How to Achieve a Showpiece Industrial Kitchen
Industrial kitchen style is very now. ‘Industrial’ generally brings to mind a combination of the Brutalist raw concrete of 1960’s car parks and rusty mechanical parts. It certainly doesn’t sound warm and inviting.
BUT it is possible to create a warm and inviting industrial kitchen. There are steps involved but it can be done and the effect is worth it.
Industrial style interiors gained momentum with the conversion of warehouses into homes. Savings were made in conversions by allowing venting systems, plumbing and wiring to remain exposed. These economies and the exposed utilities were celebrated and carefully styled to become features.
The modern take on industrial is far more inviting and warm than the name may suggest.
Industrial Kitchens
Industrial kitchen style incorporates antique, reclaimed or replica elements of pre-robot era industry in combination with modern ergonomics and style.
So, how on earth can you get that industrial style kitchen without it looking like a cheap imitation?
Keep your kitchen honest.
This kitchen style celebrates raw and or natural materials, the used or useful and a little of your own personality.
The good news is that you will get to visit a few flea markets and opp shops for those treasured items to incorporate into your kitchen.
Sleek industrial kitchens generally incorporate natural construction components such as timber or metal and team them with the man-made such as concrete and enamel.
There must be an honest and unconcealed display of building materials and engineering elements such as exposed brick, open shelving, featured brackets, and timber or steel beams.
Quirky use of antique or replica items adds a personal touch and helps to pull the style together.
Built-in elements
Elements to consider in your industrial kitchen:
wire mesh inserts for cabinet doors
shaker style doors – painted with a matte finish or clear two-pack polyurethane finish to show off feature grain timber
celebrate textures – concrete, timber or metal
some contrasting cabinets in an overtly industrial style if the rest of your kitchen is to be sleek and modern
subway or brick patterned tiling adds a hint of the institutional
reclaimed wood can make a fantastic feature door or wall
use a mixture of open shelving and closed cabinets
exposed barn door fittings instead of pocket sliding doors
Styling
Often the difference between two types of kitchen is merely down to the styling. As a case in point, this Middle Park Kitchen takes on an industrial vibe purely by styling in that direction. Put an industrial twist on your existing kitchen or incorporate these ideas into your new industrial style kitchen:
antique light fittings and vintage filament light bulbs
blackboard wall
metallic textures
enamelled items
industrial style bar stools or handmade metallic stools
accessories such as old cast iron bakeware or domestic scales, antique commercial scales, utensils and mechanical parts, replica mid-century industrial stools
concrete items – light fittings, storage canisters or planter pots, for instance
hanging rails for pots and utensils
add greenery to balance out the industrial elements – and have handy access to your herbs during meal prep!
Colour
Greys and blacks are common colour choices in industrial kitchens. They work really well as a contrast to the warmth of timber tones. Industrial does not have to mean a black and white pallet, however.
Add interest with some mid-century institutional colours such as pastel green, emerald green, deep blue or dusty pale blue.
Bright reds, yellows and oranges can also add industrial effect when used as highlights with accessories or create a bold feature.
The Dulux Inspiration page offers handy help with colour if you’re a little apprehensive.
This blog post is part of a series on various kitchen styles. See our recent posts for more details on the following styles:
