Introduction
An open layout kitchen design can make a home feel more spacious and inviting. It allows the chef to easily interact with family and friends while cooking meals and entertaining. The right mix of finishes like rustic backsplashes can add warmth and character too. In this kitchen of the week, we’ll explore an inspiring open concept kitchen with a stunning antique brick tile backsplash.
Benefits of an Open Layout Kitchen
An open floor plan kitchen has many advantages that make it a popular choice:
- Creates a greater sense of space. Removing walls between the kitchen and adjacent rooms gives the illusion of more square footage.
- Encourages interaction. An open kitchen layout allows the cook to engage with others in the living room or dining room.
- Brings in more natural light. Eliminating partitions between rooms means more windows and skylights brighten up the entire common area.
- Fosters a casual ambiance. An open kitchen evokes a laidback, inviting vibe perfect for casual gatherings of family and friends.
- Improves traffic flow. With fewer interior walls, moving between the kitchen, dining, and living rooms is easy and seamless.
Rustic Tile Backsplash Accents
The backsplash is an often overlooked area that can greatly impact the look and feel of a kitchen. Rustic backsplash tiles lend a comfortable, farmhouse aesthetic.
Popular rustic kitchen backsplash tile options include:
- Antique brick for an authentic reclaimed appearance
- Weathered natural stone like slate in earthy gray tones
- Handmade subway tiles with an artisanal mottled look
- Salvaged wood in mixes of pine, oak, cedar for vertical boards
- Distressed metals like tin in vintage patinas
Rustic backsplashes complement many design styles thanks to their versatility. From modern to traditional spaces, a reclaimed tile backsplash brings natural texture and warmth.
This Week’s Open Concept Kitchen
Overview
This week’s featured open and airy kitchen combines the best of both worlds. Clean lines and a bright, unfussy interior is made cozy with the addition of a reclaimed brick backsplash. Cool grays and whites are warmed by the multi-toned bricks with distressing and archaic mortar.
Vaulted ceilings drenched in sunlight enhance the spacious impression. The main kitchen and dining area flows seamlessly into a bright breakfast nook and living room addition.
Despite its open layout, the kitchen still provides key functional work zones. A large kitchen island acts as a casual dining space. It also helps delineate the cooking area. Across the room, built-in cabinetry along with the backsplash tile establish a decorative focal point.
Brick Backsplash Details
The showstopping element in this expansive kitchen is undoubtedly the chunky brick backsplash tile. Mottled whites, tans, browns, and grays make up the recycled antique bricks. Each one is unique with natural cracks, chips, and aged grout.
The backsplash stretches across a wide section of wall space behind the stove and around to the periphery of the kitchen. It adds earthy texture to balance the sleek cabinets and stainless steel appliances.
While brick backsplashes can evoke Tuscan-style rusticity, this execution feels modern. The neutral brick patterns align in a stacked layout. Clean grout lines and minimal decorative accents keep the look understated.
Beyond visual appeal, a brick tile backsplash also offers practical benefits. The sturdy bricks are highly resistant to heat, moisture and stains. This makes them ideal for protecting the wall space around cooking areas. The tactile brick surface also helps absorbing sound and echoes.
Design Takeaways
There are many lessons that can be learned from this beautifully designed and executed kitchen renovation:
- Open floor plans work best in homes with high ceilings and ample natural light. Keep the space visually defined through strategic layout.
- Backsplashes make a wonderful focal point. Experiment with different textures and patterns like brick tile.
- Create separate functional zones like food prep and casual dining even in a contiguous open concept.
- Accentuate clean lines with contrasting materials – sleek cabinetry balances rugged brickwork.
- Prioritize task lighting. Put light sources where needed most like over the kitchen sink.
- Cohesive color schemes lend harmony. Stick to a neutral palette with occasional pops of color.
FAQs About Open Concept Kitchens
What are the cons of an open floor plan kitchen?
Potential downsides of open concept kitchens include:
- Noise travels easily without barriers, an issue for homes with multiple family members.
- Cooking smells and messes permeate freely into living areas.
- More challenging to keep living spaces temperature controlled.
- Reduced privacy; open sightlines mean you see everything.
- Requires thorough and cohesive interior design planning.
How do you add rustic accents to a modern kitchen?
Some ways to add rustic accents like antique brick backsplashes to modern kitchens:
- Use brick, stone or wood backsplash materials. Avoid polished, uniform tiles.
- Include open shelving with natural wood planks to contrast sleek cabinetry.
- Use matte black metal finishes on fixtures or hardware for an industrial touch.
- Add a farmhouse sink or vintage-inspired lighting fixtures.
- Display handmade ceramics and pottery for an artisanal look.
Should you go for an all-white kitchen or add color?
While popular, all-white kitchens have pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Light, bright, and airy ambiance
- Classic, simple, and easy to coordinate look
- Distinctively crisp and clean aesthetic
Cons:
- Can feel sterile without warmth or character
- Shows dirt, stains, wear and tear readily
- Needs consistent maintenance to stay pristine
For most, balancing crisp whites with accent colors like gray, black, wood tones creates a welcoming yet modern kitchen. Add personality through textiles, wall art or accessories.
What defines a rustic chic style kitchen?
Elements that create rustic chic kitchen style include:
- Natural materials like wood, stone, metal in organic textures but modern designs
- Neutral, earthy color scheme punctuated by bolder color accents
- Mix of sleek surfaces and rough, reclaimed finishes
- Use of modern rustic light fixtures and hardware
- Farmhouse inspired touches like apron-front sinks
- Vintage-style accessories such aspendant lighting over islands
The overall look balances modern conveniences with cozy, worn-in charm.
Should backsplash tile match kitchen countertops?
It’s a personal choice whether to match backsplash tile with countertops or not. Here are a few guidelines:
- Matching materials creates a seamless, monochromatic look.
- Contrasting finishes can better delineate zones for visual interest.
- For stone countertops, continue backsplash patterns up the wall.
- With solid surface counters, use backsplash tile as a focal feature.
- Natural stone pairs well with brick, wood or ceramic tile backsplashes.
Conclusion
Open concept kitchens promise many benefits, especially when thoughtfully designed. This week’s featured kitchen demonstrates how to achieve an airy, unified space with smart layouts. Charming rustic accents like the antique brick backsplash infuse warmth and character.
With an indoor-outdoor connection, abundant natural light and flexible functional zones, this kitchen is truly an entertainer’s dream. The brick backsplash tile establishes a textural focal point that wouldn’t be possible in a closed off kitchen. It sets the tone for an inviting, lived-in space, full of historic character.
