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, Simplicity & 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 uppers we opted for open shelving given that the kitchen had ample storage in the lower cabinets. Open shelving was done 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.

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. We used nickel finishes, for the faucet and cabinet hardware, because of nickel’s subtle warmth, which played beautifully against the cooler tones of the cabinetry and the industrial elements. The nickel added just the right amount of softness without creating too much contrast, 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.

 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 bespoke lighting and indigenous artwork, created a unique, harmonious space that reflected the clients' personalities while offering them a functional and beautiful home.