The Soho style: an aesthetic you didn’t know you knew. Its industrial-inspired roots, bold colours, and artistic flair have quietly influenced countless modern interiors, yet it remains one of the most underappreciated design trends. From its humble beginnings in New York’s industrial districts to its evolution as a sophisticated yet approachable aesthetic, the Soho style perfectly balances luxury and heritage charm. Explore the appeal of this underrated design movement and uncover how you can seamlessly bring its timeless appeal into your home.
In this guide:
Explore the key characteristics of the industrial-inspired trend that gained popularity in the 70s
Whether you’ve encountered it or not, the Soho style has influenced current interior design trends
Discover which is the UK’s favourite design style for 2025. Will it be what you expect?
Luxurious features and humble origins, the Soho aesthetic appeals to a wide audience
Learn how to replicate this timeless style in your space for the ultimate update
Explore the Soho collection at Origin – the highest quality and most elegant aluminium doors
What is the Soho Style?
One style that has been gaining popularity in the late 20th century but has experienced a resurgence over the past few years is the Soho style. Short for “South of Houston Street” the SoHo area of New York was originally an industrial hotspot, filled with warehouses and factories. By the mid-20th century, the area fell into economic decline, leaving many industrial buildings vacant.
In the 1960s and 1970s, artists began converting these large, affordable, and well-lit industrial spaces into studios and living quarters. These spaces retained their original industrial and heritage features, such as exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and large windows but also draw on other design trends of the era, such as mid-century modern.
The Soho style has since evolved to accommodate smaller spaces, create family-friendly zoning, capture British architectural heritage and offer a softer, cosier atmosphere. The modern Soho style pays homage to its industrial roots but offers greater versatility and timeless style.
8% know about Soho style but enjoy its influence nonetheless
The Soho style is unknowingly widespread. Its influences are evident in many major cities, particularly ones with a strong industrial heritage such as Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham and London. However, only eight percent have knowingly encountered the style.
The most famous interior design options are Traditionalism, Minimalism and Mid-Century Modern and the least famous are Soho, Bohemian and Industrial. However, the awareness difference between Soho (8%) and its predecessor, Industrial (50%), is significant (Origin, 2024).
Explore the full list of the design trends by awareness:
- Traditionalism (79%)
- Mid-Century Modern (68%)
- Minimalism (58%)
- Art Deco (65%)
- Farmhouse (63%)
- Industrial (50%)
- Bohemian (48%)
- Soho (8%)
Interestingly, while cut from the same cloth, the industrial style is much less popular than the Soho style. The more elegant interpretation takes the runner-up position, meanwhile, the industrial style comes in second-to last, above minimalism.
It seems that popularity and renown are not interchangeable when it comes to interior design trends. We explore why Soho style has become so popular despite being relatively unknown.
Know it or not, Soho-style could be trending for 2025
Despite severely lagging behind in awareness, compared to renowned styles such as Boho, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern and Industrial, Soho is the second-favourite option in November 2024 (Origin, 2024). We showed our British cohort eight different design styles and the results were interesting.
1. Traditional
2. Soho
3. Art Deco
4. Mid-Century Modern
5. Farmhouse
6. Bohemian
7. Industrial
8. Minimalism
Some of the key features of the most popular design styles include heritage architectural design and bold colour choices (evident in Soho, Mid-Century and Art Deco styles). Naturally welcoming and beautiful, period homes are timelessly stylish and remain a desirable option compared to copy and paste new-build properties. However, traditional homes are also the antithesis of the industrial style which makes the English interpretation of the Soho aesthetic so unexpected.
What makes the Soho style so desirable?
Despite originating from the industrial aesthetic, first seen in New York in the 60s and 70s, the Soho style has evolved into something far more sophisticated. Emphasising natural but deep tones, organic materials and mixed patterns, textures and styles, the Soho style draws on many of the elements that we enjoy from prior trends.
Since the vast majority aren’t aware of the term Soho, we asked how Brits would describe it. They used the terms, heritage, Mid-Century Modern and eclectic the most frequently.
Soho vs Heritage style: similarities and differences
Although the Soho style is more closely related to industrial style rather than traditional styles, it creates a heritage feel due to specific design choices and building structures. Large windows, high ceilings, hardwood flooring, luxurious colours, wooden furniture and timeless architecture are some components that both styles share.
While there are some similarities, the industrial influence directly challenges traditional British architecture. Period properties tend not to be open plan and traditional styles tend to prioritise ornamental structures over organic shapes and bold designs.
The difference between Soho and Mid-Century Modern styles
The two styles were popularised during the 60s. The Mid-Century Modern aesthetic inevitably inspired the Soho style. They share bold colours, wooden furniture, leather and abstract art. They differ in their eclecticism: Mid-Century homes prioritise functionality and simplicity.
Eclectic features of the Soho style
Eclectic interior design styles can be difficult to categorise. However, they tend to include layered textures, mis-matching elements, cultural influences, intentional ‘clutter’ and unexpected combinations. While Soho focusses on more organic tones and shapes and traditional heritage, these two styles overlap considerably.
Is Soho the same as industrial style?
While the Soho style has come a long way from the industrial style, there are some vestigial features such as exposed brick, metal structures such as steel, or aluminium and reclaimed wood. The tall windows and ceilings are also characteristic of industrial buildings. However, Soho-inspired spaces tend to avoid concrete, minimalism and over-simplicty. Expect luxuriousness, comfort and timeless style.
How can you bring the Soho Style into your home?
There are several ways to incorporate the Soho style even if you don’t have an industrial space. The style relies heavily on deeper tones, retro furniture, atmospheric lighting, large windows, artistic decor and layers textiles. Including organic shapes such as greenery and ceramics, and reclaimed wood can help to create an inviting ensemble. Explore how to replicate the aesthetic.
- Colour: While the Soho style prioritises natural tones, there tends to be a stronger emphasis on deeper, muted hues. Include forest green, deep purple, brown, black and burnt orange.
- Furniture: Take inspiration from mid-century modern furniture but don’t be afraid to mix-and-match. Include a variety of textiles, from fabric, to leather and velvet. Reclaimed wooden furniture makes for a great addition to the Soho style.
- Layout: Typically, industrial building renovations were open plan, but Soho style create better functionality though zoning. Install Soho internal doors to create separations which don’t interrupt natural light flow.
- Lighting: Include a variety of different lamps and shades. A modern approach could utilise warm-toned LED light strips to create atmospheric lighting
- Windows: Industrial properties tended to have large, heritage windows. Create a similar look and benefit from generous natural light with Origin Soho Doors, available as Bifold Doors, French Doors and Single Doors. The true divide gives a stylish and heritage feel, and dark aluminium frames lean into the Soho aesthetic.
- Decor: While there are no rules when it comes to Soho decor, artistic ornaments such as ceramics, wall art or innovative storage units, are a great way to build character.
- Soft furnishings: Your decor and soft furnishings are an excellent way to personalise your interior. Persian rugs, vibrant cushions are an excellent choice for enhancing the feel of your living room
- Other ideas: Including greenery really helps to add charm. Greens, orange, black and browns are staple colours for the style, so plants are an excellent addition. It's the small items and accessories that really help create a unique space.
Soho Doors Add Effortless Charm to Any Home
Whether you’re in the 25% that would take inspiration from the Soho style or you just want create a stylish living space that improves the functionality of your home, the Origin Soho Collection could be for you. The Origin Soho Collection offers sleek internal and external door frames that feature true divides to replicate the industrial look. These aluminium French, Bifold or Single doors offer the slimmest sightlines on the market, allowing them to invite in much more natural light compared to traditional back doors and this subsequently gives you a better view of the outdoors. Moreover, these patio doors will create a seamless transition between your inside and outside space.
Bifold doors or concertina doors almost completely fold away so create minimally obstructive openings compared to sliding doors and French doors. French doors are a timelessly stylish choice for your home. Alternatively, leverage a little more natural light and add a classic touch with the Soho single door. All doors in the Soho Collection are available with a truly elegant signature knurled handle.
All Origin external doors have been designed with beauty, thermal efficiency, performance and security in mind. Our doors are guaranteed to last up to 20 years, offer police-approved security, provide the best thermal efficiency and can be configured and customised to your unique style preferences.
Soho Internal Doors
Create functional zoning with internal room dividers and internal doors. Internal Soho doors can transform your space for entertaining while providing distinct areas that don’t interrupt the flow of natural light.
Soho-style room dividers are a beautiful and functional alternative to a solid wall and gives the feeling of an open space but with added privacy for multi-generational households.
Discover how the Soho collection can elevate your space
