10 Important Things About Industrial Kitchen Design

By Author: Monica Quinn
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If you’ve ever watched a cooking competition show and thought, “I want my kitchen to look like that—minus the sweaty panic,” you’re probably flirting with the idea of an industrial kitchen. Or maybe you’re tired of your cozy farmhouse vibe and want something with a little more edge. Either way, industrial kitchen design isn’t just for restaurants or people who say things like “sous vide” unironically. It’s stylish, functional, and ready to turn your next burnt grilled cheese into an architectural statement.

Whether you’re planning a full renovation, upgrading your home setup, or creating a restaurant-worthy haven for your sourdough starter obsession, these 10 tips will guide you through everything you need to know about industrial kitchen design, without requiring a hard hat (though it would look cool).

1. Steel is the Star, But Don’t Sleep on Other Metals
If kitchens were rock bands, stainless steel would be the lead guitarist. It’s sleek, tough, low-maintenance, and it goes with everything. The moment you add stainless steel counters, appliances, and maybe a backsplash or two, ...
... your kitchen instantly goes from “mom’s lasagna zone” to “Michelin-star chef could walk in any second.”

But don’t stop there—brushed nickel, blackened brass, and even copper can warm things up while keeping that industrial vibe alive. In a custom industrial kitchen, blending metals gives your space personality without losing the grit.

2. Exposed Elements: Brick, Beams, and Bravado
You know that unfinished brick wall your contractor wanted to cover? Leave it. Industrial kitchen design thrives on showing what’s usually hidden. Think exposed beams, ductwork, raw concrete floors, and pipes that look like they belong in a Victorian factory (but cooler).

That said, if your house doesn’t already come with these, don’t despair. Faux brick panels and custom design tricks can help you fake the industrial charm without breaking out a sledgehammer.

3. Functionality is King, But Style Gets to Ride Shotgun
Industrial design is about more than aesthetics—it’s about utility. You need a layout and flow that would make Gordon Ramsay nod approvingly. Open shelving for easy grab-and-go. Deep sinks that could handle a Thanksgiving turkey. Island prep stations that double as command centers.

In a custom industrial kitchen, functionality is woven into the very bones of the space. Want a pot filler? Get it. Need double ovens? Do it. No shame in building a kitchen so efficient it practically cooks the food for you.

4. Lighting That Doesn’t Apologize
Industrial kitchens don’t do dainty. So forget frilly chandeliers and whimsical pendant lights shaped like fruit. We’re talking bold, matte black fixtures. Oversized metal pendants. Vintage filament bulbs dangling like industrial art.

The lighting in your custom industrial kitchen should shout “I’m here to work,” while still being moody enough for sipping a glass of wine and pretending you’re in a chic NYC loft.

5. Color Palette: Fifty Shades of Neutral and Maybe a Splash of Rebellion
Industrial doesn’t mean boring. It means layered neutrals done right. Charcoal grays, smoky blacks, weathered browns, and enough white to keep things crisp—but not sterile. The trick is balance.

If you want to shake things up, a pop of mustard yellow, industrial green, or fire-engine red can make your kitchen feel intentional, not institutional. Just don’t go full neon. This isn’t a nightclub—it’s a place to make eggs.

6. Open Shelving: Because Who Needs Cabinet Doors Anyway?
Nothing says “I have my life together” like open shelving filled with perfectly organized dishes, matching glassware, and maybe a vintage colander for flair. Bonus: It’s cheaper than cabinets and makes your space feel more open.

In a custom industrial kitchen, reclaimed wood or metal piping for shelving adds major cred. Just remember: if you’re going this route, your plate game better be strong. No chipped mugs from college allowed.

7. Flooring That Can Handle the Heat and Your Clumsy Moments
Your kitchen floor sees more action than your group chat. It needs to be tough, durable, and able to hide the occasional marinara mishap. Polished concrete is the industrial go-to. It's strong, sleek, and low-maintenance. Plus, it looks like you could slide across it in socks and pretend you’re Tom Cruise in Risky Business—bonus!

Other options? Dark wood or large-format tiles with industrial tones. In a custom industrial kitchen, the floor is your foundation—literally and design-wise.

8. Storage That Works Overtime
You can’t have “industrial” without organization. You want a place for everything—even your absurd collection of hot sauces. Think: custom drawer organizers, hanging pot racks, magnetic knife strips, and vertical storage for pans.

Pro tip: In a custom industrial kitchen, pegboards are not just for garages anymore. They’re the new cool-kid way to store utensils, mugs, and spice jars with flair and function.

9. Add a Little Imperfection on Purpose
The secret sauce of industrial design? It’s not perfection—it’s character. A slightly dented metal stool. A vintage light fixture with a story. An old baker’s rack that’s seen more croissants than you’ve had hot dinners.

Industrial kitchens embrace wear and history. Don’t be afraid to mix in a few items that have a past. It’s not a flaw—it’s flavor.

10. Customize It—Because You're Not a Cookie-Cutter Human
The beauty of a custom industrial kitchen is that it bends to your style. Want a rolling island made from a reclaimed workbench? Do it. Dreaming of a ceiling-high pot rack that looks like it belongs in a Victorian shipyard? Go for it.

Your space should reflect how you live, cook, and occasionally cry over burnt meatballs. You can go full industrial or blend it with modern, rustic, or even Scandinavian vibes. Just keep it real and keep it you.

Bonus: Don’t Forget the Apron and Maybe the Attitude
Once your industrial kitchen is complete, you may find yourself adopting a new persona. You’ll start using phrases like “mise en place.” You’ll gesture dramatically while stirring the sauce. You’ll insist your friends try your new cast-iron skillet bread even if they came over for movie night.

Embrace it. You’ve earned it. You’re living your best industrial life now.

Final Thoughts
Industrial kitchen design isn’t just about creating a space—it’s about building a vibe. It’s where function meets fashion, grit meets glam, and your cooking meets your personality. Whether you’re a meal-prep enthusiast, an aspiring food blogger, or someone who just wants to reheat leftovers in a place that looks like a set from Top Chef, an industrial kitchen can transform your everyday into an experience.

And when it's a custom industrial kitchen, you’re not just following trends—you’re designing your own. That’s the kind of energy that makes even doing the dishes feel a little more badass.

Now go grab a metal stool, pour yourself something delicious, and toast to your new kitchen kingdom. It’s going to look great—and maybe even inspire you to learn how to use that stand mixer.

Greetings, my name is Monica. I graduated from New York Medical College and work as a nurse in Queens Hospital at the moment. The thing I love the most is morning jogging, because it is a wonderful way to keep myself in tonus. I like to communicate with people who care about their health. I became a vegetarian five years ago. Now my daily menu consists mainly of vegetables, fruits and different cheeses. I am a member of water polo team and I love gardening. I like to see how huge flowers grow out of the tiny petal, it dazzles me because I love spending my time outdoors. My goal is to visit all the USA parks, and then all over the world)