The industrial style has been popular since the 1950s when people started converting old factories into spacious, well-lit living spaces. It embraces utilitarian materials and free-flowing layouts. This look is still very popular today, even if you don’t live in a converted factory. Create an industrial style kitchen in your home with these key elements.
Use Materials With A Factory Look
The old converted factories were filled with rough, beat-up materials that could stand the test of time. Exposed brick, wood in its most natural form, and metal are the foundation of the industrial style. Countertops should balance out these other materials. If the rest of the kitchen has a lot of sleek, metal surfaces then opt for a surface with a rough texture or rich color to keep the space from feeling too cold. On the other hand, if you’ve put in a lot of exposed brick or natural wood bring it home with a crisp, shiny countertop. Solid colors with a polished finish will mimic the feel of metal.
Utility Is Beauty
Show of any utilitarian elements like piping, electrical conduits, or gas lines. Factories didn’t waste time or materials covering up these elements because it was all about function. Industrial Style is all about turning function into beauty. A tall ceiling with exposed beams is another way to create the open-concept feel that converted lofts are known for. You could even go a step further and incorporate open shelving that shows off all your kitchenware. Just because it has a job to do, doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful.
Embrace the Past
Because this trend started in the 1950s, it’s a great idea to include some retro pieces. Repurpose old stools for your island countertop, or maybe choose a table made with recycled wood. Vintage light fixtures bring light to this style in more ways than one. Industrial style is all about making the old new again, so get creative and hit up some garage sales. You never know what you’ll find.
Focus On Function
One of the main reasons this style became so popular is that artists loved the ability to work inside their own homes. Leaving everything raw and exposed meant it was easy to access whatever they needed. So go ahead and hang all your pots and pans from the ceiling, it’s easier to reach and it looks cool too. Put in an industrial sink with a sprayer hose. Doing dishes will be easier and it will add to the aesthetic. Keep the windows bare to let all the light in. No need to fuss with curtains and the bright light will show off all your style.
Look To The Future
Industrial style kitchens are the perfect place to incorporate new technology. Yes, just a few paragraphs ago we said to embrace the past so this may seem contradictory. Think of this style as old meeting new. A space-age induction cooktop next to old exposed brick creates a really interesting contrast. Use functional technology to balance out the warm, rustic materials of the past.
Do you love the industrial look? If so talk to one of our experts today about what countertops work best for your design
