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Contrast colours, embrace texture and find the right lighting.
When you think of industrial interiors, dark black and grey colour schemes, leather bar stools, heavy metal lampshades, and a whole lot of dark wood might initially come to mind. However, industrial-inspired interiors are having a shake-up, especially when it comes to kitchen design.
Modern industrial kitchens have all the key ingredients of a classic industrial kitchen – highly-functional design, durable materials, and reclaimed furniture and upcycled accessories. The crucial difference, however, is the use of neutral and light hues to break up the space, the addition of lighter wood, plus, less bulky silhouettes. The result is an airy and bright space which is ideal for both entertaining and daily life.
Keep reading to see how you can give your kitchen a modern industrial update...
Although leather, dark metals, and exposed brick are what spring to mind when it comes to industrial design, adding lighter tones is what will give your kitchen a contemporary look.
Dark units and accent pieces (such as light fittings) can be juxtaposed with white or neutral wall colours to keep the space feeling airy without losing any of the industrial edginess.
'Natural yet sophisticated, lighter colours such as beiges, greys and whites promise to bring a serene and calm feel to a kitchen,' says Mor Krisher, head of design at Caesarstone. 'Utterly timeless, these hues pair beautifully with other colours and can make a quiet statement on their own through subtle detailing.'
Image: Browse kitchen accessories at Dunelm
This set of contemporary pasta bowls offer an easy way to upgrade your dining experience and will contrast beautifully with dark dining tables and kitchen surfaces. Not only are they durable, but they're dishwasher-safe and microwaveable too.
As much as possible, opt for wood in light, warm tones. Not only does this soften the feel of the space, but it'll also add a Scandinavian-inspired twist to your kitchen.
A light wooden floor will open up the space, while wooden dining tables will help to break up the look of the room (especially if you have dark kitchen units and countertops).
However, take a less is more approach to avoid a look that is more rustic than industrial.
Image: Winchester Wood Kitchen Stool, Cult Furniture
This solid oak dining table is sturdy and simple – ideal for adding natural tones and textures to any interior. The splayed legs play on Scandinavian design.
Drawing the eye upwards is a crucial way of creating the loft-like feel that is synonymous with industrial-style warehouse spaces. In a kitchen, pendant lights are one way to achieve this, as is extending tiling above your units.
Image: Industrial Chic Kitchen, L'Ottocento
This wall hung shelf has three handy wooden tiers and a black wire frame. It's perfect for storing kitchen essentials, as well as being the ideal spot for showing off decor.
If you're looking to give an industrial kitchen an on-trend update, don't overlook concrete as a material.
'As the trends for industrial designs and authentic, raw materials show no signs of slowing down, concrete-inspired designs continue to be some of the most innovative and daring of all worktops,' says Mor.
Image: Industrial metal ceiling light, see similar at Cuckooland
This minimalist concrete bowl is a sturdy yet stylish addition to any industrial kitchen. These bowls are handcrafted in small batches, so no two are the same.
Pendant lights are a failsafe way to highlight the areas of the kitchen you naturally gravitate towards, such as a dining table or kitchen island.
You can either up the industrial feel by opting for metal designs or soften the look by choosing pared-back light fittings with large bulbs.
Image: Azure G200 LED Pendant Bulb, Lime Lace
With its classic industrial silhouette, this dome pendant is guaranteed to draw the eye by dispersing soft yet concentrated light. We love the iron dome, which has been finished with a protective lacquer.
A kitchen island made from tough, industrial material (such as concrete) is ideal for gathering around.
Make it a place to spend extended periods – eating, entertaining, or just relaxing – with the addition of chairs or bar stools. Wooden designs will soften an industrial interior, while metal chairs will help to maintain a robust look.
Image: Bert Frank Colt Pendant Light, Nest.
This design combines a beautifully crafted mango wood seat with hairpin legs and an angular backrest to create a comfortable and stylish dining chair. It's the ideal mix of industrial and natural style.
To avoid your kitchen looking too stark, make sure to add plenty of mementoes, ornaments, and greenery. This is the best way to not only create visual focal points but also to add texture and colour to what might otherwise be a stripped-back space.
Photography: SS23 Smart Industrial Kitchen, shop the look at Dunelm
This chunky planter is handmade, meaning each one is unique. The ridged surface gives it a tactile finish, while the concrete from which it's made keeps it in line with the industrial trend.
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