25 Industrial-Style Kitchens That Will Inspire You To Renovate

There are numerous avenues of design to pursue in your home, but few are as striking as industrial design. As Vevano explains, factories constructed in response to a boom in production demands at the turn of the 20th century were built in what is now considered the industrial style; the aesthetic includes hallmarks such as open spaces and concepts, exposed brick, piping, and so on.

As factories closed down, they were often repurposed into homes, apartments, or lofts, and it is in these spaces that industrial as a design terminology was born. Materials are everything in this aesthetic, including metal in all its finishes — steel, copper, iron, copper, brass, etc. — and other somewhat utilitarian options, like glass, wood, brick, or stone. Industrial design is not limited to whole buildings, either; it can be achieved in any home — and any kitchen. In a room that's already so functional by design, this mode only enhances it. It can even mask appliances that often stick out in other styles.

A little can go a long way with classic industrial materials. A brick accent wall or black steel statement lighting can do most of the heavy lifting to create a clean, classic, and modern kitchen. 

Steel is another incredibly impactful material. Pair it with something lighter, like wood, to keep it from feeling like a restaurant kitchen. Then add subtle but effective pops of steel — your oven's backsplash, a hood range, or even the backing of your island. 

Industrial design tends to pair well with brighter, minimalist aesthetics, but it's not limited to that. For a darker, warmer, and more intimate kitchen, opt for darker, rust-toned brick walls, rich wood tones, and black appliances. Add hints of copper throughout to liven it up.

If you don't want to commit to a full-blown, loft-style industrial kitchen, start slowly with small but impactful additions. For example, introduce some exposed pipes. Make use of bigger ticket items in your kitchen, too, like your island. Add elements of steel and stone for a smooth transition into the aesthetic.

Industrialism is quite functional in nature. Take inspiration from this aspect of the aesthetic and make your decorative elements functional as well. For example, instead of adding exposed vents for just decoration, turn it into a vent hood. 

Industrial is great on its own, but as a design style, it also lends itself well to blending with other aesthetics. Add some black metal touches, exposed pipes, and unique industrial light fixtures to a Scandinavian style kitchen to give it a bit of an edge.

Industrial spaces tend to be very open, and that element can be further enhanced with brighter color palettes. Choose straight and clean-lined cabinets in a bright white shade, paired with sleek black accents and a touch of brick.

Raw stone is another great material to include in your industrial kitchen, but if you want to amp it up a bit and make it feel more sophisticated, switch it out for marble. If you want the same, moody, demure look, choose a darker brown option. Pair with touches of leather.

Professional kitchens are industrial by necessity, but there are certainly attractive elements to include in your home kitchen. Large, eye-catching stainless steel appliances, steel countertops, clean lines, and stone islands are all great selections, and make the process of cooking much more efficient and hygienic. 

Industrialism isn't tied to a place anymore than it is any particular building. Blend it with coastal design elements — white shiplap flooring and cabinetry, warm wood accents, etc. The factory-inspired elements, including exposed beams or white brick, will fit right in.

Industrial design also pairs well with minimalism. Keep it simple with clean, straight lines and straightforward silhouettes, metallic accents, and raw wood finishes. 

Another way to add just a touch of industrial flare in your kitchen is with steel front cabinets. If you add other such elements, they'll fit right in, or stand out on their own.

While more natural colors are most commonly found in industrial design, there's no rule forbidding the inclusion of color. Keep the same tone and mood with slightly deeper shades, though, like dark blues or greens. 

Wood is another effective material in both industrial décor and your kitchen. A large, statement, eye-catching wood island in the center of the room paired with varying metallic touches is a great introduction to the aesthetic.

Sometimes, subtle additions of hallmark industrial concepts are all you need to get the effect across. In a softer, more intimate, cottage-style kitchen, add hanging wood beams, pendant lights, and whitewashed brick walls for a loft feel tailored to your specific preferences. 

Don't feel afraid to throw some trendier elements into your industrial kitchen. Instead of harsher steel light fixtures or islands, opt instead for a warmer, more hip gold shade. Add some plants for a touch of greenery and liveliness. 

The fundamentals of industrial design — open concepts, natural and raw materials — lend themselves remarkably well to Zen décor. Add raw stone and granite finishes where possible, including cabinet fronts, floors, or backsplashes. Top it off with soft wood paneling. 

While industrial design tends to focus on more matte, understated finishes, feel free to break up that textural monotony. Add some accent cabinets in the same color palette, but with a glossy finish instead of matte.

Brick is a great material to make your kitchen feel more industrial, but if you prefer a brighter, lighter color palette, red brick can bog down the room. Opt instead for whitewashed, SoHo-style brick walls. 

Another way to incorporate marble in an industrial kitchen for a slight upgrade is via your backsplash, or an accent wall. If you want to keep it understated and more authentically stone-like, though, choose a matte finish without too much veining. 

Rustic and industrial design share a lot of core elements, materials, textures, and colors. Blend them together in your kitchen with stone, wood, and brick materials, lots of plants and greenery, and touches of leather for a nice blend of the two designs.

Another simple, low-commitment way to add industrial flair in your kitchen is with cabinets — specifically, accent wall options. On a wall with either minimal or no cabinets, add bold, dark, wood or metal cabinets. Integrate it with some black steel light fixtures.

Industrial and contemporary can quite easily go hand-in-hand, especially in your kitchen. Look for contemporary light fixtures with factory-inspired finishes, modern silhouettes with industrial materials, and a cool black and wood color palette that fuses the two together.

Add some unique industrial flair to your kitchen with hammered steel cabinets and appliance faces. Choose a darker, grainier metal with a slightly weathered and hammered effect.

If full on metal and steel cabinets are too much for your taste, choose a slate, steel-blue shade of paint in a matte finish for them instead. Add steel metal handles to create a similar effect.