Loft Apartment Notting Hill Industrial Kitchen, London

Try industrial piecesA no-nonsense, industrial look using wood, brick and metal works really well in this galley kitchen, making it feel characterful and welcoming. This one sacrifices more worktop space for a family table and has built-in appliances for a living space vibe. The big larder cupboard has been positioned at the end of the table to allow for the longest-possible run of work surface.Check out more ingenious layouts for a small kitchen

Import a New York loft styleThis London kitchen is a slim space livened up with a strong dose of industrial style. Wood, metal, grey paint and ceramic surfaces all mix easily, thanks to similar tones. Then there are the contrasts: bare bricks are mirrored by glossy metro tiles, waist-level units by a taller cabinet. A fitted kitchen in this space could look regimented and unimaginative, but this one looks freed up and innovative.

Expose brickworkWhether you prefer an industrial feel or a rustic country look, exposed brickwork will tie together your scheme. Consider exposing a brick wall in two or three rooms to create cohesion – perhaps the kitchen, living room and master bedroom. If your brickwork isn’t up to scratch, slip bricks from a builder’s merchants can be used to create a facade. Love bare bricks? Get more ideas

Do the industrial nudeOK, industrial isn’t strictly a neutral trend, but many of its components have become ‘invisible’ signposts of style; a way to look cool and modern without the need for loud colours or big, look-at-me designer pieces. This kitchen-diner showcases many of this trend’s key factors: vintage metal chairs, wooden worktops, an exposed brick wall, white metro tiles, a salvaged-wood bench and metal pendants. The overall effect is warm and extremely stylish, but also still neutral.

Celebrate the old-schoolGive the industrial look a twist with vintage school pieces. These original school chairs boost the characterful look of this kitchen, especially paired with a well-loved wooden kitchen table – though they’d add warmth to a modern design, too. They’re also stackable, so can be stored on top of each other in a corner of the room when not in use. Team them with industrial lighting as well as furniture and cupboards made from reclaimed vintage floorboards for a full-on, gritty interior that’s too cool for school.Explore more ideas for industrial interiors

Go modern retro with offset tilingThe offset tile pattern is a tried-and-tested favourite. Ceramic (or sometimes glass) rectangular – or metro – tiles are laid in a neat brickwork fashion, reminiscent of the London Underground, and bringing an urban-chic edge that works in both contemporary and period rooms.Metro tiles come in a huge range of colours, but you can’t go wrong with traditional white, as seen on the wall of this characterful London kitchen. (Love the paving stone-style floor tiles, too, laid in a contrasting large grid formation.)Browse more ways with classic metro tiles

Embrace reclaimed chicIf your style is industrial and vintage, a wall of exposed bricks will add that longed-for warehouse vibe. This rough and ready wall goes a treat with the utilitarian metal chairs and pendant lights. Remember, however, that raw brickwork may be more draughty, especially if it’s an exterior wall.Need more inspiration? Discover the beauty of exposed brickwork in this chic kitchen

“I love the look of [open-plan] – spacious and sociable. However, I like to shut away the clutter and don’t like talking over the noise of the kettle, washing machine etc, so I like my kitchen in a separate room (I’m sure this will come back into fashion soon).”embzopDiscover the most common kitchen design problems – and how to tackle them

Wooden kitchen surfaces, slightly difference wood tone

possible kitchen extension (reversed/mirrored)

All tile wall and butcher block counter

Factory meets domestic living in the home of today.

colour scheme, natural materials, working area along one wall. Table might be better near window.