If there is one space in the home where we seek a balance between practicality and aesthetics, it is the kitchen. And although we tend to think of furniture, worktops or floors as the main protagonists of design, the truth is that there is an element that is often underestimated and yet has a great visual impact: the wall cladding.
Traditionally, tiles have been the undisputed kings in this area. Resistant, easy to clean and durable. But today, with new technical solutions and a more creative approach to design, there is life beyond them.
Thus, we find warm materials, unexpected textures and finishes with character are conquering kitchen fronts, providing personality and style without sacrificing functionality.
And if anyone knows this better than we do, it is our distributors. Join us to discover the solutions that we have liked the most from their latest projects. Time to jot down some ideas!
Natural materials: texture and character
Few things convey as much authenticity as a natural stone wall. Whether in its most rustic version or in polished and contemporary finishes, stone brings a timeless character and connects the space with the earth.
If you are lucky enough to have this material in your kitchen, make the most of it! Whether it is a complete wall or combining it with other smoother materials for balance, as our distributor NM Cuines has done in this project:
NM Cuines
It works particularly well with wooden furniture, matt lacquers or sober worktops.
In a world where sustainability is the order of the day, the recovery or maintenance of pre-existing materials is becoming more and more fashionable. And this is something we see very often with exposed brick walls.
It is ideal for giving an urban, slightly industrial, but also warm, feel. In open kitchens, it visually delimits the space without the need for partitions. You can leave it natural, paint it white or even treat it with varnishes that make it easy to clean. For example, this project by Mobles Zamora.
Mobles Zamora
Let it flow
Another big trend is to carry the worktop upwards, continuing the material up the wall in a vertical format. We are seeing this more and more in projects using sintered stone or large-format porcelain tiles. The result is elegant and functional: as there are hardly any joints, cleaning is much simpler and the whole gains a feeling of spaciousness.
This type of cladding can imitate marble, granite, cement or even wood with surprising realism, but with far superior technical performance: resistant to heat, scratching and damp. They are the ideal option for those looking for a kitchen with clean lines and without visual interruptions.
Apunto Reformas
Wood on the wall: yes, but with nuances
what if we also used wood on the walls? Although it may seem daring, it is becoming increasingly common to see natural or laminated wood panelling or friezes as wall cladding. Whether in areas where there are no direct splashes or protected with resistant varnishes, wood provides an enveloping and warm sensation that is difficult to match.
Another option is to opt for porcelain materials that imitate wood, as in this project by Apal:
Apal
Illustrating the walls
For the more daring, vinyl wallpaper (or even technical fabric with protection) is making a comeback in kitchen interiors. Botanical prints, stripes and geometric patterns are making a strong comeback. Properly protected, they resist humidity and can give your new kitchen the personality you were looking for.
For example, this kitchen designed by OB Concept.
OB Concept
Tiles, but not the usual tiles
If you don't want to give up the advantages of ceramic tiles, but you are looking for an original touch, we suggest you to give them a twist.
Go for hydraulic tiles, decorative mosaics or even ceramic wall tiles with reliefs or geometric motifs. Applied on just one part of the wall - for example, the front of the hob or the sink area - they work as a visual accent full of life.
A "simple" texture can help you give your kitchen a new look, as in this project by Studio Daless and interior designer Agostina D Alo.
Studio Daless
As you can see, there is a universe of possibilities waiting to transform that space into something truly yours. If you dare to let your imagination run wild, do not hesitate to contact any of our distributors, they will know how to help you find the solution that best fits your lifestyle and your daily needs.
Because your kitchen deserves much more than the usual.