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Industrial design is quickly becoming a popular trend in American kitchens, capturing the eclectic charm of architectural salvage with modern finishes and styling. Industrial kitchens can run the gamut from sleek and modern, with metal detailing and monochromatic color schemes, to more traditional, with muted palettes and vintage-inspired forms. No matter what the undercurrent of the design, the key is to keep it simple, not ornate. Here are 10 ways to incorporate this super-hot trend into your kitchen—with comfort.
1. Accent your island
Photo: Courtesy of west elm
Whether you're planning a whole industrial theme for your kitchen or you're simply looking for a few rugged accents, these industrial-inspired barstools will do the trick. In addition to bringing a glossy metallic element, they're also soft-looking enough to keep a kitchen design from feeling stark. Bonus: The smooth finish makes them easy to wipe clean (no cushions to absorb spills!). If you prefer a warmer industrial look, pair with butcher block or soapstone kitchen counters, both of which boast a natural, inviting feel.
Ribbon Bar + Counter stool, starting at $100, west elm
2. Strip down light fixtures
Photo: Courtesy of Rejuvenation
Frequently adorned with nothing but bare sockets and wires, industrial lighting makes a bold statement with little effort. We love the George pendant from Rejuvenation for its simple lines and effortless detailing. Available 13 finishes, it's a little more refined than some industrial lights, but its bare socket and cage shade holder hint at its industrial underpinnings.
George light fixture, $288, Rejuvenation
3. Add some functionality
Photo: Courtesy of west elm
Need more storage space? If you're embracing the industrial trend, there's no need to hide it away in the pantry. These rolling carts feature sturdy steel and oak components and functional movable shelving, creating a bold design element in small kitchens or an easy industrial accent for a larger one. For an even bolder industrial look, stack the shelves with cast iron pots, enamel cookware and wire baskets.
Design Workshop rolling cart, $1,900 to $2,980, west elm
4. Embrace the softer side
Photo: Courtesy of Pottery Barn
It's easy for an industrial design to feel too cold, so add warmth and softness with natural textiles like this handwoven rug from Pottery Barn. The tribal-inspired design intertwines the muted tones popular in vintage-inspired industrial kitchens. Ideal for complementing stone or wood flooring, this softer accent will give an industrial kitchen a cozy, welcoming feel. Plus, its indoor/outdoor properties will help protect it from spills and frequent foot traffic.
Dunham Kilim Recycled Yarn indoor/outdoor rug, $59 to $799, Pottery Barn
5. Bring in something old
Photo: Courtesy of Ann Sacks
Salvage is an important element of industrial design, but if vintage cast-offs aren't your thing, capture the same spirit with these petrified wood tiles by Anne Sacks. Tactile, durable and unique, the tiles showcase the knots and rings of individual trees, creating a bold statement that's ideal for adding depth to a backsplash or a feature wall.
Petrified wood tiles, call for price, Ann Sacks
6. Create a bold statement
Photo: Courtesy of Concreteworks
Hard, durable materials are a cornerstone of industrial design, from the expected steel countertop to to the much coveted polished concrete work surface. Poured concrete allows the industrial enthusiast to create bespoke corners, drainboard detailing and integrated sinks for a unique industrial design statement. Concreteworks' concrete counters are specially formulated to prevent staining and withstand heavy kitchen activity, making them the perfect choice for busy family kitchens.
Polished concrete countertops, call for price, Concreteworks
7. Go back to school
Photo: Courtesy of west elm
Adding a chalkboard wall to your kitchen brings a causal tone to an industrial design—but in traditional black, the paint will retain the vintage, utilitarian vibe. Rust-Oleum's chalkboard paint is formulated to transform a variety of surfaces (metal, wood, masonry, drywall, plaster, glass, concrete) into a usable chalkboard. Whether you use it to create a feature wall or accent a cabinet or breakfast nook, chalkboard paint will add life to your walls while embracing the industrial trend.
Rust-Oleum black chalkboard paint, $9.67, Home Depot
8. Let the air in
Photo: Courtesy of Rejuvenation
Recalling the iconic design of mid-century modern Bertoia chairs, this wire armchair from Rejuvenation will add an airy industrial accent to a kitchen table. Ideal for an eat-in space within an open kitchen, the chairs' open design is a boon for smaller kitchens, adding style without bulk. To help balance its sleek, cool lines, pair with a salvaged wood table and an occasional pillow.
Wire armchair, $298, Rejuvenation
9. Go with a classic
Photo: Courtesy of Kohler
Long gone are the days when the kitchen sink was an afterthought. Today, the sink is often the focal point of a kitchen design. This single-basin version from Kohler offers a streamlined take on the farmhouse style, which is often synonymous with industrial design. Plus, it offers a more inviting approach than its metal counterparts. Available in a variety of colors and offering resistance to scratches, chips and burn marks, this simple sink is a durable way to finish off any industrial kitchen.
Kohler Whitehaven single-basin undermount sink, from $742.50, Faucet Direct
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