Industrial style kitchens

Brickwork, wooden beams and concrete – industrial design in old buildings

Different materials and preconditions allow for customised industrial style kitchens. An exposed wall, for example, may differ with regard to size, materials or finishing. In old buildings, it is often possible to uncover beautiful wooden beams, which set a natural accent after being sanded down. Another popular trend is to expose the brickwork of a kitchen wall. In an old building, you could also remove only some of the plastering so that the walls do not appear too bare. Sealed concrete on the walls or floor lends the kitchen an industrial flair.

However, a rough and exposed look does not mean that the walls should not be treated at all. Brickwork and concrete could become very porous if left untreated and suffer considerably from humidity. This should be taken into account when designing damp rooms like the kitchen. Sealing the walls by applying a protective layer can make a big difference in this regard.

From new to old – industrial design in newbuilds

Industrial style kitchens are not only suitable for old buildings. Although newbuild walls are usually not made from brick, there are still many things you can do to give the kitchen an industrial look. You could, for example, use brick wall lining to achieve the desired effect. Red face brick with white grouting looks particularly good. Metal kitchen furniture and matching kitchen appliances will provide a beautiful contrast.

If you like the look of brickwork, but prefer floor tiles for practical reasons, you could lay the floor tiles in a staggered brickwork pattern. Dark green floor tiles, for example, look good in combination with dark wood panelling, while maritime blue tiles harmonise well with white furnishings.

If you prefer concrete, always ensure that the layered concrete is impregnated to prevent erosion and damage caused by UV exposure. This will protect the industrial style kitchen in the long term. Moreover, the concrete will exhibit a glossy, almost silky sheen and become easy to clean, making it ideal for use in the kitchen. Applying multiple layers of sealant will bring out a patina of sorts and add a washed-out look to the material.

Finding the right mix

As with the other rooms in the house, it is important that the various elements of the kitchen interior blend well together. The finishing of the basic materials plays a decisive role in ensuring that your exposed kitchen wall stands out in the desired way. To make sure that the outcome is in line with your expectations, you should consider drawing on the expertise of a specialist when realising your dream kitchen.