Industrial kitchens are one of those fantastically unique things – you definitely know if you’ve seen one. They combine a supreme functionality with a wonderfully distinctive, factory-floor sort of vibe. If that sounds like exactly the sort of thing you want for your own kitchen, well, here are just a few ways on how to do it!
There are a couple of conflicting opinions on what makes a truly industrial-style space, but at Kitchen Design Centre we love the factory slash warehouse look the best. Essentially, one of the defining characteristics of industrial kitchens is to do with the literal bare bones of the room. We’re talking about things like exposed brickwork, rangehood ducting, piping and venting – everything that you’d normally go to some lengths to cover up in other styles of kitchen design become things to embrace when it comes to the industrial style. After all, factory owners weren’t that fussed about concealing these elements, and it’s these authentic factories that many industrial kitchens are aiming to emulate. If you’ve got high ceilings and exposed beams, too, all the better. Industrial kitchens are powerful, raw. They’re workhorses, and they’re not shy about it. But if you’re slightly aghast at leaving piping and suchlike exposed, don’t worry! Just because it’s on show doesn’t mean it won’t need attention – quite the opposite, in fact. You’ll want to look at specifying and installing better fittings (like chromed piping, for example), and polishing up these elements a bit.
At a designer kitchen company like ours, we know that industrial kitchens are more often than not defined by their materials, which – in keeping with their surroundings – are raw, powerful, and infused with history. Wide timber flooring is an excellent example of this, as it gives a tailored look together with an old, rustic feeling. Then there’s steel and concrete; they’re rough in their looks, but are solid and and functional. Stainless steel is a particularly popular choice, from both a practical and a styling point of view – it’s hygienic, non-porous, and durable. Similarly, concrete floors will be more resistant to most stains than, say, laminates, appropriately embodying the robust, hardwearing ethic of the hypothetical factories. When it comes to colour, the scheme of an industrial kitchen is typically fairly masculine. The steel, concrete and timber speak volumes alone, so it’s best to avoid other heavy streaks of colour into the room, in case you run the risk of distracting from them and undermining the overall effect.
When it comes to populating your industrial kitchen, you’ll want furniture that adds to its authenticity and character. Reclaimed furniture or antiques are perfect for this, especially if they’re made of timber. Antiques or similarly historical decorations are similarly ideal for decoration, while antique timber cabinetry can beautifully offset stainless steel worktops or concrete floors.
Whatever your choices, we’re here to help. If you live in Manchester, industrial kitchen design will already be familiar to you, as there are no shortage of establishments in the city centre in this particular theme! The staff in our designer kitchen showroom in Manchester are definitely the people to talk to if you decide this style is right for you, so feel free to pop in, or give us a call on 0161 681 5061. We look forward to seeing you!
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TRADITION MEETS MODERNITY IN OUR LIVERPOOL SHOWROOM
In our Liverpool showroom, we’ve masterfully blended the best of traditional and modern design elements to create a unique, timeless kitchen display. This space is a perfect mix of classic elegance with contemporary functionality, and the focal point is the stunning L-shaped island, which serves as both a practical workspace and a social hub. Its clever design seamlessly links into a media wall and presentation area, incorporating the essence of modern open-plan living.
The colour scheme is a sophisticated mix of Concept130 Roma Graphite shaker cabinets paired with Montreal light fine oak handleless units and taupe trim handles. This combination offers a perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, perfect if you appreciate the classics but want something a little more updated.
Standout appliances:
Neff 30cm Wine Fridge
Neff 80cm Induction Hob
Neff Single Oven
Neff Tall Integrated Fridge
Neff Dishwasher
MODERN MINIMALISM AT ITS FINEST IN OUR URMSTON SHOWROOM
Our Urmston showroom display showcases a bold, modern kitchen design that effortlessly blends both form and function. The handleless units create a streamlined, uninterrupted flow throughout the space, perfectly complemented by the ultra-matt black finish on the worktops. This pairs beautifully with the elegant black ribbed-veneered door for the focal wall.
This minimalist design approach offers a chic, contemporary vibe, ideal if you love the clean, clutter-free aesthetic. To enhance this look, we’ve used warm accent colours that break up the monochrome palette, adding a sense of inviting depth and warmth to the overall space. The subtle, extravagant marble panels add a touch of quiet luxury, their natural veining providing visual interest and texture against the sleek black surfaces, especially when lit by warm LED lighting. This fusion of modern materials and timeless elements, such as marble, creates a display that is both stylish and practical!
Standout appliances:
Neff N90 Ovens with premium 6.8” touch screen display and Twist Pad Flex control
Neff Flex Induction Hob
Silgranit Blanco Sink
Quooker Tap
THE BARROWFORD SHOWROOM’S HARMONIOUS AND ELEGANT DISPLAY
In Barrowford, we’ve embraced a calming, earthy palette that combines functionality with elegance. The display features Hampton Ash wood doors painted in a Natural Umber shade, mixed with Scala Olive green flat doors, and completed with a mix of antique brass handles. The warm, neutral tones of the Natural Umber give this kitchen a wonderfully cosy feel, making it a welcoming space for both cooking and entertaining.
One of the key features of this display is the 30mm Vanilla Noir quartz worktop, which stands out with its dark, characterful design. The designer bench seating includes pullout storage to maximise space without sacrificing style. The bifold worktop unit and sliding doors on the island showcase smart storage solutions. Finally, the open shelves add a touch of rustic charm!
Standout appliances:
Neff Collection Oven
Neff XL Fridge Freezer
Quooker Classic Fusion Tap
Double Bowl Tartufo Sink
THE BLACKBURN SHOWROOM’S SLEEK AND MODERN MASTERPIECE
Our new Blackburn display is a testament to a modern, streamlined design. It features a bold black and oak colour scheme, seamlessly blending practicality and contemporary aesthetics. The tall units are clad in a Black Velvet Oak, adding depth and contrast to the sleek black wall units. The Toronto base units and matching worktops are finished in Natural Vintage Oak for a beautiful and cohesive end result.
One of the standout elements of this display is the quirky curved breakfast bar, a unique feature that blends functionality with style. Raised planters behind the bar add a touch of greenery; perfect if you love bringing natural elements into your kitchen.
Standout appliances:
Neff 60cm CombiZone Black Induction Hob
Integrated Design Hood
Neff Fully-integrated dishwasher
Neff Integrated Frost Free Under Counter Freezer
More from the team’s annual trip to Germany to the headquarters of Hacker Rodinghausen showroom.
Staff from all of our showrooms attended to view the new exciting ranges of kitchens and colours that are available from now. They were given a full factory tour & took part in product workshops. It was an intensive 2 x day trip however they had a fabulous time.
Head to our stories for more details or head over to our website to book your free design appointment
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