Refresh Plain White Cabinets With A Brick Backsplash Makeover

Plain white kitchen cabinets can start to feel drab and uninspired over time. The crisp, clean look that was once so fresh can become monotonous. One of the best ways to inject personality and visual interest into an all-white kitchen is by adding a statement-making backsplash.

Opting for a brick backsplash is a fabulous way to revitalize the look of boring white cabinets. From warm traditional reds to modern grays, brick backsplashes make a serious style statement. The texture and multi-dimensional shapes of bricks add delightful contrast against the flat slab fronts of Shaker-style cabinetry.

Warm Up a White Kitchen with Classic Red Brick Backsplash

Nothing says "cozy kitchen" quite like red brick backsplash against bright white cabinets. The red brings warmth and vibrance to what might otherwise feel stark and cold. Aged and lightly distressed bricks can provide extra character, looking as if they have been a part of the home for ages.

Laying the bricks in a timeless running bond pattern keeps the look traditional and elegant. For a bit more visual drama, create borders or geometric accent designs using contrasting bricks in darker shades like maroon or chocolate brown.

Herringbone Patterns Add Dimension

Laying the bricks in a herringbone pattern instead of basic stacked rows adds lovely dimension and interest. The interlocking zigzag design catches the eye. To make even more of a statement, using differently colored bricks and switching up the orientations takes the herringbone to the next level.

Pairing red herringbone brick with bright white grout lines slathered in between amplifies the backsplash beautifully. The grout provides negative space that lets the brickwork pop off the wall.

Materials to Complement Classic Red Brick

Timeworn red brick calls for traditional white Shaker cabinets with simple slab fronts and minimal ornamentation. Unfussy stainless steel handles and fixtures keep the look classic and elegant.

Open shelving, thick butcher block countertops, and oversized farmhouse sinks also wonderfully complement the aged red brick backsplash vibes.

Go Sleek and Modern with Gray Brick Backsplash

While red brick backsplashes tend to skew traditional, gray brick lends itself beautifully to contemporary kitchens. The cool, neutral gray tone provides the perfect amount of contrast against crisp white cabinets without overpowering.

Steel gray, charcoal, brown-gray, and other sophisticated gray brick shades pair like a dream with modern white kitchens. The gray brick adds texture and dimension while allowing cabinetry, hardware, and other metallic finishes to really shine.

Unique Brick Shapes for Contemporary Style

To take the contemporary vibe even further, look for uniquely shaped gray bricks rather than basic rectangles. Oversized subway-style bricks, circular bricks, triangular bricks, and off-kilter handmade bricks all add modern flair.

Laying the uniquely shaped gray bricks in a stack bond pattern or offset mosaic pattern amps up the visual drama and allows their interesting forms to be displayed.

Materials to Complement Modern Gray Brick

Gray brick backsplashes help create a slick, polished-yet-earthy modern kitchen feel. Pair with glossy white slab cabinets outfitted with matte black hardware and stainless steel finishes.

Frosted glass cabinets, floating shelves, and recessed lighting further enhance the contemporary ambiance. Waterfall edges on countertops and islands provide a streamlined look.

Factors to Consider for Successful Brick Backsplashes

While brick backsplashes provide such richness, texture, and wow-factor, proper planning and execution are key to success. There are several considerations when incorporating brickwork into your kitchen design.

Grout Selection Makes a Difference

Choosing the right grout for your bricks is imperative both aesthetically and functionally. Sanded grout works best for wider grout lines, while unsanded is ideal for very narrow spaces. Selecting a contrasting grout color like bright white amplifies the backsplash.

Be sure to seal any unglazed brick prior to grouting for maximum stain resistance. Re-sealing the grout annually will maintain the backsplash's beauty.

Professional Installation Recommended

While DIY projects suit some home upgrades, installing brick backsplash is best left to the experts. The importance of a level surface and proper supporting structure cannot be overstated.

An experienced mason will know how to choose the right mortar and techniques to create a long-lasting backsplash that looks amazing.

Design Tips for Pairing Brick Backsplash with White Cabinets

Not all white kitchen cabinets are created equal. The specific style and finish of your cabinetry should inform your brick backsplash design.

Shaker Style Cabinets: Simpler is Better

Unfussy Shaker cabinets with flat slab fronts and minimal trim let an intricate herringbone brick pattern take center stage. More ornate cabinets would compete too much with the gorgeous brickwork.

Bold Brick Backsplash Balances Beaded Cabinets

For cabinets with more embellished details like recessed panels, beaded fronts, or textured finishes, bolder solid bricks lend nice contrast without overwhelming the kitchen.

Off-White vs. Bright White: Compare Undertones

The specific white tone of your cabinets should complement the brick color. Cool grays pair best with true bright white, while warm reds match lighter off-whites with beige undertones better.

Add Function with Open Shelving

Complementing a brick backsplash with open shelving creates a lovely visual effect. The staggered shelves display decor while still allowing the gorgeous brickwork to show through.

Open shelves also provide a spot to showcase glassware, cookbooks, or barware. Just be sure whatever you display ties in with the overall kitchen aesthetic.

Caring for a Brick Backsplash

While brick is inherently durable and long-lasting, some periodic maintenance helps keep it looking its best. Always use mild, pH-neutral cleaners and soft cloths when wiping down brickwork to avoid damaging the finish.

Re-sealing the grout once a year rejuvenates the color and prevents stains. Take care not to saturate the bricks themselves with water or harsh chemicals.

While most brick backsplash designs lean traditional, you can also use bricks in modern white kitchens. The key is incorporating contemporary finishes.

Sleek glass shelves, undercabinet lighting, and metallic pendants give brickwork an ultramodern feel. Stainless steel hardware and slate-gray grout also lend today’s style.

Using uniquely shaped or variegated gray bricks rather than flat red ones instantly modernizes the look as well. With thoughtful design choices, brick backsplash can feel fresh and current.

If your all-white kitchen has you feeling uninspired, let a new brick backsplash work its magic. The warmth, natural texture, and intricate shapes of brick against crisp cabinetry create an eye-catching focal point.

From cozy, traditional red to modern geometric gray, a brick backsplash brings life and personality into a tired white kitchen. With proper planning and installation, you can enjoy your statement-making new backsplash for years to come.