How to Soften Up an Industrial Kitchen
A little floral fabric here, a touch of colour there… Our 10 tricks take industrial style from hard to homely
Powder-coated metal shelves, stainless steel worktops, corrugated iron greys and laboratory glass pendants – there’s no doubt current kitchen trends come with a heavy hint of the factory floor. But, for most of us, the kitchen still needs to be a welcoming heart of the home, and all those industrial edges can be a bit hard to wake up to. Here are 10 easy ways to soften up an industrial kitchen. Think of it as Lite Industrial. You’ll definitely stay on-trend, but coming down to breakfast won’t feel like clocking in for a morning shift at the welding machine…
Lay interesting floor tiles
An exposed air duct, metro tiles, Crittall-style windows and oversized pendants. So far, so industrial, but the tessellated tiles are the game changer. The mesmerising motif turns the monochromes into a lovelier, livelier scheme, with lush foliage adding hint of the exotic.
See more vibrant examples of how tiles can transform a room
An exposed air duct, metro tiles, Crittall-style windows and oversized pendants. So far, so industrial, but the tessellated tiles are the game changer. The mesmerising motif turns the monochromes into a lovelier, livelier scheme, with lush foliage adding hint of the exotic.
See more vibrant examples of how tiles can transform a room
Accessorise all areas
White metro tiles and open shelving can verge on the clinical, so break up a scheme with interesting canisters, decorative glassware and ceramics in tones that work together. Here, teal, stoneware greens and deep blue add a homespun feel to the whiteness.
White metro tiles and open shelving can verge on the clinical, so break up a scheme with interesting canisters, decorative glassware and ceramics in tones that work together. Here, teal, stoneware greens and deep blue add a homespun feel to the whiteness.
Pick a soft pastel
A professional range cooker, stainless steel hood and metallic lights could feel a bit heavy going. But here, they are lifted by the deliciously natural shade of green on the wall. A pale pastel can bring out the delicate sheen of steel for a lighter, brighter look.
A professional range cooker, stainless steel hood and metallic lights could feel a bit heavy going. But here, they are lifted by the deliciously natural shade of green on the wall. A pale pastel can bring out the delicate sheen of steel for a lighter, brighter look.
Use reclaimed wood
Team reconditioned industrial stools, chrome taps and open shelving with the gentler character of old wood. This island’s mix of timber planks emphasises the eco-friendly side of the rough-and-ready look, creating a unique, feel-good space.
Team reconditioned industrial stools, chrome taps and open shelving with the gentler character of old wood. This island’s mix of timber planks emphasises the eco-friendly side of the rough-and-ready look, creating a unique, feel-good space.
Ramp up the rustic
An industrial-style kitchen can be a practical choice for a rural home, but don’t hide the house’s country roots. Here, limewashed walls and beams are the perfect foil for gritty reclaimed lights and bar stools, giving you the best of both worlds.
An industrial-style kitchen can be a practical choice for a rural home, but don’t hide the house’s country roots. Here, limewashed walls and beams are the perfect foil for gritty reclaimed lights and bar stools, giving you the best of both worlds.
Go for a colourful backdrop
The glass funnel light fittings and metal stools could be straight out of a laboratory, but this colourful scheme takes them into an entirely different sphere. Primary shades feel fun, funky and fresh – just right for a kitchen.
Check out how to brighten up a room with a bold coloured feature wall
The glass funnel light fittings and metal stools could be straight out of a laboratory, but this colourful scheme takes them into an entirely different sphere. Primary shades feel fun, funky and fresh – just right for a kitchen.
Check out how to brighten up a room with a bold coloured feature wall
Define with a dining table
This rough brickwork is pure industrial, complementing the extension’s clean-lined geometry. But a set of Louis XV-style chairs and a country kitchen table prove that comfort and style can be combined beautifully.
This rough brickwork is pure industrial, complementing the extension’s clean-lined geometry. But a set of Louis XV-style chairs and a country kitchen table prove that comfort and style can be combined beautifully.
Add interesting angles
This kitchen feels dynamic and fresh, thanks to the owners laying the tiles and island cladding on a diagonal grid. All the sharp angles have their edges softened – helped along nicely by the round-edged light fitting.
This kitchen feels dynamic and fresh, thanks to the owners laying the tiles and island cladding on a diagonal grid. All the sharp angles have their edges softened – helped along nicely by the round-edged light fitting.
Work in soft furnishings
In an open-plan space, use industrial elements as a contrast to furniture that’s the soft option in every sense. The faded floral fabric on the super-squishy sofas helps tone down the grit of the factory-style workbench and lighting to just the right level.
What do you think of our take on Lite Industrial? How would you incorporate this look into your own kitchen?
In an open-plan space, use industrial elements as a contrast to furniture that’s the soft option in every sense. The faded floral fabric on the super-squishy sofas helps tone down the grit of the factory-style workbench and lighting to just the right level.
What do you think of our take on Lite Industrial? How would you incorporate this look into your own kitchen?
Galvanised metal and zinc rule in this functional kitchen, but the owners aren’t afraid to mix things up a bit, adding a vintage dresser for storage. The timber links with the shelving, keeping it real – and making a fun, family home.