Industrial Meets Scandinavian Chic in an Open Concept Kitchen & Dining Room: Case Study
Client Brief:
For this project, I worked with a young couple who had distinct tastes but shared a common vision for their home. One partner was drawn to the raw, rugged appeal of industrial design, while the other sought the simplicity and softness of Scandinavian interiors. The couple purchased an industrial hard-loft with exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and stainless-steel appliances, and they wanted to remodel their open-plan kitchen and dining area. My goal was to seamlessly integrate both styles into a cohesive, cozy, and functional space, while preserving key industrial elements like the brick walls and stainless-steel appliances.
Kitchen Design: A Fusion of Character & Artisanal Craftsmanship
Flooring
The first major change was the flooring. I selected a warm, mid-tone brown wood with a low sheen to replace the cold, poured concrete. This not only added warmth to the industrial space but also introduced a Scandinavian touch of natural materials, grounding the kitchen with a welcoming tone.
Cabinetry
For the lower cabinets, I chose a Shaker style in a bold Dutch Tile Blue. This injection of color brought life and character to the space without overpowering the industrial elements. For the upper storage, we opted for open shelving in white oak wood, adding an airy, natural feel that contrasted beautifully with the exposed brick wall. The metal steel framing provided a subtle nod to the industrial origins of the space, blending seamlessly with the natural wood to create balance.
Countertops & Backsplash
The countertops were a show-stopping feature, with marble in a warm white undertone, accented by yellow and charcoal grey veining. The soft, organic pattern of the marble offered just enough movement without becoming too busy, enhancing the minimalist Scandinavian feel. The backsplash was limited to the area above the cooking range to preserve the stunning brick wall, giving the kitchen a focal point while respecting the industrial integrity of the space.
Range Hood
A centerpiece of this kitchen, the **curved rustic shiplap range hood**, crafted from weathered spruce planks, brings a natural, handcrafted touch. This pre-finished statement piece, with its horizontal planks, accentuates the horizontal lines of the open-concept kitchen, creating harmony against the exposed brick wall. Its tapered silhouette, finished with a slight lip, creates a defined edge that both complements and stands out within the industrial backdrop. This range hood not only functions as a practical element but also as a striking focal point, drawing the eye upward and adding to the overall warmth and artisanal quality of the kitchen.
Lighting
Lighting was an opportunity to introduce artistry and craftsmanship. I selected bespoke, handmade ceramic pendants in black clay, with an organic, cracked texture. Each pendant was unique, adding a personal, artisanal touch to the space. The antique bronze chain contrasted softly against the modern stainless-steel appliances and cabinetry, bringing warmth and an old-world charm to the industrial setting.
Faucet & Sink
We used a stainless steel undermount sink for a seamless integration into the countertop, allowing for an uninterrupted flow across surfaces. Nickel finishes for the faucet and cabinet hardware introduced subtle warmth, balancing the cooler tones of the cabinetry and industrial elements while letting the exposed brick wall and marble countertops remain the standout features of the space.
Décor
To add personality and texture, I incorporated handmade ceramic dishes and artwork, and a table lamp as functional yet sculptural décor. Indigenous Australian art with a warm, earthy palette brought an inviting and grounded feeling to the space, tying the natural elements together.
Dining Area: Cozy Elegance Meets Industrial Edge
Wall Color
For walls that are not exposed brick, we selected Oyster White by Sherwin Williams: an off-white with a green undertone to connect with the airy feel of this open-concept space.
Rug
To create a distinct visual separation between the kitchen and dining areas, I selected a hand-tufted rug with a geometric pattern. The palette of olive, citron, and cream created a luxurious, dark & moody contrast against the bright, airy feel of the kitchen.
Seating
The chairs were upholstered in olive green fabric and featured kiln-dried wood with a medium-tone finish. This was a deliberate choice to add comfort and softness to the dining area, contrasting with the harder, more rugged finishes of the kitchen. The fabric upholstery introduced a tactile element, softening the space and ensuring it felt cozy and inviting.
Dining Table
The table I chose had a mid-century modern silhouette with subtle curves and an artisanal finish. With its white inset glass top and linden wood base in canaletto finish, it created a perfect balance between the clean, Scandinavian aesthetic and the industrial chic of this loft. This piece acted as a bridge between the two styles, blending craftsmanship with contemporary design.
Artwork & Lighting
For the walls, I selected a custom diptych in shades of shale blue, navy, olive green, and beige inspired by Henri Matisse. These colors connected the dining room to the kitchen while adding an element of artistic flair. To highlight the artwork, I recommended geometric cage sconces with an open, industrial silhouette that framed the pieces beautifully, enhancing both the modern and industrial vibes.
Floral Arrangement
To soften the overall look, I included an Ikebana floral arrangement made from Queen Anne’s Lace, displayed in a sleek metallic cylindrical vase. The structural yet delicate flowers brought a touch of nature and added an organic, sculptural quality to the space, creating this marriage between the industrial and Scandinavian elements.
Conclusion: Thoughtful Integration of Styles
This project was a true testament to the power of thoughtful design. By carefully selecting materials, finishes, and décor that honored both industrial ruggedness and Scandinavian simplicity, I was able to create a cohesive space that felt balanced, functional, and stylish. The marriage of these two design philosophies, along with personalized touches like the curved rustic shiplap range hood against the exposed brick wall, bespoke lighting, and indigenous artwork, created a unique, harmonious space that reflected the clients' personalities while offering them a functional and beautiful home.