How to enhance your industrial-luxe kitchen decor

The kitchen décor industry has been encouraging metallic tones for decades, but it’s only in the past few years that entire kitchens are being covered in the steely stuff. The rise of industrial luxe has seen metal finishes evolve; no longer are they mere design accents – they’re taking centre stage.

More related content:

• British designers, urban spaces and using recycled materials
• Gloss finishes, poured concrete flooring and mirror cabinets
• Undermount sinks and seamless worktops

We’ve compiled a list of our best metal design advice. Three simple ways to incorporate variety and interest into an industrial kitchen. Don’t be over zealous – it’s important to pick and place your metals carefully to avoid creating a clinical space.

Look carefully at which kind of metallic tones you’re planning on incorporating and pick a colour that compliments it. Why not go bold, like this orange splashback from Mowlem & Co? It adds a dollop of character and personalisation to a room.

Bronze and brassy tones work perfectly with warm reds, yellows and oranges (or you could go the other direction and opt for zesty greens like this kitchen from Holloways of Ludlow), but silvery aluminium spaces can also benefit from the warmth of a red and pink toned accent. Traditionally, silvers work well with cooler purple and blue shades but, if you’re looking to steer clear of an icy atmosphere, why not try going even bolder with a multi-coloured feature wall.

Contrasts in texture can add dimension to your space. That’s not to say that your metallic kitchen needs to be adorned with raffia rugs and light fixtures, but some textural variety will offset the slick surfaces and prevent them from wholly dominating the space.

Start with some matt touches in the form of small accessories like rugs, vases, fruit bowls or lamps. Or for a more significant contrast, perhaps try matt or chalk paint on a feature wall. This kitchen extension from Second Nature features a statement stonework wall. To mimic this on a smaller scale, perhaps play around with stone plant pots and green foliage to add texture and colour.

Enhance the silver, brass and gold tones on your surrounding walls by using neutral colours on your worktops and floor. This is certainly increasing in popularity and neutral tones like a stoney grey or this off-white tile colour from Chantel Elshout Design Consultancy will stand the test of time.