Industrial Kitchen Design: Ideas for a Stylish Space

The industrial style is becoming increasingly popular in kitchen design. With its sleek, modern aesthetic and functional elements, an industrial kitchen can transform your space into a stylish and practical area.

A Short Primer on the Industrial Look

Industrial interior design emerged in the early to mid-20th century, influenced by converting old factories and warehouses into residential spaces. This style celebrates raw and unfinished elements, such as exposed brick walls, ductwork, and beams, reflecting the building’s original industrial purpose. It emphasizes functionality and simplicity, often incorporating metal, wood, and concrete materials. The aesthetic is characterized by a neutral color palette, open floor plans, and a mix of vintage and modern furnishings. Industrial design has become popular for its unique blend of ruggedness and sophistication, offering a chic and contemporary living environment.

The Aesthetics of Industrial Kitchens

One key element of industrial kitchens is the combination of concrete and wood. Mixing these materials allows you to create a modern and sophisticated look for your kitchen island. The raw texture of concrete adds an industrial touch, while the warmth of wood brings a touch of natural beauty. The contrast between these materials creates a visually stunning centerpiece for your kitchen.

Another important aspect of industrial kitchen design is choosing the right bar stools. Opt for stools with clean lines and minimalist designs to complement the overall aesthetic. Materials such as metal and leather work well in industrial kitchens, adding a touch of elegance and durability to your space. Remember, functionality is as important as style, so ensure your stools are comfortable and practical.

Roark Dark Bronze Adjustable Swivel Bar Stools Set of 2 – lampsplus.com

Lighting is another crucial element in industrial kitchen design. Cone pendant lights are popular as they provide a focused and direct light source. These lights not only illuminate your kitchen but also serve as decorative accents. Place them above your kitchen island or dining area to create a captivating focal point that blends seamlessly with the industrial aesthetic.

Pelham Pendant – lumens.com

One of the iconic features of industrial kitchens is the sleek appeal of stainless steel refrigerators. These appliances provide ample storage space and add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen. The reflective aspect of stainless steel creates a polished and modern look, making your kitchen appear sleek and professional.

Frigidaire 28.8-cu ft French Door Refrigerator with Ice Maker and Water dispenser (Smudge-proof Stainless Steel) ENERGY STAR – lowes.com

To enhance your industrial kitchen’s overall look and feel, consider adding leather counter chairs. The leather and metal combo creates a bold and contemporary look. These chairs provide comfortable seating and add a touch of luxury to your space. Choose chairs with clean lines and minimalistic designs to maintain the industrial aesthetic.

Maison Leather Swivel Stool – potterybarn.com

When it comes to industrial kitchens, functionality and efficiency are key. One way to maximize the usability of your space is by incorporating open shelving. Open shelves enable easy access to your kitchen items and add a sense of openness and spaciousness to the room. Display your collection of cookbooks, stylish dinnerware, and decorative items to add a personal feel to your industrial kitchen.

Industrial Pipe 3-Tier Wall Shelf – williams-sonoma.com

In addition to the concrete and wood combination, you can add color to your industrial kitchen. While the industrial aesthetic is often associated with neutral tones, adding pops of color can create a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Consider incorporating colorful kitchen appliances, such as a bright red toaster or a vibrant blue kettle, to add a playful element to your space. Another idea is introducing color through accessories like colorful dish towels or vibrant wall artwork.

SMEG 2-Slice Toaster – williams-sonoma.com

Le Creuset Classic Whistling Tea Kettle – williams-sonoma.com

When designing your industrial kitchen, remember the importance of storage. Industrial kitchens often have a minimalist and streamlined look, so it’s key to have ample storage space to keep your countertops clutter-free. Consider installing floor-to-ceiling cabinets or incorporating a kitchen island with built-in storage to maximize the functionality of your space. You’ll want to utilize drawer organizers and storage containers to keep your kitchen items organized and accessible.

French 72 inch Large Kitchen Island – crateandbarrel.com

Embracing Industrial Design Elements

Exposed beams and white brick walls are perfect pairings for industrial kitchens. Exposed beams add structural interest and create a unique visual appeal. At the same time, white brick walls exude a sense of industrial charm. Combining these elements adds character and depth to your kitchen, making it a truly inspiring space.

Having a ladder in your kitchen may not be something you typically think of. Still, it can be a practical and stylish addition. It adds a unique touch to your space and provides easy access to those hard-to-reach shelves and storage areas. Opt for a ladder with a sleek design that complements your industrial kitchen, turning it into a functional and eye-catching feature.

Lucano Step Stool – potterybarn.com

Add a touch of allure to your industrial kitchen with a copper backsplash. Copper adds warmth and richness to your space and creates a stunning visual contrast vis-a-vis industrial elements. The shiny surface of copper enhances your kitchen, creating a sense of spaciousness and charm. The natural patina adds distinctive character and uniqueness to your space as it ages.

Aspect 3×6-inch Brushed Copper Short Grain Metal Tile – 8 Pack – bedbathandbeyond.com

Another way to enhance the industrial feel of your kitchen is by incorporating metal accents throughout the space. Add stainless steel appliances, light fixtures, or cabinet hardware to amplify the industrial aesthetic. The sleek and modern look of metal elements can complement the raw and rugged feel of exposed beams and white brick walls, creating a cohesive design scheme.

Richelieu Lenox 14-in (356Mm) Center to Center Stainless Steel Rectangular Edge Drawer Pulls – lowes.com

Incorporate botanical elements into your industrial kitchen to add color and vibrancy. Hanging plants or a small indoor herb garden can soften the sharp lines of industrial design, infusing the space with a touch of nature.

9 Herb Indoor Window Garden House Plant Seed Starter – etsy.com

Industrial Kitchen Color Palette 

Additionally, you can play with your industrial kitchen’s color palette to further enhance its unique features. Think about using a mix of neutral tones like gray, black, and brown to create a modern industrial look, or add pops of bold colors like red or yellow to inject a sense of energy and personality into the space. Trying out various color schemes enables you to tailor the ambiance of your industrial kitchen to match your unique tastes and preferences.

Industrial Design Home Color Palette – etsy.com

Embrace the Aesthetics of Industrial Kitchens

Industrial kitchen design offers a perfect combination of style and functionality. By incorporating various elements such as concrete, wood, metal, and leather, you can create a visually appealing and practical space. Whether you embrace the aesthetics of industrial kitchens or blend kitchen and dining spaces in industrial style, there are numerous possibilities for creating an inspiring and functional industrial kitchen.