5 Key Elements of Industrial Design for Your Kitchen

Anything industrial is usually a big hit in the renovation world. It celebrates humility, practicality and affordability. Best of all, it’s easy to achieve and really functional! This concept started out as an efficient work environment several decades ago.

However, now it has morphed into a distinctive style that made its way slowly from functional loft-style homes to villas and apartment. Cutting across generations, industrial concept seems to be staying!

There are a few places in the house which revel in the beauty and unassuming ease of the industrial style such as the kitchen.

The industrial concept has become very popular in recent years. Perhaps this is because it offers all the pleasures and comforts of the modern home, without entirely forsaking history.

It is a clean, utilitarian style that is especially well-suited to raw spaces, like renovated warehouse lofts or old studio apartments. Still not sure on how the industrial style works? Check these key elements to achieve an industrial-designed house!

Don’t Conceal! Expose The Inner Workings

Yes! You read that right! Don’t conceal. I know, it’s the complete opposite approach to other kitchen styles. Normally, you would conceal piping, light fittings etc. With industrial concept, you leave these elements exposed for the world to see. I believe that there is beauty in everything!

In general it sounds like less work to do. However, inner workings usually shows visible defects or untidiness. Thus, it needs more attention and care.(think chromed piping or rigid ducting).

Some exposed fittings and fixtures to consider: –

• Cutlery rails on splashbacks
• Open floating shelves in timber or stainless steel
• Rigid ducting
• Bridge or Bowser style mixer taps

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First signature element that every industrial look must contain are the pipes and ducts that are usually hidden behind the thick walls. It began as a need when people wanted to redesign old warehouses and transform them into living spaces. This slowly became one of the most popular interior design ideas among those who seek the “unfinished” concept.
It is also a smart choice for all-white spaces, as bright walls are a fabulous contrast to metal piping, providing even more light to the room, making it look visually bigger. Some even integrate old pipes into the furniture. They use metal brackets and tubes to make unique, distinctive shelves, chairs, tables and even stairs!

Flooring

In enormous open-plan rooms, tiles and concrete are the most common choices for flooring. However, for those who prefer warmer colors, wooden and rubber ones are usually the alternative. But what is important is that the industrial design does not allow any rugs, even if you complain about the cold feet, and in that case, floor heating is your only option.

You can opt for portable mats, that’s tolerable. However, place them in areas where it requires you to stand for a long time. Ie the kitchen when washing the dishes. But only then. The mats gotta go after you finish! You don’t want it to ruin the concept, now don’t you?

Effortless Lighting 

Even though industrial spaces are usually quite bright, exposed electrical fixtures are still an important element to be incorporated in such homes.

The options are numerous: you can choose to set up simple, old, iron triangular chandeliers above your kitchen island, or stretch cables across the entire ceiling just to have light bulbs hand in the middle of the room.

Recycle and Reuse – Vintage Furniture & Accessories

Since what is usually concealed is already exposed, industrial design requires you to take a step further and experiment when it comes to furniture. But be careful, experimenting in this case does not refer to color and extravagant furniture pieces, but rather simple and neutral ones found at a local thrift shop.

Old wooden coffee table surrounded with modern leather furniture, old TV turned into a retro bar or an old sewing machine you found at your grandmother’s attic, there is a place for everything that could in a way be called second-hand.
One-of-a-kind items are the key to creating an industrial look that works. Whether pulley-style lighting, furniture that incorporates old machinery, or seating that could look at home on a factory floor, take the time to look in antiques stores and online auctions near and far – and don’t be afraid to look beyond our shores to make that perfect statement.

Stainless Steel

A key feature in industrial kitchens, stainless steel never goes out of fashion. It’s favoured by professional chefs due to its hygienic nature and can be used for bench-tops, cupboard doors and drawers, and shelving. It is prone to scratches and streaks but a good stainless-steel cleaner will assist.


Lets have a recap! Neutral tones, whites and grays, together with wooden floors, metal apparatuses, pipes and mats are the mark components of the industrial concept. It gives your home a uniform look that still enables you to explore different avenues regarding old and retro furniture, and in addition include a few your very own DIY ventures. Show that you are strong and daring by uncovering what is typically disguised,  blending it all in one neutral earthy color. 

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