Warming Up Your Kitchen, Brick by Brick
Once upon a time, rough, bare, exposed brick walls, concrete and Edison bulbs were all considered signs of an old, unappealing abandoned industrial building. Fast-forward to 2020 where Edison bulbs are completely streamlined (as evidenced in any new trendy restaurant or posh brewery in College Station) and exposed brick walls are considered both incredibly modern and nostalgic. Millennials have been embracing the look for years, selecting brick accent walls in bedrooms, the living room and most notably, the kitchen. Sound strange? Brick accent walls in the kitchen actually create a cozy, warm and inviting ambiance, without upstaging the additional design elements in the room. Before taking the plunge on brick, consider these pros and cons.
Why We Love It
First and foremost, if you are looking for a timeless accent in your home, exposed brick is the way to go. Instantly warming and visually appealing, it’s cozy, charming and pairs well with anything from extremely modern elements to Texas farmhouse chic décor. You get all the benefits of dimension in a room without installing wallpaper or painting. And just like any other wall, it’s easy to paint over or completely cover during a future renovation project.
When used in the kitchen specifically, brick has a tendency to become a showstopper, helping define the space and highlighting architectural features. It can be used as a beautiful accent or an eye-catching backsplash surrounded by tile. The brick wall in contemporary kitchen will serve you well for years to come, when done correctly.
The Downside
If you’re still on the fence, consider the long-term maintenance of brick. If it is unhealthy, it can lead to retention of moisture, causing the brick and mortar to crumble–which is not cheap to repair. It is also a challenge to hang artwork, shelving or a pot rack on top of the brick. This will most likely require the help of a professional.