Industrial Strength Kitchens

Becky Harris June 29, 2010

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected." I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More

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Using items at home with an industrial past is becoming more and more common. Why? In addition to good strong lines, durable materials and no-nonsense shapes, industrial items are built to last, to take a beating and their patinas improve with age.

Have you noticed how kitchens have been embracing the industrial aesthetic? As a pop culture junkie, I credit the current fascination with cooking and chefs these days. Vendors like GE sponsor their television shows and their appliances are showcased. Thus, people want these restaurant-quality appliances at home for their strong looks and quality, and most importantly, because Gordon Ramsey or Jamie Oliver uses one.

Remember how the real estate shows used to tout granite or his and her sinks? Now it's all about the number of burners. Eight? Seriously? Which EIGHT THINGS are you going to have simmering at the same time?

Furthermore, interior designers are always looking to do something new and different, and tapping into restaurant suppliers for utilitarian shelves, countertops and appliances is a great way to do that. This whole trend probably started when lofts started to become so popular - the industrial kitchen aesthetic works well in a raw, open space with a history of industry of its own. In addition to their great looks, industrial finishes are practical; they let serious cooks wipe stains right off - no muss, no fuss, no red wine bottle circle on Carrera marble.

Think about adding just a dash of industrial chic into your kitchen. A crusty French industrial pendant or aluminum vintage cafe stools can add the perfect amount of character.

Traditional Kitchen Traditional Kitchen

The pendant lamps, aluminum stools and utilitarian white subway tiles with dark grout give a nod to industry.

Traditional Kitchen by Steeldaisy Associates

Steeldaisy Associates

Don't you love the character the green utilitarian pendant adds to this Greek cottage kitchen.

Eclectic Kitchen Eclectic Kitchen

This kitchen is industrial from floor to ceiling. The metal cabinets in deep blue are a great detail that keep it from going overboard.

Industrial Kitchen by Frederick + Frederick Architects

Frederick + Frederick Architects

Corrugated tin doors give a jolt of, oh my god, if I say "industrial" again I might just have to jump off a cliff. Let me just apologize now, because its' really the only word that works.

Traditional Kitchen by Tracery Interiors

Tracery Interiors

Eclectic Kitchen by KitchenLab Interiors

KitchenLab Interiors

The stainless counter looks like restaurant grade.

Modern Kitchen by Schwartz and Architecture

Schwartz and Architecture

These vintage metal and wood drafting chairs make this kitchen unique.

Modern Dining Room by Schwartz and Architecture

Schwartz and Architecture

Modern Kitchen by Britt Design Group

Britt Design Group

Eclectic Kitchen by Tracery Interiors

Tracery Interiors

This kitchen reminds me of an elegant version of the sewing room on Project Runway or something. I haven't seen a kitchen laid out like this before.

Modern Kitchen by Pedini Kitchens

Pedini Kitchens

Modern Kitchen Modern Kitchen

The cart is straight out of a professional kitchen.

Calcutta Tile, 11"x11"

Calcutta Tile, 11"x11"

$25

Mixed Quartz Mosaic Tile

Mixed Quartz Mosaic Tile

$14

Carrara Venato Carrera Marble Grand Fish Scale Fan Mosaic Tile Honed, 1 sheet

Carrara Venato Carrera Marble Grand Fish Scale Fan Mosaic Tile Honed, 1 sheet

$26

London Swivel Adjustable Bar Stool, Black

London Swivel Adjustable Bar Stool, Black

$138

Country Cottage Light Taupe 3x6 Glass Subway Tile, 3"x6" Tiles, Set of 8

Country Cottage Light Taupe 3x6 Glass Subway Tile, 3"x6" Tiles, Set of 8

$16

48" Solid 4 Piece Fire Ring

48" Solid 4 Piece Fire Ring

$196

Comments (13)

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PRO

KitchenLab Interiors

Thanks for including our work in your post! And that's a hilarious story about the robe! For the record, I totally agree about the 8 burners...even a professional chef would have a trouble manning 8 burners at a time, but the benefit of a 48" range is the 2 ovens...and of course, the fabulous commercial look :) That tiled in hood was inspired by a restaurant here in Chicago, that's sadly now shuttered, and that stainless table is a vintage piece from a commercial kitchen. I love that kitchen you compared to a sewing room on project runway!

Like June 30, 2010 at 12:38PM

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Coco Palenque

Flipped for the tiled hood. Emailed it to my architect, designer and contractor immediately. No, no one needs 8 burners but Wolf does the 48" so you can do 6 and a griddle, which is awsome for pancakes, eggs, etc. I don't do wall ovens so I always do the 48" to get my two ovens in. That, and a warming drawer, which I HAVE to put in every home now. Once you've had it, forget it. There is no turning back.

Like June 30, 2010 at 2:08PM

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clemdane

I'm also obsessed with lighting, especially pendant lights. I am a fanatic for Theo Eichholtz's marine pendants and other lights. I just bought my first one, probably the smallest and cheapest he has ever made and yet it was way over my budget. I could easily go bankrupt buying them all up. I'm no designer and I'm pretty unschooled on trends and designers but I know I love this guy.

1 Like April 5, 2011 at 11:59PM

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