apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I dunno - I think this is the perfect space for your asthetic.

I can see this space working with lots of warm wood finishes, big heavily patterned wool rugs, thickly textured fabric upholstery, woven textile wall art...

...it's the yin of this space contrasting with the yang of the above that will make this space work well for you.

You can totally do this. Pick furniture pieces in warm, neutral colors (cream, ivory, etc.) with a lot of texture. Use color to accent. You might look at some photos of Scandinavian interiors. They are often stark in terms of their bones--concrete, bare wood, etc.--but have a lot of warmth from the way they are decorated.

For art I would consider black-and-white photography--images of nature might be a good bridge between the modern structure and your more earthy taste.

I agree with bepsf. It really sounds like you have a great starting point for warming up your industrial-looking space and keeping it from looking too obvious (as it might with the black leather you mentioned). Share photos when you're settled in!

These folks are right on. Black and red leather never worked, never will. Make it your own.

YES you can do it. CONTRAST is what makes art and design interesting.

I think a palatte of cream and chocolate brown would be beautiful in that space and very elegant. The way to make it interesting is to add lots of texture. I could see light woods and some sheepskin working in that space.

I swear I've seen the featured interior elsewhere.... (NSFW, DO NOT CLICK LINK! GRAPHIC NUDITY! I WARNED YOU! YOU'll NEED TO CLEAN YOUR EYES OUT WITH BLEACH)

http://www.luriddigs.com/2009/05/05/things-to-do-with-your-rent-to-own-leatherette-sectional-part-one/

Anyway, um, so don't go with that look, okay?

What a great space to get to decorate. Make sure and post 'after' pics for us!

Your style will work way better there than the black/red leather.