As trends and fashions regarding kitchen designs change year on year, one style which is becoming increasingly popular, particularly in modern homes and properties, is the industrial kitchen.
Not to everyone’s liking, some still prefer a more traditional design, an industrial style kitchen can look stunning if properly planned and laid out. There are many ways your next kitchen renovation can successfully include industrial features.
While the suggestion of something being industrial can seem slightly cold and uncomfortable, industrial kitchen styles can, in fact, present you with a cosy and welcoming space in which to cook, eat and converse with your family and friends.
Read this blog post from the to find out how to achieve an industrial kitchen.
What is an industrial style kitchen?
First and foremost, we need to clarify what we mean by an industrial kitchen. Well, an industrial kitchen is essentially all about bringing about open spaces, exposed elements, and simple décor choices. A well-designed industrial kitchen often employs a wide range of different materials. By layering these materials together, they create the perfect blend – industrial kitchens value form and functionality in equal measure.
Despite the name – industrial kitchen – and the minimalist, stripped-back vibe they create, industrial kitchens are actually extremely social spaces. Industrial kitchen ideas marry the most cosy of home comforts with the most understated and subtle of design choices.
What is a feature of an industrial kitchen?
If we pushed into deciding what is the most important feature of an industrial kitchen, we’d have to say it was the materials and textures you choose. Typically – although, not exclusively – industrial style kitchens combine both natural and synthetic materials.
Whereas with some kitchen designs it might be the colour and style that catches the eye, with industrial style kitchens, it is often the materials and textures that gets top billing?
What materials can you use in industrial kitchens?
With an aesthetic that is deliberately and unashamedly eclectic, there are certainly no hard and fast rules when it comes to industrial kitchen ideas. Mixing the traditional with the contemporary works well. On the other hand, keeping things consistent with clean, streamlined lines is a winner too.
There’s definitely plenty of mileage in being imaginative and creative with the materials in an industrial kitchen.
However, if you want some inspiration, we would recommend the following as excellent choices for industrial kitchen ideas.
Can you use natural materials?
For a truly natural vibe you might consider using natural materials such as exposed brick or stone. An exposed brick wall is a favourite design choice for industrial interiors. Similarly, natural wood works brilliantly in industrial kitchen design.
Do industrial kitchens need metallic features?
When most people think ‘industrial’ they often think ‘metallic’. And it’s true, it’s usual for an industrial kitchen to have at least some elements of metal within it. Patina metals, such a brushed steel and brass are the perfect alternative to the classic contemporary favourite of stainless steel. However, don’t overlook high-shine metallic materials, such as chrome and copper either.
What about synthetic materials?
But why stop there? Synthetics like composite and concrete, and glass or ceramic tiles also deserve worthy mentions here.
The mix and match approach is virtually a trademark of the industrial look. What’s more, remember you can incorporate more styles and materials with your choice of industrial style kitchen accessories as well.
Create Space
One of the main features that makes a kitchen fall into the industrial style category is that it will be open and tidy and therefore will have an abundance of space. A cluttered, cramped kitchen will stand little chance of appearing industrial.
How do you create enough space?
De-clutter any surfaces and countertops you have and avoid placing a kitchen island in the room if you are naturally restricted in terms of space.
Features of the space could include stripped down brick walls, exposed pipes and perhaps even uncovered or unhid metal beams in your ceiling.
The use of stainless-steel appliances and further adds to industrial designs.
Combine Materials and Colours
The type of materials you use within the kitchen will determine if you have created a kitchen that looks industrial. Use metals such as brass for things such as hanging lampshades, and even consider using metal chairs or stools.
These can be used alongside your wooden dining table if you have space for it in the kitchen or for next to a wooden extension from your kitchen island. Metal kitchen items will also complement our range of wooden complete kitchen units and replacement kitchen doors.
Keep a simple colour palette, angled more towards black and grey tones, and ensure the colours you choose can complement the use of copper and brass elsewhere in the design. Marble or wooden worktops and tables will add a touch of sophistication to the room while maintaining the industrial style.
Use Rugged, Yet Simple Designs
As mentioned earlier in the post, exposed, original brick can be a great way to create an industrial kitchen design. Avoid any temptation to paint the brick – leave it bare! A bare wall, particularly a single feature wall is an excellent starting point for the design and is perfect for basing the rest of the design around. Exposed wooden beams are also another great feature.
Open, wooden or metal shelving
You could even choose to use open shelves or wooden or metal shelves and when this is combined with a bare brick wall it is ideal for bringing additional industrial style to your kitchen.
By keeping the design as simple as possible it will prevent you from falling back into the trap of creating a cluttered kitchen that you may have needed to combat to begin with.
Consider implementing wood or dark coloured, large flooring tiles into the design too.
Urban, industrial kitchens are simple, rugged, yet can use a combination of materials. Dark colours such as black and grey tones can complement the use of wood to add further industrial touches to the room.
What’s the best layout for an industrial style kitchen?
As industrial kitchens are all creating a sense of flow, they work particularly well in large spaces and open plan living. However, an industrial feel can still be achieved in smaller spaces. Industrial interiors can work well in a more compact area too.
Can I have a small industrial kitchen?
With a small kitchen layout, you will need to choose your materials and industrial design carefully to ensure it doesn’t feel too cluttered. If you can, hide appliances and utilise deceptively simple décor choices. White walls are a good complement for industrial kitchen designs in smaller spaces.
Whatever the size of the space you have, you will still need to break up the kitchen into particular zones and areas. Industrial kitchen design virtually screams out for a kitchen island. A large island is fantastic, if you have the space for it.
A breakfast bar is another excellent choice – and one that works well in open plan and closed plan kitchen designs.
Final thoughts
Industrial kitchen designs are difficult to pigeon hole and categorise because they are so eclectic – but that is definitely a massive part of the appeal. An industrial feel and an industrial design can be created from so many different angles, that you can certainly stamp your own kitchen ideas and personality on it.
Ask one person and they will kitchen islands are vital. The next person will say it’s the kitchen units. For some clean lines and a sleek finish that springs to mind. The thing is – everybody is right! A distressed finish or glossy finish can be just as effective.
Although space and light are particularly important to capture the industrial vibe, remember with a simple design, you can do this with wood or concrete – or both. That’s the beauty of this style!Of course – as ever – your choice of cupboard doors and kitchen units is an important aspect of getting the industrial look right in your home. Whether you want cupboard doors in deep shades or with a sleek finish – or even if you love classic Shaker style cabinets, Kitchen Warehouse has all bases covered for you.
For further details on designs of this type, please do not hesitate to reach out to our helpful, knowledgeable team. We can help you on the way to creating your own aesthetically pleasing version of this great popular trend for kitchens in your win home.
Contact us and start the conversation.
