A brick kitchen apron is considered one of the classic design options for a work area. On the one hand, the material seems unsightly, even uncomfortable, on the other hand, it can create a special stylish atmosphere in the kitchen. The main thing is to take into account the basic rules of use, combination and care.
A brick kitchen apron can add variety to any room
Advantages and disadvantages of brick tiles
Despite the high popularity of a brick kitchen apron in white or another color, the decision is considered quite bold. In order not to regret the created interior, it is better to study in advance all the positive and negative aspects of such a project.
Tile panels with a brick design are not inferior in quality to tiles or wallpaper. Bricks on the wall look stylish and practical. The material is produced on a different basis, therefore it differs in properties and methods of care. Some varieties are very expensive.
Some products with a brick pattern have a low safety margin and last less than non-woven wallpaper.
A significant disadvantage of some types of coatings is the difficulty of maintenance.
What types of installation are there?
A traditional “subway” apron imitates a brick wall, so it is most often placed in a spaced pattern with different offsets or “seam to seam” (pictured on the right). In the latter case, the emphasis in the design of the apron is on the seams, so most often the grout is chosen in a contrasting color, and the seams themselves are made very neatly and evenly.
Materials imitating brickwork
To decorate a brick kitchen backsplash, various techniques and coatings are used. For rooms where the family cooks and dines, elements of this type are made of plastic, gypsum, natural and artificial stone, and other materials.
In addition, you can beautifully decorate the wall itself if it is built of brick. It is important to carefully remove the top layers of paint, plaster, and other materials. Check, if it does not crumble or crumble, then you can use it.
Decorative brick
Decorative type brick is not natural. Small individual blocks are made from a mixture of gypsum and cement. Some compositions are mixed with granite chips, fired clay elements - these options are more expensive.
Materials that imitate brickwork are easier to install
The parts look like thin, light plates that outwardly resemble the structure of a brick in texture and color. Use allows you to create an interesting contrast between the apron and stylish appliances and furniture. Advantages of decorative elements:
- artificial material is highly durable and resistant to mechanical stress;
- parts weigh less than natural stone;
- the material can withstand significant temperatures, which is especially important in the kitchen (hot oil, boiling water);
- analogues of natural stone are cheaper.
If decorative elements are made of antistatic material, they do not retain dust, grease, or other contaminants. The downside is the difference in characteristics - some do not tolerate moisture, others do not tolerate sun rays and ultraviolet radiation.
From MDF
MDF boards are considered inexpensive. At the same time, externally finished parts are difficult to distinguish from ordinary brick, which is their absolute advantage.
MDF panels do not tolerate prolonged exposure to high temperatures and high moisture, which negatively affects the appearance and functionality of the work area.
Other positive aspects include:
- the panels are easy to install, no special knowledge and skills are needed;
- there is no need to additionally prepare the surface for repair;
- if you need to change the kitchen apron panel, the MDF parts can be easily removed;
- under the apron of the working area you can lay communications and additional insulation.
However, there are also disadvantages. MDF absorbs moisture, odors, and catches fire easily. Under external influence, the slabs may begin to move away from the wall or, conversely, bend inward.
PVC panels
The surface between the work area and the cabinets in the kitchen is called the apron. Often this part is decorated in a special way, making it the central element of the entire room. PVC panels are one of the most popular options.
The building element is made of polyvinyl chloride. This is a lightweight, safe and environmentally friendly material. It is suitable for cladding not only aprons, but also walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. The average width of the panels is 15-20 cm, length – up to 3 m, thickness – up to 1 cm.
To improve the quality characteristics and the possibility of use in the kitchen, special stabilizers are introduced into the parts for the apron. Chemical compounds are safe for households, but thanks to them, the panels can withstand all cooking processes. In addition, PVC bricks can be installed independently - they are lightweight, can be cut, and do not require additional preparation of the walls.
Tile
Tile tiles are made in two versions - individual bricks and solid slabs with an imitation of masonry pattern. The surface can be smooth, rough or glossy.
Tiles are easy to care for, durable and heat resistant.
The colors are different - white, beige, black or any other. Advantages of tiled covering:
- withstands temperature changes and high humidity;
- easy to clean, including with special products;
- durable;
- the ability to choose different designs based on texture, shades, masonry patterns and other parameters.
The disadvantages of tiles include difficulty in installation - special knowledge and skills are required. Before starting work, it is necessary to remove all furniture, the work surface is prepared and treated with materials for leveling the wall and fixing it. During operation, it is necessary to monitor the seams. Changing the interior will require complete dismantling of the old tiles.
Gypsum tiles
Gypsum tiles are lightweight, environmentally friendly, natural. Chemical components do not harm health. In addition, gypsum is inexpensive. Other benefits:
- additional thermal insulation;
- maintaining microclimate and internal humidity in the room;
- gypsum does not ignite or support combustion, and does not emit hazardous substances during a fire;
- installation does not require special skills; the material is easy to drill, cut, and process.
An untreated section of a load-bearing wall can be used as an apron
. Plaster elements may crack or crack during operation. Sometimes difficulties arise when painting - due to the heterogeneous structure, dark spots and unpainted areas remain.
Wallpaper under glass
Wallpaper covered with glass is best suited for the kitchen. Glass surfaces treated in a special way are not “afraid” of high temperatures and easily tolerate humidity. Other benefits:
- low price;
- hygiene and environmental friendliness;
- glass is easy to clean, does not absorb odors, grease, or moisture;
- the reflective surface visually expands the space.
The material is expensive, especially if you purchase options with photo printing. Panels without special protection are fragile and cannot withstand mechanical stress. Glass should not be washed with cleaning products containing abrasive substances; this process will cause scratches and clouding.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is not the best option for decorating a kitchen work area. Regardless of the type and quality, the material easily absorbs odors and moisture, stains remain on the surface, and grease practically cannot be washed off. Washable products are quite expensive.
Other materials
Other materials are also used. For example, porcelain tiles. Such bricks have a high threshold of strength. An important point is that the products are painted not only on the outside, but also on the inside. Such elements imitate classic brickwork as much as possible.
Clinkers are a material that is superior to others in many respects. Such tiles have a long service life and are resistant to mechanical stress and wear. The parts are produced in a special way, which gives the bricks more naturalness. The surface is made embossed, rough or smooth.
Stone-like materials with a smooth texture are the easiest to care for. This type of masonry withstands high temperatures, high humidity, and chemicals.
A new product on the construction market is polymer cement. According to some characteristics, the material resembles clinkers. Such tiles have low porosity, they practically do not absorb moisture and odors, and can easily withstand constant exposure to temperatures in the kitchen. The bricks weigh little, which greatly facilitates the installation process. No special skills, tools or knowledge are required; polymer cement tiles can be laid independently without the help of craftsmen.
Color solutions
The family spends a lot of time in the kitchen; they gather here in the morning and evening. The choice of color determines the mood of the room, and therefore the state of the household. It has been proven that surrounding shades affect the psyche and even physical health.
Natural colors (sand, coffee)
An apron with a pattern of brickwork in natural shades - sand, coffee, baked milk - creates a cozy homely atmosphere.
Natural colors make the kitchen more cozy and comfortable
The technique of artificial aging of such tiles fits perfectly into the “retro” style. Tiles with a floral pattern will complement the Provence interior. The white bricks of the kitchen apron will fit perfectly into a room decorated in Total White.
Brown
Masonry or imitation of a brown brick pattern is chosen for a classic interior. Color creates a feeling of order, reliability, strength of the present and future. This design calms and gives confidence. Brown of varying intensity is combined with a set of various shades - white, red, black. The final option depends on the chosen furniture and style.
Red
A red apron with a brick pattern often becomes the central element of the kitchen space. Suitable for different styles - for example, country, hi-tech. Its combination with white furniture and marble elements looks stylish and bright. The commonality of the interior is given by wooden floors, indoor plants, decorative jars and other details.
A red apron looks bright and original, but is not suitable for every style
What style does a boar tile backsplash fit into?
Due to the variety of design solutions, buying boar tiles is appropriate for a kitchen of any style. It is worth noting that the use of “brick” decor in some romantic interiors will add a touch of loft to them. The most suitable styles for using such finishing material are modern, industrial, Scandinavian, classic.
White boar tiles are ideal for designs such as Provence and country, as they can add originality and effectiveness to a rustic interior.
Masonry options
The apron with bricks in the kitchen is laid in two ways - with and without seams. With the first method, it is necessary to maintain a gap of a certain size. After registration, the remaining space must be thoroughly wiped down. The whole process takes quite a long time.
The main difficulty is aftercare. A brick-look kitchen apron with seams absorbs grease and moisture, and dirt and dust quickly stick to it. Grouting is repeated periodically.
Installation of the second type is carried out much faster - solid slabs are installed without grouting. Often additional skills and tools are not required; subsequent care and changing the interior will not cause much trouble.
The herringbone installation option looks interesting, the apron becomes the central element of the interior
In addition, you can choose the arrangement of the bricks: herringbone, classic, vertical. The first and last are considered quite original, so they can diversify even a calm interior.
How to choose by headset
Designers advise starting to choose the color and material of the kitchen apron only after selecting the main furniture, namely the set.
It is important to select compatible elements - take into account shades, style, matching materials
There are several basic techniques for combining shades in any space:
- partial - the apron in the area of the hob is designed in the same style as the facade, the rest is done in neutral colors;
- the opposite means the use of contrasting elements and details (glossy and matte surfaces, black and white, gray and red);
- combination with the color of the furniture - in this option, the shade of the work area echoes the table, sofa, chairs and other key details;
- one color with flooring, walls or furniture.
In a two-color kitchen, the apron is usually made in one version, and the wall and floor cabinets in another. The basic rule is to choose a lighter shade for the work area.
Making the apron, countertop and flooring in one color looks seamless if the depth of the shades is combined with each other. An interesting element will be the uniformity of the workspace and the table.
An apron in a small kitchen is of great importance - a small space requires compliance with certain rules. You can visually “push apart” the walls using light shades and gloss. The Total White style is gaining popularity - a completely white space, including furniture, floors, ceilings and the rest. Bright contrasting accents – pillows, jars, indoor flowers – will help diversify the interior.
Beautiful examples in the kitchen interior
Before making a choice in favor of one option or another, you need to familiarize yourself with photos and videos of finished interiors. You can find any example on the Internet, compare it, and “try it on” in your own kitchen.
A kitchen in soothing beige tones becomes more cozy
Imitation of natural-colored brick is more suitable for a black set
The combination of different colors will help highlight individual interior details
The glass surface must be constantly washed and polished, using appropriate products
Panels with imitation brickwork will not require lengthy installation
Useful video
How to properly lay a brick apron in the kitchen, see the video below:
A white brick apron is a godsend both for professional designers and for those who prefer to do things with their own minds and “with their own eyes.” Such an interior detail will also help resolve a dispute in a large family, when each member sees the apron in his own way. White brick is a versatile and timeless way to add style, sophistication and luxury to a kitchen.
A white brick apron will always look advantageous and modern!
Rules for caring for a brick apron
Proper care of any surface will extend its service life and maintain its original appearance. The space between the bricks - regardless of the material - quickly fills with dust, debris, drops of water and grease.
Initial cleaning is carried out with a vacuum cleaner, which allows you to reach even small, hard-to-reach crevices, then remove the remains of large particles and dust. The resulting stains are wiped with a wet cloth; the use of special cleaning agents is allowed.
It is important to follow the instructions and not use overly aggressive chemicals. Some substances can disrupt the structure of materials, especially porous gypsum tiles.
A kitchen with a brick apron is one of the most popular options for decorating a kitchen work area. A variety of colors, textures, materials, prices allows you to choose the best option for a space of any style and size. Therefore, this design will be popular for many years to come.
Minuses
One of the shortcomings is the measured use of elements, otherwise you risk becoming the owner of a kitchenette that looks like an abandoned construction site. The non-uniform surface is easily accessible to dirt, so it will require regular maintenance.
Too many dark tones will result in gloom and a feeling of unkemptness. Only by approaching the matter responsibly, you will get a good-quality wall that will serve faithfully for a long time.
A brick colored kitchen requires good lighting with plenty of light fixtures due to poor light reflection.
