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44 Creative Kitchen Wall Decor Ideas to Try

By

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.

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Updated on 09/09/22

Becca Brendler for MStarr Design

When it comes to picking artwork for the home, most people focus on their main gathering spaces first. But once the living room, family room, and even the hallway are filled with beautiful pieces galore, you're not off the hook quite yet. After all, don't forget that artwork can truly shine in any room of the house! And this means that it's critical that you don't forget to display it in the kitchen, too.

While the kitchen is a largely functional space. it's also a highly trafficked one and is a place where friends and family frequently gather, meaning that it deserves a little bit of love. If you're going to spend mornings and evenings prepping dishes for the family and loading and unloading the dishwasher, you deserve to do so in a space that's aesthetically pleasing to you. Due to tiled backsplashes and large appliances, you may not necessarily have a ton of usable wall space available for framed pieces, but that's ok. A little art goes a long way, after all.

Note that artwork that hangs in the kitchen doesn't have to be food or drink related by any means. Sure, you can feel free to go that route if you're so inclined, but generally, the art pieces that you may be eyeing for other spots in the house will likely look just as great in your cooking space. Love vibrant colors? Great! Have a penchant for portraits? Bring it on. Below, we've rounded up 44 kitchens featuring fun art choices that will help you get inspired as you tackle your own space.

20 Easy Kitchen Wall Decor Ideas From Designer Rooms

Wall decor isn't necessarily the first thing that comes to mind when designing a kitchen, but just because it isn't as functional as, say, the oven or sink doesn't mean that it's not a crucial element to a happy gathering and cooking space. Though storage and natural light take precedence on the walls, there are lots of ways to get thrifty with kitchen wall decor. That's why we rounded up our favorite examples. Once you see the 20 designer kitchens with stylish and creative artwork ideas ahead, you'll want to prioritize decorating the walls, stat.

1

Veggie Still Life Collection

DeVol Kitchens

With a natural stone backsplash and then separating shelf, the artwork, sconces, and figurines are safely displayed above the splash zone in this deVOL kitchen. A pop of verdant green paint contrasts with the deep marine blue-green cabinets peeking out in the bottom right corner. When you're not sure what kind of art you want in the kitchen, you can always count on a produce theme.

2

Chalk Board

Alec Hemer

In this kitchen designed by Kim Dempster and Erin Martin, one cabinet is covered in chalk paint for notes and reminders, but also serves as a canvas for creative expression!

3

Hanging Pots (And Pigs!)

Annie Schlechter

Forced to keep your pots and pans out in the open due to limited storage space? All the more reason to invest in good cookware that also happens to be pretty. In this kitchen by Sheila Bridges, the hanging cookware is further beautified by contrasting artwork and a shimmering blue wallpaper (those cast irons pigs are cute, too!).

4

Statement Ceramics and Glassware

Arent & Pyke

In this kitchen designed by Arent & Pyke, decorative objects and thoughtfully curated barware on the exposed shelves brings depth and intrigue to the wall. If you like a collected, eclectic feel, zellige tiles and a hodgepodge mix of artwork and objects are a good route to take.

5

High Hung Art

AMY NEUNSINGER

Sure, the kitchen might be small, but where there's a wall there's a way. In fact, even a few extra inches of wall space will do if you have a ladder. The bright wall art in this kitchen by Commune Design is proof.

6

A Mirror

JESSICA SAMPLE

Designer Dee Murphy added a custom brass shelf between the Hellman range and the hood to perch knick-knacks and a mirror that makes the room look bigger. She mentioned that it's not nearly as high-maintenance to keep clean as you'd think, either.

7

Asymmetrical Floating Shelf Display

Arent & Pyke

Ultra sleek cement flooring, stainless steel counters and backsplash, and a gray stone island get a dose of warmth from the red stools and wood surfaces, but the wall decor really brings that final polish in this kitchen by Arent & Pyke. Since it only sits on a small section of the wall, the floating shelf stays aligned with the minimalist look. Plus, the asymmetry is undeniably cool. Plus, plus: The painting almost looks like a still life of the actual room.

8

A Cubby Display

Heidi Caillier Design

If your kitchen wall is lined with windows, consider adding a pretty treatment that doesn't totally block the light, like cafe curtains. This will bring in more personal style even if you have limited empty wall space to hang items. And, if you keep your shelving exposed, you can display a small piece of artwork behind plating, as Heidi Caillier did here. This keeps it safe from splashes, too.

9

Mirrored Tiles

LAURE JOLIET

Disco dance for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Yes, please. This kitchen designed by ETC.etera for L.A.'s Firehouse Hotel features a mirrored tile backsplash that contrasts nicely with the casual wicker stools. A metallic sconce and contemporary artwork elevate it even further.

10

Art In Lieu of Uppers

JARED KUZIA

Designer Karen Swanson limited the number of cabinet uppers she installed in this English countryside-inspired kitchen, explaining that, "so many people want to blanket the wall in cabinets, but that can make a kitchen feel heavy and claustrophobic. " Instead, she chose slim glass-fronted storage columns lined in matte oak to highlight dishware, which also ended up freeing up wall space for sizeable artwork and more dispersal of natural light. A colorful tile backsplash also doubles as wall decor.

11

Shrunken Art

Read McKendree

A tiny framed nautical painting above the cabinets is a sweet little surprise. Since the uppers cover almost the entire wall in this coastal kitchen designed by Kevin Isbell, the glass enclosures get a little fun with the patterned fabric lining.

12

Oversized Modern

Romanek Design Studio

One large-scale statement piece will do the trick, as exemplified in this contemporary California kitchen by Romanek Design Studio. The inky backdrop is a nod to the modern steel-framed windows while the greens speak to the lush view beyond. If you're working with a similarly light and airy space, consider a similar choice in artwork.

13

Location-Specific Pieces

Julian Wass

Designer Gary McBournie used Benjamin Moore's Covington Blue to evoke the 1930s and '40s, "something out of an old Bette Davis film," he says. And since this kitchen is by the water, he chose nautical artwork that speaks to the environment.

14

Smartly Scaled Artwork

deVol Kitchens

Reclaimed wood shelving adds contrast—and necessary storage in this deVOL kitchen. The prettiest items are displayed on the exposed wall-to-wall shelves and cubbies so the less attractive essentials can be tucked away in the cabinets and the rest of the wall is elongated by a landscape painting that makes the room feel wider.

15

Painted Brick and Tiny Frames

Heidi Caillier Design

Heidi Caillier painted the cabinets an icy blue hue and the brick walls white for a brighter aesthetic and then secured a small piece of artwork to bring some moody depth. The brass hardware and fixtures speak to the gilt frame.

16

Leaning Frames and Accessories

paul raeside

A glossy finish on these cabinets bounces light back into the room and a small elevated shelf between the cabinets and wall-to-wall windows allows for decorative freedom. Andrew Flesher leaned an antique still life and then added a candelabra and plant for an extra punch.

17

A Clock

Thayer Photographs Inc

Scott Meacham Wood utilized all available wall space in this tiny kitchen. A trio of three-dimensional objects frame the archway and a clock brings old-world charm.

18

Artful Backsplash

deVol Kitchens

When you don't want to overdo it with wall decor, call on tiles to double as artwork. In this deVOL kitchen, the unique abstract backsplash functions as decor and is easy to clean. Take it a step further with a statement paint color.

19

Plate Wall

Anna Spiro Design

Create a gallery wall of plates, Anna Spiro did here. Not only does it allow you to display your collection of family heirlooms or unused but pretty dinnerware, but they're also easy to wipe down while most other artwork doesn't give you that option. (See how to hang a plate wall here).

20

Statement Lights

Tamsin Johnson Interiors

A wall sculpture on the adjoining hallway wall as well as two small pieces in the actual kitchen do the trick here. When you're worried about damaging art or simply don't have the wall space, lean on sculptural lighting for a fun kitchen accent. Tamsin Johnson opted for a pretty wall sconce right above that back right corner art.

Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.

finishes, 90+ photo examples

To make the kitchen attractive, cozy and lively, wall decor is indispensable. Using different design methods, you can also zone the room, emphasize its most advantageous sides and mask existing shortcomings.

To decorate the walls in the kitchen correctly and create a favorable atmosphere in it, it is worth using some designer's advice.

Contents

Which wall finish to choose for your kitchen

Wallpaper for wall decoration — don't be afraid to use this material, because special washable wallpapers are made especially for the kitchen, which are not afraid of steam and splashes of water, and which, if necessary, can be washed.

When choosing wallpapers for the kitchen, you should pay attention to their packaging, which contains all the characteristics of this product.

Durable vinyl wallpapers are ideal for kitchen walls, but traditional paper wallpapers with a special water-repellent impregnation can also be used.

The choice of wallpaper for the kitchen is currently huge - there are products with geometric prints, floral patterns, exotic ornaments, as well as images of fruits, vegetables, dishes and so on.

Finding the right ones for your kitchen is easy. With the help of wallpaper, you can create a fashionable and up-to-date kitchen interior, without even resorting to the help of specialists - you can stick them on the wall yourself, after reading the instructions first.

However, this method of decoration also has disadvantages: any, even the most original ornament, can get bored very quickly. In addition, under the influence of hot steam, the wallpaper can peel off the wall over time.

Photomurals for wall decoration - this type of decor has not lost its popularity for many years. With the help of photo wallpapers of a certain style, you can make your kitchen original and unique, give it a twist and create the right atmosphere.

It is very important that this type of finish harmonizes with all other elements of the interior and suits the selected kitchen design. For example, in a high-tech or loft-style kitchen, photo wallpapers with images of megacities, large bridges and other industrial structures will look very appropriate.

For a room whose interior is decorated in shabby chic or Provence styles, you should choose romantic wallpapers with images of flowers, butterflies, weaving grapes, and so on.

This type of decoration of the kitchen space looks very stylish, in addition, it can be used to reliably mask a flaw on the wall. However, such a wall must remain completely free so that nothing interferes with admiring the image on it, and this is not always appropriate.

If the kitchen is small, then leaving the entire wall free in it is simply an unaffordable luxury. In addition, photo wallpapers get bored very quickly, and you want to change them to something new.

Plastic panels - this type of decorative finish is used quite often in the design of kitchen walls. Plastic panels have many advantages, and one of the main ones is their durability and reliability, as well as the possibility of combining with other panels (for example, polymer and glass).

In addition, this type of wall decoration is quite inexpensive. At the same time, plastic panels are an attractive and modern design solution that can decorate the kitchen. When choosing plastic panels for kitchen decoration, it should be understood that they are not suitable for every interior.

In a classic design, they will look out of place, but they will fit perfectly into such styles as hi-tech, minimalism, loft. It is very easy to take care of plastic panels, they can serve for a very long time without losing their quality and external characteristics.

Wall decoration with ceramic tiles - this type of kitchen decoration is one of the most traditional. Most often it is chosen when a gas boiler is installed in the kitchen. This material looks attractive, besides it is very easy to care for it.

The tile easily withstands temperature changes, it is not afraid of moisture, dirt or steam, this material is fireproof and durable. And yet, designers do not advise using ceramic tiles for finishing all walls - it is enough to use this material when arranging a kitchen backsplash.

It is the work area that requires maximum protection in a room such as an apron, and tiles will perfectly cope with this task.

Use of decorative stone — this material looks very noble and expensive, it can decorate any kitchen, make it more stylish and respectable. However, decorative stone is not cheap, so not all homeowners can afford to use it in decorating kitchen walls.

The indisputable advantages of this material are its durability, attractive appearance, resistance to numerous adverse external influences (elevated temperatures, dirt, grease splashes, etc.).

The only drawback is the high cost. To decorate walls with such material, you should contact professional craftsmen, since stone installation requires special skills.

Decorative wall plaster is a great way to create a unique and unique kitchen design. To perform such work, a special type of plaster is used, which is applied to the main layer. The type of patterns obtained will depend on the choice of tools and methods of applying the solution.

Decorating kitchen walls with plaster is a rather complicated process that requires care and accuracy. The advantage of using this method is that there is no need to level the walls before performing it - on the contrary, the presence of some irregularities is only welcome.

Decorative plaster perfectly masks small wall defects; it can even be used to make an original drawing that will become a real decoration of the interior. One of the advantages of plaster is that it is quite difficult to scratch or spoil it, since a coating is formed on the surface of the wall, which is highly durable.

Two types of this material can be used in wall decoration: acrylic composition and dry mix. The first of them is much more expensive, but dries pretty quickly - only 1 week.

Wall decoration with bricks - very often the choice falls on this decorative material when there is a desire to decorate the kitchen in an original and stylish way. With the help of brick walls in the room, you can create a special atmosphere, give it charm.

It is only necessary to choose the right shade of this material, and then the kitchen will look respectable and harmonious, and at the same time cozy and sincere. White brick looks very noble, this finish is ideal for sophisticated and romantic natures. The brick of gray shades will also look elegant in the interior of the kitchen.

To give the room some playfulness and brightness, designers advise choosing orange or terracotta bricks. Such rich colors in the interior are ideal for households with children.

The main advantages of this type of finish: durability, strength, reliable protection of the walls. If the brickwork gets tired over time, you can simply apply a layer of plaster on it, then glue the wallpaper or paint it.

Plug is a natural material made from Mediterranean oak bark. Due to the highly porous structure, which resembles a honeycomb, and also due to the presence of cell sap insoluble in alcohol and water, cork has high performance.

It provides excellent sound and heat insulation, does not attract dust, mold, condensation and corrosion. Cork does not emit toxic substances, it is an excellent insulator from electric current. This material is also water repellent.

Cork is available in modular tiles, rolls, paper based cork wallpaper, and even in liquid form. This decorative coating does not require special care - to keep the cork walls clean, it is enough to wipe them periodically with a damp cloth using traditional detergents that do not contain abrasives and solvents.

However, cork, like many other natural materials, is susceptible to sunlight. Such a coating is able to change its natural color and fade under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, in addition, it can dry out, which will cause changes in the size of the plates.

To avoid this, it is necessary to maintain the same humidity regime in the kitchen, and install curtains or blinds on the windows.

Wooden clapboard in wall decoration is an interesting solution, but it can not be used in every interior. This material is perfect for creating rustic, Mediterranean and Scandinavian styles, as well as shabby chic, Provence and country styles.

There are several types of wooden lining: spire, standard, american, euro, etc.

You can also find ribbed or wave-shaped trims in specialist shops. You can give such material a more expensive and exclusive look with the help of colors and paints - the main thing is to choose the right shade that is in harmony with the interior. The wooden lining looks very attractive, but it is not cheap.

Painting is probably the easiest and most affordable way to clean up your kitchen walls. Experts advise using water-based paint for this purpose.

This coating is odorless, non-allergenic, dries quickly and looks attractive. The main thing is that it is highly resistant to the adverse effects of a humid environment.

Gloss paints can be used to finish the walls in the kitchen so that they can be washed periodically. Matte coatings also have their own advantages - they mask well and hide small irregularities on the walls.

When choosing the texture of paint, it is recommended to take into account the specific needs and features of the room. The main thing is not to forget to reliably protect the working area above the sink and stove with a kitchen apron.

Choice of wall color for the kitchen

As for the color of the walls, its choice should depend on several factors: the size of the room, the chosen interior style, the location of the windows (south or north side), the preferences of the owners of the dwelling.

Currently there are no strict restrictions on color, any shades can be used in wall decoration - the main thing is to take into account all available factors. For example, if the kitchen is small, then it is better to make the walls as light as possible, then the room will look more spacious.

In a kitchen with windows overlooking the cold server side, you can paint the walls in warm, soft colors - beige, light yellow, pale pink.

In addition, the color of the walls should be in harmony with the style of the interior - for example, white tones are perfect for creating a Provence, Mediterranean, Scandinavian, Shabby chic kitchen. Bright hues are combined with modern styles, while soft and muted shades are combined with classic ones.

Interior styles that go with different wall finishes

When choosing one or another material for wall decoration in the kitchen, it is very important to consider the style of its interior. Designers advise using stone, decorative plaster, wallpaper and painting when creating classic interiors.

Brick will look great in a loft style kitchen. When creating a rustic style, as well as country styles, shabby chic and Provence, you can choose a wooden lining.

When arranging a kitchen in modern minimalist or high-tech styles, preference should be given to plastic panels, photo wallpapers or ceramic tiles. Cork flooring will perfectly decorate a room furnished in a Scandinavian or Mediterranean style.

Kitchen walls - 105 photos of the best kitchen wall finishes

> Kitchen > Kitchen Walls - 105 Photos of Ideal Wall Finishings and Designs

The kitchen has long been seen as more than just a place to cook. The whole family gathers here for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Many people receive guests in the kitchen. Therefore, when carrying out repairs, special attention should be paid to this room, because here you will spend a significant part of the time. In order for the kitchen to really become a cozy place, you need to pay attention to many things. An important detail is the decoration and design of the walls. About which walls for the kitchen are better, will be discussed below.

Contents of the article:

Decoration of kitchen walls

There are many options for finishing the walls in the kitchen. This requires a special approach, because when choosing a material, you need to take into account the conditions in the room: high humidity, soot and heat. The material for wall decoration in the kitchen should be practical and durable. It is imperative that the walls are easily washed and not deteriorated during cleaning.

However, aesthetics is an important part. Finishing should also be beautiful. To verify this, we present to your attention a few photos of the walls in the kitchen.

When choosing a finishing material, it is important to consider whether it will harmonize with your furniture and household appliances. Consider how and where to attach kitchen furniture to walls and ceilings. When choosing a floor covering, pay attention to ensure that it is even. This will save you a lot of trouble when installing equipment in the first place a refrigerator and furniture.

The use of traditional wall tiles, especially in the cooking area, is undesirable because all the debris will accumulate in the joints between the tiles. In recent years, finishing the apron area with special panels has been very popular. You can also make it glass.

When decorating the walls of a small room (6-8 sq. m), you can resort to a number of tricks to visually increase the space:

Kitchen wall color

Needless to say why kitchen wall color is so important. The chosen gamma not only allows you to give the visit the necessary style. The choice of colors will directly affect people. Yellow tones will give extra vivacity, always improve mood. These colors slightly increase the space, so they are especially recommended for finishing small-sized rooms.

Kitchen walls in blue tones have a calming effect, relaxing after a hard day. They are harmoniously combined with white or soft shades of gray.

The white color of the walls in the kitchen is the golden mean. This choice is perfect for those who do not like bright colors, but prefer a calm environment.

Wall decoration in the kitchen

If monochromatic wall colors seem too boring for you, the interior can be diluted with picturesque panels. The wall can be pasted over with photo wallpaper. They can harmoniously fit into the main color palette of the room. You can also play on contrasts, which will emphasize the composition you have chosen.

This image should be placed next to the kitchen table so that it remains visible and looks better. Do not glue several compositions at once. This will create an atmosphere of chaos. On the panel it is recommended to depict nature, any culinary scenes. A beautiful urban plot will perfectly fit into the design of the walls in the kitchen.

A more costly decoration option is to use wall decoration in the kitchen with decorative stone, brick, designer plaster instead of wallpaper and photo wallpaper. An unusual atmosphere will be created by the use of multi-colored fragments of glass or stone as decoration, from which you can make an interesting mosaic. A modern option can be the installation of glass panels. This will bring more light into your kitchen.

A few tips for organizing repairs in the kitchen

1. Repairs should be carried out in an empty room, free from furniture, so as not to damage it and leave more space;

2. It is not worth doing work without at least a preliminary project. This is very risky as it can lead to errors;

3. Choose new furniture after finishing the walls and floor, so that it fits harmoniously into your interior.

Of course, the right choice of walls in the kitchen is only one of the important components of creating the place of your dreams. It is also necessary to choose the right furniture, install household appliances in the right place. We hope that with our recommendations, it will not be difficult for you.

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