KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021

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It's softer...

The last time the industrial look had a moment was in the noughties when exposed extractor pipes, stainless steel worktops and expandable taps were seen in glossy magazines and designer kitchens across the UK and beyond.

Kitchen designer, Kitchens International (KI) says the look is back but this time it is subtler and more nuanced; a nod to industrial kitchens rather than the pastiches in domestic settings we saw during the early years of the last decade.

The latest kitchen display in KI's showroom in Dundas Street, Edinburgh, is a perfect example of the look. The grey laminate flooring and tall grey door fronts have a definitely industrial feel to them but the look is softened by fine wood veneer cabinets, blocks of muted matt white and elegant shelving. The contents of the shelves, stylish vases and food containers give the look a softer, more domestic feel while still keeping everything looking very sharp.

The finishes are a key element in the 2019 version of the industrial look. The understated tones of the kitchens remain the same but where previously grey might mostly have been seen as stainless steel whether on fridge fronts or worktops, in the modern look it could be anything from concrete to an ultra-high-spec sprayed paint job on a cabinet or door. Ailsa Howorth, senior sales designer says: "Deeper tones and concrete or timber grain textures are very popular as they not only have that understated stylish look, but are also hard wearing and don't show up marks and fingerprints."

While monochrome tones are the most prevalent, browns, beiges and white also feature strongly. Colour can then be added with soft furnishings, such as items on display shelving and ceramics and glass on islands and tables or as painted walls. This will still maintain the industrial, minimalist look.

Industrial means as simple as possible and on trend is handleless cabinets that open at a touch of a hand. These provide clean lines and give a linear, understated look. Appliances can now be controlled remotely adding to the industrial feel, and with pocket doors and large larders to hide away paraphernalia there is no excuse for clutter.

Lighting is important in obtaining the industrial the look, and with stylish filament light bulbs and interesting wires, a clean, unfussy atmosphere can be created. Uplighters, downlighters and cabinet lights which can be programmed to be different colours depending on the mood of the occasion, allowing the look to change according to time and event, are ideal.

Paul O'Brien, KI brand director says: "Our designers are increasingly hearing from clients who want kitchens with simple style and really good functionality. This look fits that brief perfectly and we will be creating a lot of kitchens with this modern industrial look in 2019."

T: 0131 523
W: www.kitchensinternational.co.uk

20th July 2019