Budget-Friendly Tips to Transform Your Kitchen with Industrial Style
Industrial kitchen design has become increasingly popular in recent years. The bold, minimalist aesthetic characterized by exposed metals, concrete, brick, and other structural materials brings an edgy, urban vibe into home kitchens. While stunning, executing an authentic industrial kitchen requires commitment as the materials and building process tend to be on the pricier end. However, you don't have to completely renovate or break the bank to get the industrial look you love.
With some clever planning and budget-friendly alternatives, you can transform your kitchen to have all the sleek, modern appeal of industrial style without draining your wallet. Follow these tips to achieve the warehouse aesthetic you've been dreaming of at a fraction of the cost.
Plan Your Design Strategy
Before making any purchases, take measurements of your kitchen space and sketch out a layout. Determine which structural elements make the most sense for your home and lifestyle. Focus your funds on one or two statement-making focal points like an exposed brick wall or concrete countertops.
Make a prioritized wish list of all the industrial touches you'd love to incorporate, so you can implement them over time as your budget allows. Careful planning at the start helps avoid costly mistakes down the road.
Use Affordable Industrial Materials
Certain on-trend finishes can be adapted to fit your budget constraints. For example, instead of installing real brick, attach faux removable wallpaper printed to look like brick. Concrete overlay kits allow you to resurface existing countertops for far less than pouring new custom concrete ones.
Paint is an affordable way to get the look of pricier materials. Whitewashed wood panelling creates the rustic feel of reclaimed barn planks. Simple black spray paint lends metal fixtures and hardware an industrial edge. Don't be afraid to get creative!
Shelving and Storage
Open shelving showcases cookware and tableware beautifully while eliminating the need for expensive cabinetry. Industrial pipe and wood shelving can be easily DIYed. Wire storage racks and adjustable plate racks offer inexpensive organization.
Counters and Backsplashes
Concrete overlay resurfacing kits give existing countertops an authentic concrete look for a fraction of the cost. Faux brick, metal, and wood laminates provide backsplash options. Removable wallpaper backsplashes allow you to switch up the look as you please.
| Material | Budget-Friendly Options |
|---|---|
| Brick | Faux brick panelling, removable wallpaper, brick veneer |
| Concrete | Overlay resurfacing kits, paint techniques |
| Wood | Faux wood panelling, contact paper with woodgrain |
Source Items Secondhand
Scour thrift stores, garage sales, antique shops, and online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook for industrial style lighting fixtures, hardware, and furnishings. A little bit of hunting can uncover restaurant equipment, vintage advertising pieces, reclaimed wood, and other treasures to transform your space.
Salvage warehouses offer cheap and unique items like old factory carts, lockers, and machine parts. Repurposing materials in clever ways adds character. Visit flea markets and auctions with an eagle eye for budget-friendly industrial pieces.
Use Accessories to Bring In Industrial Elements
The right decor and accents add just enough edge. Display edison bulb lighting fixtures, copper pots, galvanized metal buckets, and wire baskets. Hanging pulley lights, orbital gears, and architectural salvage pieces double as art.
Industrial inspired wall art, prints of blueprints or patent designs, and handmade textiles can make big visual impact for minimal investment. Use touches of black, grey and wood tones to tie everything together.
Repurpose Items Around Your Home
Take another look at materials you already have and think creatively about how to transform them. Old crates and toolboxes act as charming open shelving. That unused metal file cabinet gets new life as a kitchen cart. Salvage barn doors or windows to use as an accent wall or island cover.
Embrace Multi-functional Furnishings
Opt for furniture that serves more than one purpose. An antique library cart lined with baskets provides storage and surfaces for meal prep. Top a metal workshop table with wheels to easily move around. The industrial aesthetic embraces functional minimalism in furnishings.
Incorporate Do-It-Yourself Projects
For the hands-on inclined, numerous industrial projects can be tackled as DIY endeavors. Fashion pot racks from metal conduit piping. Build frames for hanging wires to display cooking utensils. Designing your own fixtures allows customization on a dime.
With some grit and elbow grease, you can even pour concrete for countertops and backsplashes. Or get out the mortar to install an authentic exposed brick wall. YouTube tutorials make seemingly intimidating projects approachable.
Big box home stores like Ikea offer inexpensive options for industrial style cabinetry, furnishings, lighting, and decor. Check sales and negotiate costs at appliance and building supply retailers. Outfit your space with affordable accents from budget-friendly stores.
Take time to thoughtfully curate your industrial kitchen so it looks pulled together. With resourcefulness and a bit of ingenuity, you can create a signature industrial sanctuary to suit your style and budget.