Modern industrial kitchen ideas

Today’s industrial kitchen: A refined take on a timeless style

Industrial design has a long-standing legacy of embracing raw, exposed elements. Its signature rugged, unfinished materials create a striking visual impact. 

However, as Jen Nash, Head of Design at Magnet Kitchens, explains, “The updated industrial design holds a sophisticated reference to its origins, allowing us to capture the essence of industrial elements while elevating them for modern living. This style blends rustic charm with a polished finish, creating a space that feels both edgy and inviting.”

The beauty of the modern industrial kitchen lies in its ability to seamlessly blend the old with the new. By mixing raw materials like steel and concrete with contemporary finishes and functional features, today’s industrial kitchens maintain their utilitarian aesthetic while creating a stylish and welcoming environment.

Materials to consider for an industrial kitchen

Industrial design kitchens are centred around materials that have both form and function. 

1. Steel and metal accents

A hallmark of the industrial style, steel and metal accents work beautifully in cabinetry, shelving and appliances. Stainless steel surfaces, for example, offer durability and a sleek, modern finish while remaining true to the industrial aesthetic.

2. Exposed brick and concrete

Exposed brickwork brings an immediate sense of raw authenticity to a space. Similarly, concrete floors or worktops add rugged texture to a kitchen while being practical and easy to maintain.

3. Wood accents

While industrial kitchens embrace utilitarian materials, introducing wood can soften the overall look. Wooden worktops or shelving can bring warmth and rustic charm to your space. The combination of wood and metal creates a beautiful balance between raw and refined elements.

4. Crittall-inspired doors

A nod to traditional industrial design, Crittall-inspired doors and windows are an excellent way to introduce an urban edge to your kitchen. These metal-framed glass doors help separate spaces while maintaining openness. At Magnet, we specialise in incorporating these elements without compromising functionality.

Layout ideas for an industrial kitchen

Industrial kitchens typically feature spacious, open designs that pay homage to their warehouse origins. Think:

1. Open shelving and island workspaces

Industrial design favours open spaces. One way to achieve this in your kitchen is by using open shelving, which keeps the room airy and accessible while showcasing beautifully designed kitchenware and accessories. Pair this with a central island for food prep or casual dining.

2. Loft-style layout

For open-plan spaces, a loft-style kitchen creates dramatic effect. Features like high ceilings, exposed beams, and large windows flood the space with natural light. By keeping kitchen and living areas connected yet distinct, you can use furniture, lighting and materials to create subtle divisions while retaining a sense of openness.

3. Combining industrial and rustic styles

Combining industrial components with natural materials creates an appealing balance between the industrial aesthetic and a softer look. Pairing metal light fixtures with wooden cabinetry, for example, or adding elements like greenery or warm-toned wall art, helps achieve the right blend of rugged and refined.

Industrial kitchen decor ideas

Decor plays a big part in rounding out the industrial aesthetic. Consider elements such as:

Statement lighting

Choose oversized pendant lights or Edison exposed filament bulbs to make a statement. Think copper or brass finishes and raw metal fixtures to add to the industrial feel.

Colour scheme

The colour palette of an industrial kitchen typically revolves around neutral shades like grey, black, white, and earth tones. However, you can also add accents in deep blues, greens or even mustard yellow for a pop of colour against the muted tones.

Trinkets and accessories

Put the final touches on your industrial space with accessories such as old-fashioned clocks, metal containers or elements found in nature, such as driftwood. These pieces add character to the space, giving your industrial kitchen a lived-in feel that’s unique to you.

Small industrial style kitchen ideas

Although industrial kitchen design typically conjures up images of wide open spaces with high ceilings, this aesthetic can work in smaller areas too.

If you’re working with a compact area, consider these ideas:

• Focus on clever storage solutions like open shelving and multi-functional drawers and cabinets.
• Choose compact, built-in appliances to maximise worktop space.
• Use mirrored or glossy surfaces to reflect light and create the illusion of more space.
• Install floating shelves to keep kitchen items accessible but visually light.
• Use dark tones on walls and cabinetry to create a cosy, intimate atmosphere with an industrial edge.
• Incorporate modular furniture or fold-away solutions for added functionality in tight spaces.

At Magnet, with over a century of experience in British craftsmanship (est. 1918), we understand how to incorporate industrial elements such as Crittall-inspired doors, open shelving and metal accents into kitchen designs that are both functional and stylish. The result is kitchens that exude character while still providing the comfort and convenience required for everyday life.