An industrial-style kitchen appeals to a certain design preference. Industrial-style design is inspired by the raw feel of factories and warehouses and gives an organic, unfinished aesthetic.
Usually, the style is mixed with natural elements to keep it from being stark and uninviting. Metal and wood accents are paired with hard materials to create a design blend.
Homeowners who appreciate the history of living space or are into an unrefined look will gravitate toward an industrial-style kitchen.
What’s an Industrial-Style Kitchen
Industrial style is reminiscent of strong attributes in offices or factories. This style has come a long way since its inception in the early 20th century.
In the U.S., the urban industry style came to be in the 1950s when the creative industry, such as artists, painters, and sculptors, was looking for open spaces to mix their personal and professional life. A new style was born that blended both.
Yet industrial design has come a long way since the early 20th century. Recently, the style has evolved to include more comfort and less austerity. Industrial style stretches far beyond gray concrete.
The use of recycled materials and the mix of wood and metal are now part of the design. Large windows, high ceilings, and a modern yet minimalistic look create this style.
Industrial-Style Kitchen Features
So, what features do people use in industrial homes?
- Exposed Ceilings. Industrial style exposes what other homes try to conceal, such as pipes and ductwork.
- Metal Surfaces. The exposed metal is present as columns and beams.
- Wood, Concrete, and Bricks. These building materials are used in walls.
- Vintage Furniture. Some of the furniture may incorporate metal.
- Tall Windows. Large windows add light to the space
Oftentimes, the high ceiling exposes the wooden or metal beams. Brick, concrete, and metal pipes and ducts that are uncovered become part of the design.
All the kitchen’s elements are functional; however, cozier pieces are mixed in to create a more homey and less warehouse-like feel. The mix of natural materials used becomes part of the design to bring warmth to the space.
The industrial style is easy to achieve and is very functional. This type of design is usually found in spacious layouts in modern, contemporary, or homes or apartments in an urban location.
Still, it is certainly not limited to those types of dwellings. The style is versatile enough to be tailored to the homeowner’s preferences.
Industrial Kitchen Color Palette
An industrial kitchen is often outfitted in neutral colors consisting of warm or cool tones or a mix of both. The most common colors are gray, slate, white, and black, but the palette does not need to be limited to these.
Gray and dark red are a good combination for a more colorful kitchen. For warmer palettes, designers prefer shades of beige and brown or blue and warm wood. Different shades of gray can help prevent the kitchen from becoming too monochromatic.
The chosen color combination balances with the metal, concrete, or brickwork. Reclaimed wood accents can also add warmth to the space.
The industrial color palette does not incorporate bright or soft colors.
Industrial Kitchen Texture
Different textures are important in the industrial kitchen. In this style, a combination of factory-looking materials like an exposed brick wall, metal appliances, and wood for a natural accent blends seamlessly.
If the kitchen already has exposed brick, incorporate it into the design. Otherwise, vinyl resembles a brick used somewhere in the space. Raw or untreated wood and metal that shows signs of aging are often utilized.
Combining different materials and textures is the key to making this design work. Without this blend, the space’s atmosphere can be too ‘cold.’
Rough surfaces and textures can help break it up. Vintage decorative objects like old fans or steel stools and new objects that look vintage also add texture.
Industrial Kitchen Cabinets
Because of the open concept and layout of the kitchen, the cabinets are an important part of the industrial-influenced kitchen because there are often many of them.
Cabinets in an industrial kitchen are simple and unadorned and do not distract from other elements in the space.
A flat panel cabinet works well in this kitchen style because it is free from embellishment and complements the rest of the space. People recognize industrial kitchens for their sleek, clean lines.
The kitchen’s cabinetry often provides plenty of storage, so the space remains uncluttered with small appliances and cookery.
Industrial-style kitchens incorporate dark or light gray, brown, or black cabinetry, with black hardware adding a modern touch.
Industrial Kitchen Countertops
There are several options for countertops, which are simple with straight edges, regardless of the material.
A cement finish has become a trendy part of the industrial-style kitchen. This finish is versatile and can be textured or acid-stained for color.
Cement is used for the countertops or backsplash because it is resistant to scratches, stains, heat, and abrasion. A heavyweight concrete countertop is cast right in the kitchen.
Stainless steel is another choice for a very contemporary kitchen look. Stainless steel countertops are durable, heat resistant, and seamless.
Another option is a glass countertop. Recycled glass blended with resins shaped into countertop slabs. This cutting-edge countertop is made from recycled material that fits the industrial design.
Industrial Kitchen Range Hood
Not all kitchen styles feature a stove hood, but it can be a focal point in an industrial kitchen. Exposing the pipe that leads to the range hood is an iconic industrial kitchen element. They are often stainless steel to match the appliances.
A range hood is versatile and can be installed on vaulted ceilings. One will cut the range hood chimney to match the slope of the ceiling since homeowners prefer to install the range top or stovetop on a kitchen island.
They would mount the range hood chimney over the island for a modern aesthetic.
Industrial Kitchen Open Floor Plan
A functional industrial kitchen has an abundant amount of space and capacity. The height of the ceiling sets open floorplan kitchens apart from other styles.
The space is mostly, if not all, open, and the ceiling is high. The kitchen’s layout is spacious and practical.
Industrial Kitchen Lighting
Metal is an important element in the design, and wood with unpolished edges is used. Iron or steel is also used by homeowners to decorate industrial lighting.
Pendant lights with long hanging wires look great in an industrial-style kitchen, especially one with an open floor plan.
Pieces with a strong industrial feel, like copper, iron, or steel, are all options. Industrial-influenced kitchens incorporate vintage-looking lighting.
Lighting also often comes from natural sources, such as sliding doors or tall ceiling skylights.
Industrial Kitchen Appliances
In an industrial-style kitchen, the appliances are stainless steel or black. They are essential to making the kitchen look industrial and a way to work more metal elements into the design.
Appliances are usually modern-looking and up-to-date in this type of kitchen.
Industrial Kitchen Furniture
The rough and imperfect furnishing style incorporates steel elements in table racks, shelves, or island stools. Homeowners should look to true icons of industrial furniture for their kitchens.
For example, the Tolix chair is a piece of furniture that is characteristic of an industrial kitchen.
Many may prefer a recycled or upcycled table in the dining room. Furniture made of wood and plumbline pipes may add uniqueness to the space. A large table works well in a large, open-concept kitchen.
Vintage furniture features simplicity. This design highlights distressed wood and metal.
Industrial design pieces incorporate steel piping or concrete. Simple forms and shapes balance the overall look of the space.
Industrial Kitchen Flooring
Concrete floors are the perfect background for an industrial-style kitchen. They are very durable and resistant to scratches.
Many people leave floors without rugs to appreciate their beauty. Micro-cement material is a solid surface that is easy to maintain.
If concrete floors are too stark with the rest of the design, floated hardwood or timber floors can add warmth to the room.
Industrial Kitchen Walls
Walls are an opportunity to further Industrial design. There are several ways to get rough walls.
When remodeling, people choose exposed brink or concrete for the walls, leaving them in their natural state or painted.
Chalkboard walls give the kitchen an unfinished look. Many homeowners choose open shelving as a unique option. Bare windows decorate the space’s simplicity.
Industrial Kitchen Sink
Most industrial kitchens have stainless steel sinks, and the faucet’s black matte finish is quintessential of this design.
However, this does not mean farmhouse sinks will not be seen in industrial-style kitchens. This trend may include stainless steel farmhouse sinks, but they are less popular because the basin extends past the cabinets.
Latest Industrial Kitchen Trends
Black, black, and more black. The trend in Industrial kitchens is for black cabinets, countertops, or equipment. This trend includes using black wood tones like volcanic oak, black oak, and Tabaco oak.
Many homeowners use matte black finishes for fixtures and cabinet pulls. Black slate or black steel makes the kitchen look stylish and sophisticated. This offsets the metal and wood aspects of the industrial-style kitchen well.
The trend in surfaces is cool concrete in innovative shades. Traditional gray is not limited; the palette ranges from light white concrete over gray to dark black concrete.
Combining concrete colors, wood, and steel creates a harmonious palette.
The industrial-influenced kitchen uses a blend of materials to create a unique atmosphere. The cabinets serve as a focal point that sets the stage for the tone of the industrial kitchen.
