Refresh Your Space: Blending Old and New
Mara Rypacek Miller, Founder of Industville, explains why refreshing your space doesn’t require a full overhaul, but instead thoughtful updates that balance timeless design with modern touches
Refreshing your space doesn’t require a complete overhaul and often, it’s the simplest changes that make the most impact – with lighting and a lick of paint topping this list. While it might be tempting to go bold with statement making, ‘of the moment’ designs, choosing pieces that balance timeless design with contemporary detail is a smarter route to refresh your space and ensure it remains timeless for many seasons to come. To embrace this approach, seek out classic silhouettes and enduring colour palettes, subtly reimagined for modern living.
Mara states, “Lighting, in particular, has the power to transform a room instantly, shaping atmosphere, enhancing mood and bringing a sense of warmth that makes a house feel truly like home,” says Mara Miller, founder of Industville. “Moving away from the stark restraint so often seen on Instagram, finding your own style is about choosing pieces that tell a story and contribute to a personal aesthetic. It’s easy to fall into sameness, shaped by whatever trends happen to dominate, but individuality comes from intention.”
A thoughtful space feels layered and sentimental, filled with objects that not only look beautiful but hold meaning. Whether an industrial light inspired by Lower Manhattan’s design district, materials like aged brass that develop a rich patina over time or handmade ceramics and keepsakes that carry happy memories.
This approach reflects the evolution of modern minimalism. Moving beyond stark, pared-back spaces, it now embraces considered warmth. Viewed through a contemporary lens, it prioritises intention and material integrity, creating interiors that feel impactful rather than stark. This is achieved through richer layering and depth, with deeper colour, added warmth and a variety of textures.
Colour palettes are becoming deeper and more grounding. Burgundies, rich mocha browns and nuanced earth tones replacing cooler greys. These shades add warmth to spaces, creating atmosphere through subtle contrast rather than excess. Rather than relying on a single dominant shade, this approach embraces layering within a tonal spectrum - pairing, for example, soft clay with deeper oxblood, or warm taupe with chocolate brown. This creates a sense of cohesion while still adding visual interest. When combined with natural materials such as wood, stone or aged metals, these palettes take on added dimension, shifting gently with the light throughout the day.
Texture is at the heart of these warm and inviting interiors. “Lighting fixtures made from materials like alabaster, travertine, aged brass and ribbed glass introduce quiet luxury and a sense of comfort. Set against a backdrop of wood panelling, concrete or soft furnishings, they create a tactile richness that makes understated spaces feel considered and complete,” says Mara.
This shift also welcomes a sense of history and character. Pieces are chosen not just for how they look, but for the story they tell and the craftsmanship they embody. Industville’s Noho collection captures this beautifully, blending industrial heritage with a softer, refined aesthetic, celebrating the district North of Houston Street in Lower Manhattan’s working legacy through lighting that is considered, tactile and enduring in presence. Originally a 19th-century warehouse district serving textile production, publishing and building trades, Noho was defined by cast-iron structures, generous windows and suspended lighting designed for durability and function. Those same factory buildings later became studios and homes for a new generation of makers, leaving a legacy of creativity that continues to define the area today.
Mara explains, “This dialogue between industry and artistry is at the heart of the Noho collection. Building on the success of Industville’s founding and bestselling Brooklyn collection, Noho takes a more refined, design-led approach while maintaining robust production values. It introduces smoother lines, delicate glass finishes and enhanced metal detailing, appealing to homeowners seeking an elevated look. Noho reflects our evolution as a brand too. From industrial lighting roots, it now honours that heritage while infusing contemporary sophistication, creating designs that feel timeless yet perfectly suited to modern living. The collection celebrates the district’s working legacy, translating it into lighting that is considered, tactile and enduring.”
Finish your refresh by striking a balance between old and new, blending heirloom pieces with contemporary forms. A sleek dining table paired with a vintage centrepiece, or a modern lamp set against a limewashed or wood-textured wall, creates instant visual interest and depth. Most importantly, allow the space to evolve gradually rather than over-styling. A considered, restrained approach, leaving room for negative space, helps the interior feel more natural, grounded and effortlessly lived-in.
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