My last kitchen post was all about the vintage retro kitchen. This week I want to talk about the Industrial kitchen and you’ll find some similarities between the two. Both are flexible styles that can be adapted to any home, from a log cabin to a sleek contemporary beach house. You’ll see that the rules of design for both of these styles are loosened up so that the artistic license is broad, allowing the homeowner to really reflect a personal statement. And THAT is why they are my favorite kitchen designs.
But there are some characteristics in the industrial-style kitchen that are easily recognizable. You’ll find that an industrial kitchen reflects a sense of order. They are usually quite organized with cleaner surface areas and interesting, sometimes unconventional means of storage to simplify the process of cooking and cleaning. Cabinetry is usually quite simple with little or no ornamentation. Look for finishes like stainless steel, various metals and concrete in both surfaces, cabinets and furnishings. Walls have traditionally been white, repeating the crisp clean style.
Historically an industrial kitchen may have been accused of being cold and institutional, but I hope to show you that it’s in your hands. See how you can set the temperature to a crisp cool or heat it up to warm and cozy.
This is a great example. Notice the clean surfaces, very simple cabinetry and stainless steel accents. I like the white brick walls that soften the edges just a tad. The marriage of industrial barstools with the reinterpretation of an early american light fixture is a nice touch. While I can’t identify the exact supplier of the stools or light fixture, I can direct you to Industry West who offers a nice selection of industrial seating at a reasonable price. For lighting, my go-to is always Solaria Lighting in Decatur Georgia. They’ve created a gorgeous lighting line and this particular fixture is offered in a couple of sizes and a variety of finishes. You’ll need to contact an interior designer to purchase thru Solaria, but it will be worth it!
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Another great example! Notice how organized this space is with under counter shelving, hanging utensil storage and open shelf storage over the range. The glossy white tile really emphasizes the clean reflective qualities of the industrial kitchen and contrasts ever so slightly with the greyed-down white paint on the walls. These light fixtures are especially fun, a great reinterpretation of the big HID warehouse lights. Take a peek at the warm wood table peeking out of the corner of the photo, softening the hard edges of the steel.
Fun! No cabinets, no hidden storage?!?! Probably scares most of us, but look at all of the organization. The introduction of the wicker baskets does a couple of things for me; it offers covered storage for the messy stuff that you don’t want to see, but it also softens all of the steel surfaces, making the space feel almost cozy!
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This is probably one of my favorites because I am most comfortable in an eclectic space. I prefer to base my designs on a particular style that works for my clients and the room they’re creating, and then add contrasting elements to really bring the space to life. This particular kitchen has all of the characteristics of the industrial with it’s stainless steel countertops, industrial stools, sleek white cabinets. The antique wood floors and exposed brick walls actually enhance and warm up the space, making it appear to be a loft area. But I love the addition of the gold leaf mirror that looks like it might have been attached to a dressing table at one time, and the greenery in the window and corner. It doesn’t take a lot of contrast to make a room dynamic!
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This is a nice blended interpretation. The surfaces in this space don’t have the typical reflective qualities of most industrial kitchens. The island is quite simple and clean with lighter wood tones and matching contemporary stools. Minimalist contemporary light fixtures are nice as they don’t seem to block the view. The hanging utensil storage is such a simple way to hint at the industrial.
I thought this was an interesting take on the style. You can see the introduction of stainless steel elements but only in hints. This designer used a black iron to tell the story Still the cabinets are quite simple, all of the lines are very clean, and the big chunky hood looks like something you’d find in a professional kitchen. I’ve picked up several of the light fixtures at Scott Antique Market in Atlanta and I know that Barn Light Electric and Rejuvenation always have nice selections of styles and colors as well.
This is for the true minimalist! All cabinetry is simplified, appliances are very low profile. No clutter and no ornamentation other than the patterned floors.
Here’s another example of what a little wood can do for the space. I really love the butcher block top on the island. And the metal cabinets are beautifully built, reflecting a real vintage quality to the finish. Makes me wonder if these aren’t vintage steel pieces that have been adapted for kitchen use. If you love the vintage steel pieces, check out Twenty Gauge and contact a designer to order these authentic pieces. The steel stools are definitely found items with a very authentic vintage shape. The curvature really is really a nice touch in an otherwise rectilinear space. Check out that light fixture!!!! LOVE!!!
And I had to include this! Everything about this screams Industrial from the light fixtures to the stainless steel cabinet base to the stools. But it’s wrapped in warm exposed red brick, vintage wood countertops, shelving and flooring. This space is proof that the industrial kitchen can be cozy!
1, 2, 4 by Global Lighting
design theory interiors ....... of california 