Vintage industrial kitchen: what is it? How to choose the right model for you?

The vintage industrial kitchen is a solution with great character, capable of combining the retro charm of period furniture with the robust and functional soul of industrial spaces.

The success of a furnishing project of this kind depends on the ability to balance these two styles, creating a harmonious and pleasant result. We discuss this in today’s post|

What are the distinctive elements of a vintage industrial kitchen?

Vintage kitchens  that are placed in an industrial context represent an evocative and very interesting furnishing solution, and are perfect if you want to obtain an original and highly personalised room.

The industrial style originated in the USA, with the conversion of factories and manufacturing spaces into residential environments. Large spaces designed as workplaces become unusual homes, characterised by the presence of raw materials, such as exposed bricks and pipes, large windows and irregular surfaces.

With targeted furniture choices, the aesthetic potential of industrial spaces is brought out to the full. In particular, depending on the desired result, one can act by integrating contemporary or vintage furniture, as in the case of vintage kitchens.

There are three key elements that distinguish a vintage industrial kitchen: the materials used, the type of furniture placed in the room and the use of made-to-measure customisation. The materials that dominate are wood, metal, concrete and bricks strictly left exposed. This combination of heterogeneous and contrasting elements gives the room an authentic, lived-in look that makes it striking.

The use of vintage furniture characterises this type of kitchen in a unique way. Specifically, the vintage look can be found both in the aesthetics of the furniture and in its layout. A kitchen to take inspiration from, for example, could consist of lacquered wooden wall units, sideboards and wall cabinets, wooden worktops, adjustable handcrafted stools and old workshop lamps. By balancing the use of vintage pieces salvaged from junk shops and flea markets with the use of modern furniture, a unique and 100% custom-made result can be achieved.

How to design a vintage industrial kitchen?

When designing a vintage industrial kitchen, the priority should be to strike the right balance between aesthetics and functionality, but also between the charm of the past and the demands of modern life.

Even if, as we have already mentioned, the industrial style involves the presence of rough materials and furniture with a lived-in flavour, one must never sacrifice practicality or even comfort.

In this sense, one aspect to which great attention must be paid is the integration of modern technologies within a vintage context. This requires not only the ability to make consistent stylistic choices, but also to be able to reimagine spaces in a new way. One can think, for example, of converting an old workbench into a modern functional island. Or you may decide to insert period furniture with state-of-the-art steel appliances. A nice contrast can also be achieved by inserting industrial hoods and induction hobs in kitchens with a strong vintage and industrial character.

There are two ways to best design a vintage industrial kitchen. One can consider inserting a kitchen with a vintage flavour within a larger industrial furnishing project. Alternatively, you can take the two approaches hand in hand.

In the first case, you start with an industrial base – with exposed bricks, pipes on the ceiling and concrete surfaces – which will be completed with vintage furniture, choosing the most practical and functional layout. In the second case, on the other hand, it will be necessary to find the right mix between retro and industrial, ensuring that a perfect balance is created between the past and modernity.

The importance of conviviality cannot be underestimated in a kitchen. The design should always aim to make the room cosy and warm, including through the use of solid wood tables, soft lighting and details that give the room a very inviting look.

What choices should be made when furnishing a vintage industrial kitchen?

When furnishing a vintage industrial kitchen, one of the first aspects to focus on is the arrangement of the furniture. In this sense, you can opt for a linear kitchen, which is perfect for narrow rooms and essential design, or for a corner solution, which is ideal for making the most of space in large rooms.

The choice of colour palette for furniture and furnishing accessories is also fundamental. From this point of view, you can opt for neutral tones, which are able to enhance the materials and not weigh down the industrial atmosphere, or you can focus on light and desaturated colours, which are excellent in combination with natural wood or dark metal elements.

The combination of wood and metal is a must in industrial style. For example, vintage solid wood furniture goes perfectly with iron or steel structures, creating a balanced contrast that makes the vintage industrial kitchen one of the most interesting solutions in terms of aesthetics and functionality.

Il Piccolo, second generation family-run carpentry shop, opens its showroom in Lugano. With over 50 years of experience, Il Piccolo brings with it a wealth of technical and design knowledge of the highest level, thanks to the many interiors designed and furnished all over the world. In addition, Il Piccolo represents the most prestigious brands of furniture worldwide. Il Piccolo designs, manufactures and sells the best of interior design made in Italy, following the customer from design to implementation, delivery and installation of the work, integrating the process with a precise and professional service. CONTACT US