Industrial style interior design takes its inspiration from old factories and other industrial spaces that in recent years have been converted to lofts and other living spaces. If you like a modern space that speaks volumes, looks both lived-in and laid-back, then this industrial style could be the kitchen design you’ve been looking for.
There is no one single industrial style; some favour exposed brick walls and pipes, others wood beams or, perhaps some wall-mounted rails and retro-looking appliances are all that’s being used to create an industrial feel to a space. There are many staples of an industrial kitchen style, so take your time to explore what feels right for you and your property. But how can this desired aesthetic be achieved? We at The London Tile Co. have decided to reveal our tricks of the trade with these tips on how to create an industrial kitchen space.
Industrial Style Tiling Choices
When designing with an industrial style in mind, we believe it is best to start with the tiles. They establish not only the foundations of the room, but also set the tone and so dictate the style. Here at The London Tile Co. we have numerous tile choices available to help make your kitchen become the epitome of industrial.
A key element of an industrial design is making use of ‘rougher’, more urban materials – like bricks and cement – which usually appear more at home in a city street than in your kitchen. An industrial style adopts these unexpected materials and, instead of hiding them beneath layers of plaster, displays them proudly.
Exposed Brick Effect
Naked walls are one of the key ingredients to finding the perfect aesthetic balance in an industrial kitchen. They combine rough simplicity and practicality to make an unfinished look these kitchens are known for. At The London Tile Co. we have a tile range designed to look like exposed bricks that we think is perfectly suited to help create an industrial feel to any space. We recommend fixing with a 10mm grout joint for an authentic exposed brick wall look.
Cement Effect Tiles
Just like exposed bricks give a space that simple, unfinished appeal, so too does a cement inspired floor. Combine an urban aesthetic with gorgeous, practical tiles with our collection of cement effect porcelain tiles.
Reclaimed Wood Effect
Still in keeping with that urban feel, a wood effect floor borders that traditional aesthetic to give your kitchen the best of both worlds. Opt for a distressed or reclaimed wood effect tile for to create a cool yet lived-in look.
Retro Metro
Metro tiles naturally conjure industrial images thanks to their use in subway or train stations, coffee shops and kitchens. Choose a white metro tile with a black or dark grey grout for a classic industrial look.
Simple Choices to Help Make Your Kitchen Industrial
Although the tiles are a key component in creating an industrial design, they are not the only factor that should be considered.
One very simple way of helping achieve an industrial feel is by using a natural colour palette. A mix of greys, neutrals and rustic colours echo back to the industrial chic’s factory beginnings. These simple colours allow for the use of furniture and other accessories to help liven up the room. Also, having the walls a neutral colour allows for open plan areas to feel bigger and more connected while giving furniture the opportunity to help create a natural flow to the room.
Using hanging overhead light fixtures adds depth and dimension to the kitchen, giving it a real intimate and industrial ambiance. Open faced shelving and storage are big hits when it comes to an industrial kitchen. Free standing metal racks can also provide extra storage and can be beneficial in smaller rooms. Exposed overhead beams, brick and concrete are notable accents to the kitchen along with darker cabinets and shelving.
To further tie into the industrial theme, we recommend a kitchen island. If this island matches either the floor or the cabinets then it can provide a clearly defined and cohesive kitchen area. These islands can be paired with barstools made of wood or metal finishes, which are both current and practical.
Now that you’ve read our hints and tips to create an industrial style kitchen you can get started on transforming your space.