As the trend for industrial kitchen design shows no sign of slowing down, Emma Hedges reveals 4 ways to achieve that urban look for your client – even if they don't live in a cavernous warehouse with lofty ceilings and acres of exposed pipes and brickwork.
1. Material gains
Industrial style is all about sticking to a neutral palette and mimicking the look of the exposed raw materials found in old factory buildings or run-down warehouses. The blocky shape of a kitchen island lends itself to the industrial aesthetic, so the choice of worktop is key. "Surfaces evoking materials such as industrial concrete and aged metal can help to create an on-trend urban-inspired kitchen, such as the five designs within the new Silestone Loft series. Each of these new colours represents an iconic town and its industrial aesthetic," says Laura Davie, marketing manager for Cosentino UK.
2. On your metal
With the overall colour scheme being browns and greys, metallic elements that can be used as either black or gleaming accents create visual interest that's still in keeping with the predominantly utilitarian look. Metal lighting fixtures and fittings, stainless steel appliances and caged ceiling structures blend successfully with the unfinished vibe.
If the space isn't blessed with plenty of exposed pipework, then evoking the look with a kitchen tap with an aged metallic finish can work well.
3. Go with the grain
The combination of old and new is the essence of industrial style and part of what makes it so flexible for designers. Robustly functional and modern elements sit comfortably alongside distressed and recycled touches, so it is an opportunity to incorporate sustainable materials, such as reclaimed wood if your client is keen to.
4. Cupboard love
Such is the popularity of the hardworking and utilitarian industrial aesthetic, there is now also a host of kitchen cabinetry options to choose from in either concrete or stone finishes and varying shades of grey.
