Industrial Kitchen Project:

This kitchen has been completely transformed from a tired traditional cottage-style room to a bold modern industrial space, which is more befitting of the house’s era.

The physical dividing wall between the kitchen and dining room has been removed and replaced with an RSJ to create a flowing open plan layout, where the breakfast bar and statement pendant lights subtly work to divide the zones.

Matte black cabinetry has been used to create a striking and sleek look as well as providing ample storage; the metallic copper handles and stunning copper mixer tap (paired with a beautiful black and functional double sink) add to the industrial scheme as well as creating a contemporary touch. This is complemented by the black and anthracite finishes on the appliances (including the washing machine and oven) which integrate seamlessly and conveniently into the design.

Meanwhile, the unsightly white fridge/freezer is integrated into a large matte black cabinet to maintain the attractive aesthetic of the scheme. The contrasting white subway tile backsplash with anthracite grouting is an alluring feature which adds texture while communicating a timeless and minimalist effect.

The concrete-effect laminate worktop provides further textural details and materiality, as well as being a budget-friendly yet practical solution for a busy household.

The lighting choices, including the long hanging pendants with oversized exposed bulbs and the central spotlight fixture, bring warmth to the space (with an amber tint) and contribute strongly to the industrial theme.

The space offers plenty of functionality as well as aesthetic interest, with the breakfast bar providing a casual dining area where the whole family can sit together on the modern black stools.

The soft grey vinyl flooring is a practical option for a household with pet dogs, and also helps balance the darker tones in the kitchen, offering a light and neutral base which ties all the details together.

The large windows have been purposefully left undressed to allow the maximum amount of natural light to flow into the room. Overall, this kitchen is now a modern and cohesive space which is both highly functional and achieves a strong industrial aesthetic.

The adjacent dining room has a bold mid-century modern flair paired with a warm and vibrant bright orange statement wall which immediately draws the eye and energises the space. The minimalist geometric artwork successfully echoes the room’s colour palette and provides added layers of detail and texture.

The dining set in the centre of the space reflects the mid-century theme in its clean lines; the contrasting black legs of the chairs and table tie in with the room’s dark and industrial accents, such as the black trim and skirting boards.

The fluted glass panelling on the wall is an original feature and is an eye-catching architectural detail, which further enhances the mid-century and industrial styles.

All in all, the dining room renovation balances bold colour with modern and minimalist design elements, which in turn creates a lively yet sophisticated environment for dining and entertaining.

The pièce de résistance is the upcycled authentic mid-century modern Nathan sideboard. It has been painted black throughout, save the large shelf at the top where the original stunning teak finish has been allowed to shine through. The door inlays have been gilded with copper leaf to create a piece thoroughly befitting of the industrial theme and the overall interior scheme selected for the renovation. The sideboard now functions as a vinyl player and speaker stand, which further enhances the retro feel of the space as well as providing a successful outlet for kitchen discos!

Finally this kitchen and dining room, located in a mid-century end-of-terrace house on the East Sussex coast, is featured as a case study on the B&Q website here, which includes a full 360° panoramic tour.

Design: Rhiannon Ladd | Rhidesign Interiors

Kitchen Supplier: B&Q | Pasilla Matt Black

Installation: Finishing Touch Eastbourne

Completed: August 2021