Industrial kitchen design: 9 ideas for modern and contemporary styles
An industrial style kitchen offers renovators and designers alike more than just an opportunity for functional design. This bold design style allows project leaders to create spaces with a sleek, minimalist look that is modern and aesthetically pleasing, using only essential materials that will provide the best results.
In this guide, we provide inspiration for industrial kitchen design with unique ideas drawing from typical industrial spaces such as warehouses. We will also discuss key areas such as backsplashes and outdoor applications, and how they can be designed with an edgy industrial design approach.
The Challenge of Authentic Industrial Materials
When planning the layout of a contemporary industrial kitchen, it is important to keep the maintenance of the products used in mind. Typically, materials such as concrete, wood and bricks would be considered. However, these materials do offer challenges, such as concrete’s porosity and susceptibility to stains, wood that can be impacted by water exposure and heat, and brick walls that could eventually need maintenance for wear and tear.
One way to avoid these common material pitfalls is to consider using porcelain tiles and slabs that offer similar effects. Wood look tiles for instance can offer the benefit of moisture resistance, while concrete look slabs can offer sturdier solutions still suited for kitchen environments.
Modern Industrial Kitchen: 3 Look Ideas with Porcelain Slabs
Large format porcelain tiles are an innovative solution that captures the industrial spirit without the functional compromises. Here are some styles that designers could consider.
1) The Concrete Look for a Minimalist Edge
Concrete look countertops offer sleek, versatile designs that are modern and on trend. Available in beautiful colors that match the industrial aesthetic, such as beige, brown and tarmac colors, they elevate the look of any kitchen design.
2) The Stone Look to Add a Touch of Natural Character
Stone look countertops, made from high-performing porcelain materials, offer the sheer opulence of stone surfaces with minimal maintenance. Perfectly suited for busy kitchens, these materials are stain and scratch resistant. Look out for options such as soapstone and mineral grey to create a beautiful color palette for your contemporary industrial kitchen.
3) The Metal Look for a Sleek, High-Performance Feel
Metal materials often form a core part of an industrial kitchen design. So, match the look of metal features such as taps, hobs, chair with metal legs and cabinet handles with porcelain kitchen countertops in light grey or grey stone hues to create just the right design effect.
Versatile applications: from industrial backsplash ideas to seamless work surfaces
Porcelain slabs offer exceptional versatility for industrial kitchen design, including cladding to create uniform designs. Here are three ideas for your industrial kitchen design project.
4) Countertops: Durable and Design-forward
Porcelain kitchen countertops come with several benefits for designers. Not only are these surfaces contemporary and pleasing on the eye, they also offer core characteristics such as being stain resistant, hygienic and heat resistant.
5) Islands: Central Design Feature
A kitchen island can enhance the visual interest of an industrial kitchen and provide a focal point that adds to the overall design themes. Materials such as marble-look slabs and grey concrete-look countertops are just some examples of how designers can make kitchen islands effortlessly fit in with a layout.
6) Backsplashes: Easy to Clean and Impactful
Kitchen backsplash ideas, such as black, marble look or stone look styles, can enhance the impactful look of an industrial style. These surfaces are also easy to clean, and they can be matched with wraparound kitchen islands that use the same materials and color tones.
7) Wall Cladding: Unifying the Space
Wall cladding in the same materials that are used for countertops and backsplashes can truly unify the look of an industrial style kitchen. Consider impactful black porcelain slabs that will add exceptional sophistication to a kitchen design.
Complete the Look With Functional Styling
Together with handpicked materials for work surfaces, walls and backsplashes, designers also need to consider functional styling for cohesive styling. This includes creating design flow for an open plan layout, using the correct shelving materials, and decorating kitchens with statement lighting fixtures.
Here are some considerations.
8) Statement Lighting
Lighting fixtures such as modern droplights or even downwards metal cone lighting can beautifully match the aesthetic of an industrial kitchen. However, you can also consider natural materials, such as woven light covers to soften the color palette of your kitchen.
9) Open Shelving: Industrial Vibes
Open shelving taps into a warehouse/industrial space type of design look, and can be approached in several ways. Using porcelain slabs in the same color as your countertops and walls will create a sleek profile. Alternatively, classic shelving such as wood can be considered. Do keep in mind that wood can be impacted by moisture and heat, so ensure that wood shelves are not facing ovens or kitchen hobs directly.
Also, if you are planning an industrial outdoor kitchen design, ensure that you use materials that are suited for the outdoors. Porcelain shelves will likely be a better option, as they will not need the same high maintenance that wood shelving would have.
Crafting a Contemporary Industrial Kitchen
Smart design is at the core of industrial kitchen design. By remembering those core elements that bring the industrial kitchen style to life, you can carefully curate beautiful layouts that are durable, aesthetically pleasing and practical.
