Kitchen Wall Finishing Options

There are a number of interchangeable design solutions used in renovation, depending on the chosen style and budget.

Paintable

A universal option for the kitchen. The painted surface is usually easy to clean and extremely easy to repair. The color range allows you to choose both neutral and accent shades.

Using paintable wallpaper allows you to create relief and hide defects as much as possible. Plastered and puttied walls made of brick, concrete or drywall are also suitable for this finishing method.

painted walls painting walls kitchen with painted wall

The photo shows a brightly painted wall in the dining area.

Decorative plaster

This is a finishing coating that allows you to achieve the desired visual effect and high quality of the surface layer. You can learn more about the types and methods of application, as well as see examples with photos, in the article.

Decorative plaster in the kitchen

Finishing with decorative stone

Facing the walls with this material as an accent solution will decorate any interior. You can also decorate an open doorway or arch. The practicality of the stone allows you to use it in the kitchen. Interior solutions with photos are given in the article.

Stone wall cladding

Brick wall

It is a popular solution in the kitchen interior and will fit into any style from loft to classic. As a rule, such a surface is covered with a special varnish or paint.

Brick wall in the kitchen Brick wall in the kitchen Brick wall in the kitchen

Wallpaper

A popular and budget option for wall decoration. The variety of colors, prints, textures, photo printing on wallpaper in the kitchen makes it possible to choose the necessary color scheme. And the list of characteristics, such as moisture resistance, resistance to cleaning, allow them to be used in the kitchen area. There are high-quality washable wallpapers that can withstand prolonged direct contact with water.

wallpaper in the kitchen

Wood finishing

Country houses made of timber have an atmosphere of coziness and closeness to nature. If desired, a similar feeling can be created in a city apartment. The naturalness and environmental friendliness of wood puts it an order of magnitude higher than other finishing materials. Therefore, it can be used in the kitchen with confidence.

Laminate

When creating an eco-design or an interior with loft elements, it is impossible to do without wood-like surfaces. Imitation of a wooden wall can be made from laminate. It is better to cover the area where the sink and stove are located with tempered glass.

laminate apron laminated wall decoration laminate apron

The photo shows a kitchen with a laminate apron.

Parquet

The most environmentally friendly and quite practical option for finishing walls in the kitchen, provided that water-repellent varnishes and wood impregnations are used.

parquet wall finishing

The photo shows the finishing of the wall and work area of the kitchen with parquet.

MDF wall panels

They allow you to create a single ensemble with kitchen furniture and the apron of the work area. Resistant to moisture and high temperatures. In addition, this is a fairly budget option that is not difficult to install.

volumetric mdf wall panels wood-like wall panels on an apron wall finishing with mdf panels

The photo shows kitchen wall finishing with mdf panels.

Plastic panels (PVC)

There are several simple and quick ways to decorate a wall with minimal investment. One of them is plastic panels made of PVC. This option has a wide variety of prints and can imitate any finishing material. Modern plastic is resistant to water and high temperatures, which means it is convenient to use in the kitchen.

Plastic panels in the kitchen Plastic panels in the kitchen apron made of plastic panels

The photo shows plastic panels in the working kitchen area.

Tile

Is one of the most popular ways of finishing in the kitchen. Most often, this material is used to finish the apron of the work area and the floor. But sometimes you can see tiles on the entire surface of the walls, which takes us back to the era of the last century and supports the retro design of the kitchen in a Stalin or Khrushchev building.

A current solution is the use of porcelain stoneware under stone or concrete, tiles with a geometric print, as well as the use of various laying methods. Matte or glossy ceramic surface will support the chosen design.

herringbone tiles on the apron tile with geometric print hog tile in the kitchen

The photo shows the finishing with hog tiles in a Stalin-era building.

Cork covering

An organic, environmentally friendly material with fireproof, heat- and sound-insulating properties and corrosion resistance. It is made from the bark of special tree species and is available in rolls, panels or wallpaper. It is suitable for finishing walls in the kitchen.

cork walls

Concrete wall

Created using decorative plaster. In its pure form, monolithic concrete is rarely used and requires additional treatment with special primers to create a durable and practical surface layer.

concrete wall

The photo shows concrete wall finishing in the kitchen interior.

Siding

A special profile that is made of PVC or MDF and is often used for finishing in the kitchen. This is a kind of lining that is connected with locks and attached to the wall with planks. Suitable for a classic interior with country or loft elements. This is a convenient, economical and resistant to unwanted effects material.

siding in the kitchen siding wall decoration

Graphite wall

There is a special slate paint that has the properties of a school board. You can draw and write on it with chalk, and also attach stickers with magnets. The use of such graphite-colored paint in the kitchen area has become a real trend. The fashion for a chalkboard wall came from the design of atmospheric street cafes and has firmly entered the home interior.

graphite kitchen wall kitchen chalkboard wall wall for drawing with chalk in the kitchen

The photo shows a graphite wall with inscriptions in a modern kitchen.

Whitewashing

Supporters of eco-design use a time-tested method of treating walls and ceilings in renovation work – lime whitewashing, which is resistant to temperature and humidity changes. This finishing method is quite budget-friendly.

Whitewashing can also be done using water-based paint: acrylic, silicone, silicate or mineral. The addition of polymers makes the material more practical and versatile. This paint is environmentally friendly and easy to work with.

whitewashing a wall with water-based paint whitewashing a wall with lime whitewashing in the kitchen interior

Glass

Glass wall blocks, transparent or matte, are usually used to zone a kitchen that is not exposed to direct sunlight. This technique from the last century has received a new interpretation in modern interiors. Thanks to this solution, it became possible to redevelop small apartments.

With the help of a glass partition in a wooden or aluminum frame, you can not only zone the room, but also create a sliding system.

glass block wall glass partition in the kitchen

What style is best for decorating walls?

Let’s look at several basic interior styles.

Modern

A free kitchen in a modern style involves accents made of wood, stone or their imitation against the background of walls to be painted.

modern wall decoration

Classic

Classic interior requires a lot of details, decor and accessories. Wallpaper, paint, wood, tiles, plaster are suitable for decoration. The most suitable prints are monograms, geometry. Moldings on the ceiling and walls will also work.

wall decoration in a classic interior walls in a classic interior

Country

Country style interior, or rustic style, is characterized by simplicity and naturalness. The use of aged wood, natural fabrics, vintage furniture and decor sets the tone for the decoration. Small tiles with antique print, rough plaster, whitewash, floral wallpaper – all this characterizes the country style.

country style wall decoration country style interior tiles

Provence

Provence style interior, or French chic, has much in common with country. Vintage furniture and textiles, natural materials in decoration are also used. The highlight of French Provence is the use of cool shades along with warm wood. A romantic touch is achieved with elegant decorative elements.

Provence style wall decoration

Loft

The philosophy of the loft style is to organize an open industrial-type space with brick or concrete walls, aged wood or metal finishing.

loft style walls in the kitchen

Minimalism

The minimalism style is distinguished by restraint in decoration, using laconic furniture without handles and a minimum of accessories and decor. For such an interior, painting in a single style, in monochrome shades is suitable.

white and gray walls in a minimalist interior

Wall design

There are original solutions for decorating an accent wall in the kitchen.

3D images

3D wallpaper or a glass apron skinali with photo printing and high color rendering can become a bright accent in the kitchen.

3D images on the wall 3D images on the wall 3D wallpaper in the kitchen 3D images on the wall

Round wall

A rounded room can be advantageously played up with custom-made furniture or original decor, such as wooden slats, flexible stone, decorative plaster.

rounded wall in the kitchen rounded wall decor

Combined

Designer renovation requires the use of original finishing options and their correct combination. Some of the walls in the room can be decorated for painting, others with wallpaper and tiles.

combination of finishing materials in the kitchen

Imitation of various surfaces

To save money, you can imitate the wall finish:

  • Stone.
  • Brick.
  • Wood.
  • Decorative plaster.

imitation of a wall under a tree imitation brick wall in the kitchen imitation stone in the kitchen

Kitchen wall decor

Decorating the kitchen is an important stage that completes the interior. You can read more about it here.

Kitchen wall decor

Unconventional solutions for the kitchen

There are several design techniques for efficient use of space.

Niche

Kitchen furniture placed in a niche saves space, does not clutter and allows you to properly zone the room.

cupboard for dishes in a niche stove in a niche in the kitchen niche in the kitchen

With a fireplace

A kitchen with a family hearth or its imitation will create an atmosphere of comfort and well-being in the house.

fireplace in the kitchen

Working kitchen wall

In modern kitchens, the surface above the work area is often left open and wall cabinets are not used. The hood or open shelves can serve as the decor only.

working wall with shelves kitchen without wall cabinets

Dining area

The wall near the table or bar counter can be decorated in different ways, from the simplest and neutral finish for painting or wallpaper, to the original one using decorative plaster, wooden or MDF panels, brickwork. The main thing is that the surface near the table is practical and easy to clean.

dining area with wood decor brick in the dining area decorative plaster in the kitchen

Decor near the sink

The apron is covered with any waterproof material, such as ceramic tiles. You can also protect the surface from splashes with tempered glass or an extension of the countertop material.

tiled apron brick and siding apron glass apron

The photo shows the work area, covered with a tempered glass apron.

Ideas for decorating walls in a kitchen-living room

The decoration in the kitchen, combined with the hall, can be made neutral, background, and accent walls can be highlighted for zoning. For example, make a bright apron, and limit the dining area with decorative trim. The wall where the TV is located can be decorated to look like wood or brickwork.

walls in the kitchen-living room walls in the kitchen-living room walls in the kitchen-living room

Designer tips for decorating walls

We present several fashionable trends in wall decoration:

  • Combination of different textures.
  • Use of accents.
  • Combination of different styles.