This Kitchen Loft Felt Cold, Now It's Ready To Entertain (And Has Plenty Of Storage)

Industrial-style interiors often add heaps of character and visual interest to a property. From their exposed brick or concrete walls to their characteristic metal accents reminiscent of utilitarian spaces such as old factories, these rooms can be a wonderful way to combine a stripped-back aesthetic with modern living. However, properties which embrace the best hits of industrial decor can sometimes end up feeling cold, lifeless, or even a little impractical due to the hard, reflective materials such as metal and glass and a lack of soft furnishings or hidden storage.

If you are running into this problem in your own space — whether it's your office, game room, or entire loft apartment — don't worry, there is hope! Take u/nicklpickl on Reddit, for example. They posted about how they were keen to make their industrial-style kitchen loft in Florida more welcoming, warm, and practical. Before, the space was dominated by cinder block walls and harsh, cold-toned lighting. In addition, the pale cabinets and bare flooring gave the space an unfettered, listless feel that looked more like a showroom than a lived-in home. 

However, by using various design tricks, such as darkening the cabinets, adding in soft furnishings, incorporating natural materials, and even installing a new kitchen island, the area was transformed after into something warm and practical, perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing after a long day. And this was all done without compromising on the unique appeal of the room's industrial style. So, if you have a space like the loft featured in the Reddit post, let's check out the different tactics used there that you can utilize to make your home more inviting, guest-ready, and usable.

One of the reasons industrial spaces can feel cold and impersonal is their hard, glossy materials, like metal. To make your space feel cozier and more inviting for yourself and guests, follow the Reddit poster's lead and layer in soft furnishings such as rugs and plush hand towels to soften the hard edges. This also makes the space more practical because cushioned rugs in common standing areas are good for your back and joints. Incorporating natural materials — like this Redditor did with wooden cutting boards, a stone-style backsplash, and a cabinet stain that brings out the visible wood grain — is also a great way to infuse life into a space that can otherwise feel impersonal and sterile.

But these tricks aren't just visual, either. As shown in the original post, adding a statement piece such as a kitchen island with a marble or faux-marble countertop is a practical way to add storage and counter space while creating a grounding visual center for the room. If your kitchen tends to get overwhelmed by clutter, look for an island with plenty of built-in drawers and cubbies for a more organized kitchen that doesn't compromise on style. 

And don't forget about your nearby storage options, either! This Reddit poster chose to stain the door of the nearby closet the same color as the cabinets. This created a visual tie between the kitchen and the hallway, creating a better flow for guests entering the kitchen. It also helped to make it practical and realistic to use that closet as additional kitchen storage given its proximity and matching visuals.