A guide to the industrial kitchen trend

The industrial kitchen trend is back and bigger than ever. And, while you might already be sold by the super sleek aesthetic, it’ll pay to know the history behind this trend and how to introduce it into your home properly.

Here, Alexandra Davies from premium kitchen appliance manufacturer Britannia Living discusses what you need to know about the industrial kitchen trend before you try it out for yourself.

We’re greeted with handfuls of kitchen interior trends each year, but one that has shown no signs of shifting over the past couple of years is the industrial trend. A pared-back style that celebrates all things minimalist, it’s no wonder why so many homeowners are trying their hand at achieving this stunning aesthetic.

The history behind the industrial kitchen trend

The industrial aesthetic gets its influences from the Victorian era when many purpose-built factories and workplaces embraced simplistic designs that were created to make things more efficient. The busyness of these buildings meant that they needed to have plenty of storage space, and the materials used inside had to be durable in order to stand up to the daily wear and tear of the factory work.

The trend presumably began working its way into kitchen interiors following realisations that kitchens and factories required the same qualities: built for purpose and easy to clean, as well as offering plenty of innovative storage and room to move around in.

Here are some tips for achieving the perfect industrial kitchen aesthetic:

Add modern twists to the industrial colour scheme

Industrial colour schemes are classically associated with duller, darker colours to disguise any dirt, debris and dust that would’ve been around in factories in the Victorian era. But, if you want your industrial kitchen to have a contemporary twist, go with a softer colour palette like grey. This hue is still a little darker than other neutral tones but will fit in nicely with the industrial trend by imitating exposed stone.

If you prefer to have a little more colour in your kitchen, you could even go with an upgraded version of the industrial colour scheme and incorporate deep navy blue. This looks undeniably stylish when paired with metallic and wooden accents: two materials that are central to the trend.

Incorporate the key trio of materials

Industrial buildings were typically made from three key materials: brick, wood and metal. Follow suit for your kitchen by making the most of beautiful wooden worktops juxtaposed with polished stainless steel cabinetry. Not only will these be incredibly durable, but they are versatile, so will prove a timeless addition to any kitchen.

Use these materials as a guideline for your appliance’s aesthetic, too. A sleek stainless steel range cooker with matching extractor hood will perfectly shape your kitchen’s industrial look, while wooden-handled kettles and toasters will complement these nicely. Both of these contrasted against an exposed brick wall would look fantastic, but if it’d too difficult to carry out structural work then think about incorporating stone tiles on your floor or along your walls for a modern alternative.

Use hidden storage

Organisation is at the forefront of any busy industrial kitchen, and it should be the same for your cooking space, too. Integrated cabinetry can ensure your kitchen looks streamlined, while having plenty of hidden storage space to keep your best china and glasses in. Similarly, building a kitchen island will maximise the cooking areas you have and provide even more opportunity for storage so that your kitchen can always be clutter-free.