guy on Craigslist who “does it all.” (We’re biased, but America Green Builders has 100+ five-star reviews. Just saying.) -
“What’s the price difference?”
Farmhouse leans cheaper, but costs spike if you’re adding a room addition or custom details. Industrial’s pricier upfront but lasts longer.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Stress—Call Us
Look, we get it. Choosing a design style is like swiping on Tinder: too many options, and everyone’s a critic. But whether you’re craving farmhouse flannel or industrial iron, America Green Builders has your back. From bathroom remodels to custom home building, we’re your closest partner in crime for LA living.
So, ready to ditch the analysis paralysis? Hit us up. Let’s make your home so stylish, even your hipster barista will be jealous. 😉
