brick tile or paint on walls?

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I'm hoping for some input on whether brick or paint would be better for a couple of walls in my kitchen that don't have cabinets on them. The cabinets will go up to the ceiling and have the same gray paint as in Pic 1. Pic 2 is the floor tile that will be used. Pic 3 is the porcelain brick that I am considering wrapping around the walls without cabinets (mostly the dining nook area with windows - see Pic 4). The backsplash and countertop haven't been selected yet but will probably be white quartz and a white mottled or textured herringbone. Would the brick or paint (a shade of white?) look better? And should I paint the ceiling in anything more daring than a shade of white?

Pic 1

Pic 2

Pic 3

Pic 4

Featured Answer

PRO

Sina Sadeddin Architectural Design

6 years ago

Not every wall needs something. The eye needs to rest so that the other elements pop. Having some empty wall space with regular old paint will achieve just that so that your new cabinets and countertops are the star.

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Comments (8)

Jamie Ludwig
6 years ago
White for the ceiling, that will let your pretty grey cabinets shine. Love the floor tile, looks just like inlayed wood. I think you should do a pretty grey paint on the walls for now and finish the counters and backsplash THEN decide on doing the brick or not.

Just wondering on what style you want for your kitchen over all? French country or Farmhouse?
PRO
Imperial Flooring Inc.
6 years ago

Here is some ideas on ones we have done in brick looking tile
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Lea Dinell
Original Author
6 years ago
@Jamie Ludwig - I love the tile too, just sad the darker version isn't in stock at the moment! As for style... I'm winging it here. I'm essentially going for something cosy and inviting... vintagey in a modern kind of way... and that's somehow also elegant without trying too hard. Is there a word for that? :)
ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I would not use brick with your style of cabinets, which are beautiful, and don't think the gray will play well with the reddish tones of the brick. It will also look too busy, and may even look "dated" (sorry about that horrible word). I think simplicity is what will make this kitchen look special, and I would use one of the white wall paints to set off the gray. Rather than herringbone I would just use a simple tile pattern. Backsplashes are not meant to be the main focus, and herringbone wherever I've seen it looks too busy and complicated. Let the cabinets and counters be the stars, which is where the emphasis should be. I do wonder whether a more grayish-brown might not blend in better for the floor, but that choice is yours.
Lea Dinell
Original Author
6 years ago
How interesting that no one thinks I should use the brick! I had originally thought it would help tie together the browns and greys.

@Ingrid_vc - good point about the paint. Honestly, I may have been matching the computer rendition of that colour (mindful gray) which appears warmer on some images on my screen than it seems to be in real life. I might have to revisit this.

@Jamie Ludwig - your suggestion about painting first and then seeing if the brick is needed makes sense! And I'm beginning to think it isn't...

Thanks to all for your help!
Fsal
6 years ago
The brick, although beautiful, may get a bit busy in the large scheme of things. Love your floor tile! Can I ask where it’s from?
Lea Dinell
Original Author
6 years ago
@Fsal - Cheers. It's called Settecento Vintage Larice (19x19" porcelain tile, available in other shades too). I'm in Canada, and have seen it in a couple of stores around me... should be available in the US too.