Industrial Strength

The trends for pro-style kitchens shows staying power, thanks to clean design and high-functioning features.

You don't need to be a chef or own a restaurant to enjoy the benefits of a pro-style kitchen. The simple lines and classic materials that are have taken hold in the cool space because they look great and work hard. fans of smart design and authentic good looks will fins something for almost every type of kitchen, from urban loft to country retreat.

APPLIANCES
The workhorses of your kitchen, appliances set the industrial tone. The centerpiece is the range with brawny grates on its gas cooktop. if you you have the room, two ovens- one convection and one microwave- and a warming drawer increase cooking capacity. Whether you pair the range with a bold stainless-steel hood or a custom design to match the cabinets is up to you, but be sure it's sized correctly; a pro-style cooktop needs to vent with greater power to whisk away hear and vapors than a conventional model.

As for cooling, professional-grade refrigerators take more floor space than standard fridges, draw more power, plus glass doors are high-upkeep. A better option: a stainless steel side-by-side refrigerator/freezer. Again, if there's room, include a wine refrigerator.

Must have features for dishwashers include sparkling stainless-steel interiors and almost-silent operation. For a more industrial feel, opt for twin drawer-style dishwashers; one for dirty dishes and one for clean dishes that go directly on the table. If you don't like the heavy use of metal, employ cabinet panels for the fridge and dishwasher.

SURFACES
Industrially inspired kitchens should provide lots of counter space to accommodate multiple chefs. Choose surfaces that can handle spills and heat, as well as the occasional blow from the knife. Cambria quartz surfaces from the Waterstone Collection suit the industrial kitchen's demands and aesthetic, but are stronger and lower maintenance than other options like stainless steel wood. This nonporous material also keeps the surface hygienic, so it can handle all types of food remain clean and safe.

SINK AND FAUCETS
Make the sink in a pro-inspired kitchen a deep, wide basin, preferable stainless steel, to handle oversize pans. In fact, two sinks are better than one, to separate prep and cleanup. Put the second one in an island or at the bar/beverage station. Single or double basins are fine, or one large sink with a built-in drainboard.

A restaurant-style faucet with its high arhc, reach, and retractable sprayer is a boon for the prep or cleanup sink. A pot filler on the backsplash behind the range provides another convenient industrial amenity.

CABINETS
In addition to classic cupboards and drawers, follow the recipe of restaurant kitchens and install a few stainless-steel cabinets. If that's too much metal, add lots of open shelving and a pot rack, over the island, to display cookware and provide easy access to tools and dishes.

If you industrial attitude is low-key, combine painted and wood cabinets. Simple flat or recessed panels work well with industrial-style appliances that also have plain or flat fronts.

LIGHTING
All high-performance kitchens mix ambient, task, and accent lighting. Use eye-catching pendants to turn the work island into a design statement. This is another place to introduce metal that matches appliances or add one-of-a-kind vintage lighting (just check the wiring works).

FLOORING
Industrial kitchens typically feature a non-slip surface, like linoleum, that can handle continuous cleaning. Pro-style residential kitchens don't take quite the same beating, so flooring choice is up to you, as long as it coordinates the look. Wood is easy on the feet and tile is easy to clean.

DECORATIVE
Here's where you can get creative without a big commitment. Use furniture, like aluminum lab stools, to add an industrially authentic element. Too much? Turn everyday items like stainless cookware into displays on open shelves or a pot rack. Salvaged items, like an old factory bottle rack, add character. Lining up lots of identical items on open shelves, such as bowls, bottles or sturdy white dishware, also reinforces that efficient restaurant feel. Check out accessories at Restoration Hardware

Finally, keep the palette neutral and natural. Industrial is not a bright color story. Stick to stainless steel, black, gray, tan and white and wood in light or dark shades!