Today, gray has become a classic color, freed from the definitions of “boring” and “dull.” By choosing the right companion color you can get a dynamic and light interior. A white and gray kitchen is just the second option. Would such a combination be practical in one of the most difficult spaces in the house in terms of decoration? We talk about it in the article.
Kitchen apron: what is it and what is it for?
The backsplash is the part of the wall that borders the countertop below and the kitchen cabinets above. Its main function is to protect the wall from splashes of water when washing dishes, greasy steam and high temperatures. It also reduces the number of kitchen design elements. Only a small part of the wall can be covered with cladding.
Fully protective finishing is generally not a cheap option. If there are no cabinets and shelves, you can decorate up to a height of 1-1.5 meters or up to the baseboard. It all depends on the style and room. When decorating, you can also consider adjacent walls.
Peculiarities
What height should the apron be given the standard sizes of cabinets and kitchens is already known. In addition, you need to understand important features:
- experts advise making a small overlap, which is often 2–3 cm. It is determined by the size of the cabinets, and a larger width will look unsightly;
- the size of the apron is not a constant value, but variable, because under the hood the indicators should be larger;
- Facing materials play an important role. For example, when using tiles, it is better not to trim, but to increase the overlap boundaries. If you use skinali, then you won’t be able to adjust the dimensions - it’s easier and cheaper to change the level of the cabinets;
- Kitchen design features also leave their mark on the apron. The loft style has become very popular, in which not a single wall kitchen cabinet is installed. The set is replaced by a long shelf and an open hood. With loft, the apron will be arbitrary.
First of all, an apron is made to protect the walls, but an important role is played by design requirements. The classic style with conventional wall furniture and hinged doors always includes a protective part of a standard or optimal value. It is not recommended to make an area less than 47–57 cm, since a visual cluttering effect appears.
In modern design, they prefer to use wall cabinets elongated in a horizontal plane, the doors of which open upward. In this case, the width of the protective surface is always greater than the standard, and is 70–75 cm.
With high ceilings in a house or apartment, the upper part of the furniture is almost always mounted under the ceiling, the height is approximately 2 m from the floor level. In this case, the apron is made 110–117 cm, which is considered the maximum.
If there is no plan for hanging furniture in the kitchen, then the facing part of the walls is chosen at the discretion of the owner, for example, up to the level of the shelves.
The standard between cabinets and countertops does not have strict requirements and boundaries; it all depends on the size of the kitchen tables, furniture, and interior.
Requirements for a kitchen apron
Many people are accustomed to decorating their backsplash with ordinary ceramic tiles. If there are no upper shelves or cabinets and you want to cover the wall to the ceiling, these products can also be used. But there are other materials that can look more harmonious in a room. There are many modern ways to decorate kitchen walls. It is important to remember that the material for the kitchen must have a number of characteristics. Among them it is worth highlighting the following:
- Resistant to moisture. The wall above the kitchen is exposed to moisture. It is exposed to steam when cooking, splashing water when washing hands or dishes. The material should repel and not absorb water. Thus, it does not deform and will last a long time. If it leaks moisture, mold and mildew can form underneath. This may be dangerous to your health. Thus, moisture resistance is one of the most important characteristics that a kitchen carpet should have.
- Resistance to high temperatures and temperature changes. This is the second most important parameter. If the temperature resistance is insufficient, the surface around the slab will quickly deform and lose its attractive appearance.
- Fire safety. This is an important feature that ensures the safety of the finish.
- Environmental friendliness. The material should not release toxic substances even when heated.
- Easy to maintain. The wall above the kitchen worktop may be subject to splashes of food and water. Fatty fumes are dripping from it. All this can quickly lead to contamination of the coating. Therefore, the material should be easy to clean and resistant to aggressive household chemicals.
- Resistance to mechanical damage. The finish should not have dents or cracks from accidental impacts. It must be scratch resistant.
- Durability. The finish should last more than one year. The service life of the cladding largely depends on the properties of the material, such as resistance to moisture, heat, etc.
Zone dimensions
The standard height of the apron is 50-60 cm, depending on the height of the household and the type of tile used. If tiles are used, the standard is 30+30+0.1 cm, since 30 cm is the height of the tiles plus the seam between them. Although these days this rule is not strict, and tile sizes are numerous.
If the cornices are not built-in, they are placed at a distance of 70-80 cm from each other, which means that the apron will be higher. This is important to consider if you are going to make a glass splashback because then it will be a little more expensive to make or you will have to do something to the wall between the edge of the glass and the hood.
When calculating the height, leave 2-3 centimeters of overhang at the top so that the backsplash extends beyond the cabinets.
The work surface should run along the entire perimeter of the kitchen, and not be limited to islands behind the sink and stove. Although water and dirt are more likely to get behind the sink and stove, other areas are still unsafe. This is not a place where you can save money.
If your sink is in the corner of the kitchen, choose a backsplash and a perpendicular wall - the areas around the sink are always the dirtiest.
Design and color
The color of the splashback itself is important for kitchen design, but not for practicality. There are many types of stains in the kitchen, so no matter what color backsplash you choose, there will be stains that will contrast.
Therefore, the most important thing in an apron is texture. The texture cannot be uniform, as any stain will be immediately noticeable. Conversely, on contrasting and heterogeneous textures, small spots are not visible at all. It is optimal to imitate various natural materials: concrete, marble, wood, stone. Or any pattern, and in 2021 patterns have become fashionable and are often used in Scandinavian-style kitchens.
Light tiles are much more practical than dark ones, since most stains are wet, and salt stains remain after the water has dried. While light-colored tiles are a good option, the grout color for your backsplash should not be white. Darker shades of gray are best in terms of appearance and practicality (article on gray kitchens). White tiles with dark gray grout look very good:
If you want something bright, check out the earlier photos of the curtains in the kitchen and separately with the patio doors. Leather and textiles are the two best accents that should go hand in hand.
If you are going for a monochrome kitchen, remember that you will always have a lot of kitchen utensils that are not always easy to find in black and white. A good idea is to combine a monochrome kitchen with shades of green, such as light green. This natural combination is always on trend, and best of all, the salad comes with a lot of kitchen utensils, such as cutting boards, oven mitts, hob, etc. There is an interesting combination: a white kitchen with a wooden countertop and a glass splashback with a picture of grass underneath. Complete borrowing of colors from nature.
Standard sizes
The standard is calculated by taking into account the height of the cabinets and the way they are placed in the kitchen. The usual indicators are created for the height of the average person:
- The height of the cabinets on the floor is 85 cm.
- The distance from the floor to the bottom of the hanging furniture is 1.4 m.
- The height above the hood depends on its design features and the type of hob.
The width is calculated using a formula based on the difference between the tabletop and the bottom of the set with the addition of 2 cm. For clarity, an example is provided: 140-85+2=57 cm.
After choosing the basic design of the work surface, the size of the apron is determined.
Factors influencing the dimensions of the apron:
- Dimensions of floor cabinets. As a standard, they are 85–91 cm; you also need to take into account the level of comfort. Such furniture should be slightly higher than the waist - if tall people live in the house, then you can use a value of about 95 cm.
- Level of hanging furniture. Often, cabinets are placed at a height of approximately 135–150 cm, with 45–60 cm remaining between their lower part and the countertop. According to the standard, the width of the apron is 65 cm.
- Slab height. It is better to choose a set for large-sized appliances - this makes it possible to create a design in which the stove does not fall out of the overall style. Taking into account the indicator, the width of the apron is calculated from the distance from the bottom of the base cabinet.
Opening cabinet doors upward is often used in modern kitchens - it is recommended to select an apron width of about 47–50 cm. This size is the minimum in the standard.
When making a tile apron, it is better to use a value of 60 cm. This will simplify the selection of finishes and their installation.
The maximum height is 110 cm if the kitchen set is 2 m. The length of the apron is always 2–4 cm longer than the working area. The quantity and type of equipment also influences the determination of dimensions.
What other materials can be used?
This concludes the basic ideas about how to decorate an apron. Below are just a few very original options.
Chalkboard paint
A very original method is to make a slate slab instead of an apron. Simply cover the required area three times with chalkboard paint. It is easy to care for: avoid abrasive detergents and rough sponges.
Using a drawing on a board, you can change the look of your kitchen every day, and you definitely won’t get tired of it. It will look especially impressive in a white kitchen.
Brick
Natural brick or gesso are simply not suitable for backsplashes due to the porosity of the material: liquids and dirt will stick to the surface like a sponge and will be difficult to wash off.
Glass comes to the rescue again and protects this interesting design solution. The texture of the brick will be lost, so it is best to move the element away from the cooking area.
Oilcloth
Yes, you can make an apron out of oil fabric. This is one of the cheapest options you can make yourself. All you need to do is take the necessary measurements, select the oilcloth itself, and then attach it to the wall using a furniture stapler.
This option will save the walls from dirt and water, but for a gas stove it is better to choose another option - the oiler can also become charred.
Choosing the best apron for a given situation is not easy. Most often, people are guided only by aesthetics, but do not forget about other considerations:
- Budget;
- Planned period of use;
- Kitchen style;
- Difficulty of reconstruction and replacement;
- cleaning.
Focus on these factors and you'll enjoy your apron for years to come.
Acrylic
Roughly speaking, acrylic is a plastic that can imitate marble or oak. It is cheaper than stone, but is still an expensive option. Acrylic panels are connected virtually seamlessly, so hygiene is not an issue. Acrylic itself is a good material: it does not fade, does not fade, does not leave stains and is durable. Like glass, it gives enormous scope for imagination. But since it is based on polymers, it has certain limitations:
- it can melt next to the stove because it is afraid of high temperatures;
- does not like aggressive and abrasive detergents.
Acrylic looks great in the kitchen, for example, on facades, but is not the best choice for a backsplash.
Laminate or parquet
Laminate is preferred for use on backsplashes and is often cheaper than parquet. It is worth choosing high-class material (32-33) and good locks with moisture protection. You will have to install it yourself, since ready-made laminated panels for the apron are not sold. Installed using liquid nails.
A parquet apron is made differently: first, the “planks” are attached to the substrate with glue or liquid nails, then everything is varnished and also attached to the wall. But the varnish can melt or crack on the deck, so this method isn't for everyone. You can also cover the parquet with glass, but then the apron will be too thick - this is not suitable for everyone. But it looks very original.
Wallpaper
We are not talking about standard options, which are not very suitable for a kitchen apron, but about fiberglass wallpaper. It is durable and strong, and is resistant to extreme temperatures and moisture. There are many different textures available, but a uniform finish with no obvious unevenness is most suitable.
Gluing is no different from the usual process - level and prime the wall, then carefully adjust the fragments and level the surface. Let dry for a while and then coat with washable, waterproof paint. Then you can change the color at least twice a year, which is very convenient, because if you change the furniture, you won’t have to redo the apron.
Wine corks
Yes, that's right - they line the apron with wine corks. They not only collect them themselves, but also buy them (!) in bars and restaurants. To speed up the process, they are cut in half - this makes it easier to glue them to the ground.
The installation method is the same as for parquet flooring. Only corks are porous, so cleaning them will be a big problem. You can resort to an invariable assistant - glass, but is it worth adding it to an already thick apron? Wine stoppers are a good idea for the dining room, but not for the kitchen countertop.
Pebbles
If you love rocky beaches, you can create one in your kitchen. For example, an apron. But since the surface of the stone is not uniform, and it will be very difficult to clean it, dust will get between the stones, and as a result, such a panel will quickly lose its original appearance.
Color options depending on material of manufacture
Modern production makes it possible to obtain almost any shade and any imitation of natural analogues from artificial materials. Therefore, the widest selection of designs is available among countertops made of MDF, laminated chipboard and plastic.
The predictability of shade and pattern makes it easy to choose the right option for other interior elements.
For example, when choosing a tabletop to match an apron or floor with a wood pattern, it is important to get the same shade and texture. It is very difficult to achieve an exact match when using solid wood, since natural wood must be regularly treated with special impregnations that extend its service life, as a result of which it changes its shade. Therefore, a tabletop made of veneered MDF or chipboard may be a more practical replacement.
The shade of a wooden tabletop is determined by the type of wood. The most common options are oak, ash, walnut, and bamboo.
Dark kitchens with countertops made of dark brown wood, such as walnut, with a pronounced wood grain are at the peak of popularity.
If you are planning to order a work surface made of quartz agglomerate or natural stone, then you should keep in mind the complex shade and unique pattern that distinguishes natural material. It must be coordinated with the overall interior design.
If the stone is a bright shade with a pronounced pattern, then it is worth leaving it as a central, accent element, without overpowering it with other colored details.
Please note that bright, rich colors look more noble and stylish when used with natural materials. For example, red granite will a priori look more beautiful and noble than even the highest quality imitation.
Red granite or onyx with orange, ocher or burgundy wavy stains will stand out against the background of the overall neutral color scheme of the interior and will become its exquisite decoration.
This may also be interesting to read: Which countertop is best for the kitchen? Wood, chipboard, artificial and natural stone
Comparison of different materials
The material from which the kitchen apron is made is selected depending on what the customer considers to be the key parameters
- practicality and ease of care
- moisture resistance
- high temperature resistance
- self-assembly and disassembly
- durability
- appearance
- cost of materials and installation
The cheapest option is to line the kitchen working wall with plastic, MDF or laminate. Mosaic, stone and Italian ceramics are the most expensive options.
Glass, metal or mirrors are creative options, but you must be prepared to keep them clean. To make a kitchen screen both practical and beautiful, finishes are often combined.
An interesting solution is to cover the stone or pebble apron around the stove and sink with glass panels. Another option is a combination of ceramics in active cooking areas and MDF above the dining area.
Materials and calculation rules
To finish the apron, experts use a wide variety of materials. Possible options include:
- ceramic tiles or mosaics;
- MDF;
- glass panels, mirror elements that are protected from steam and fire;
- polymer materials, PVC;
- brick or stone;
- metal.
Any of the materials described has advantages and disadvantages, its own characteristics, but they all make it possible to protect kitchen walls. They are easy to care for, clean from dirt, and you can create an unusual design. The choice of finish depends on the personal preferences of the owners, but the dimensions must be clearly calculated.
It is very difficult to say specifically which standard to choose for an apron, since for calculations it is important to understand and know the parameters of all the furniture and other features. To begin with, the design of the kitchen space is carried out, the height of the tables, the level of wall-mounted furniture are measured, the kitchen set is selected, and its location in the kitchen.
To correctly calculate the height from the floor to the apron, you need to take into account the distance from the floor to the floor cabinets.
To do this, it is important to consider the rules:
- choose tables according to the height and other parameters of the owner or all family members who will sit at it;
- the height of the slab is taken into account;
- additional equipment is taken into account, whether it will be built into the furniture;
- To simplify the process, it’s easier to buy a ready-made headset made according to standard parameters.
Let's look at the standard and optimal values for an apron.
Color composition for an apron
Colors play an aesthetic role in the interior of the kitchen. A variety of colors can make or break the design direction of a room. Therefore, the choice of color is approached from a practical point of view.
Lilac kitchen
For a sophisticated lilac kitchen, soft shades such as pink, blue, light gray and white work well.
You can also choose a darker version of the dominant shade. Dark purple mosaic tiles are the perfect complement to the lilac set.
Pairing this color with dark gray also looks good, especially if you match it with kitchen appliances. This is a universal option: it is discreet and at the same time attracts attention.
Shiny lilac elements also pair well with matte blue tiles. The play of contrasts creates an interesting effect, making the kitchen seem larger and more spacious. It looks especially stylish in combination with light-colored countertops.
Cappuccino color
Do you want a kitchen with cappuccino? Choose more muted, elegant shades. Try a tone-on-tone finish.
It looks great, especially in the right lighting. But keep in mind: it is better not to use it in small rooms.
You might like the boa constrictor tiled splashback in several adjacent shades. But it’s better not to experiment with bright colors - coffee shades are quite delicate, and any dominant color can simply “overload” them.
White color for apron
All shades of white - cream, with a bluish tint, cream with pinkish notes - are used as a contrast to dark colors. They are most often used in high-tech and Scandinavian kitchens.
Lighting and accessories
Light
Neutral color needs bright light. That is why it is very important to properly plan lighting scenarios in the kitchen. It is ideal to create three main areas for lighting: the work surface (can be decorated with an LED strip built into the set), the dining group (here you can choose a bright lamp as an accent or a more neutral option if you already have active accessories) and the total area of the kitchen (usually built-in ceiling lights are used here). In addition, you can hang additional sconces above the sofa or put a cozy lamp on the work area, if space allows. By the way, gloss can enhance the effect of bright lighting - feel free to include it in the decoration.
- Kitchen
Interior of a gray-blue kitchen (60 photos)
What should an apron go with in the kitchen?
Let's analyze element by element what a kitchen apron should be combined with.
Partial combination with kitchen facades
You can even highlight a specific part of the backsplash in the same color as the front panels. For example, highlight the kitchen area in the same color as the facades. This color can be repeated in mosaic tiles, in some places repeating the color of the facades. This technique helps to unite and diversify the room.
In the same tone as the walls
This is an ideal option for a kitchen-living room, where the emphasis is on the living room and not on the kitchen work area. In this case, do not lay tiles on the apron, but decorate it, for example, with a glass panel or paint the wall in this area with special moisture-resistant paint.
Principle of opposites
This is a bold decision that will help diversify your space. Use contrasts: dark and light, matte and glossy, patterned and smooth. Use a plain façade and rich, bright yellow elements. It is the central element of the interior. To make the room look harmonious, add a few accents in the form of mugs, a rug or a vase in the same yellow color. However, do not overdo it with bright colors, otherwise the kitchen will look cheap. You can do it simpler and add a matte dark gray apron to the mother-of-pearl facades. With the right choice, such a kitchen will look expensive.
There are two colors in the kitchen
If you have a two-tone kitchen, then the color of the backsplash either matches the color of the walls, or is halfway between the walls and the floor. If the apron is darker than the walls, it will “heavien” the room, and if it is lighter, it will conflict with them.
Combination with furniture
Choose, for example, cream fronts with an oak apron. This element may overlap with chairs made of the same material, table legs, decorative panels on the wall or the color of the sofa. You can choose sophisticated shades that are in fashion today. These are the shades that designers prefer in modern interiors. The pink ash-colored product can echo the seats of comfortable armchairs. You can use shades with beautiful names, for example, coffee with milk or azure gray.
Apron under the countertop
The simplest option. Ideally, a kitchen apron should not only match the color of the countertop, but also be made of the same material (although this is not necessary, for example, the countertop can be made of wood, and the apron can be made of a PVC panel of a similar shade of wood). It looks even and harmonious.
What colors are trending?
As part of the trend towards minimalism and eco, natural materials and their high-quality imitations remain in fashion. Neutral, achromatic tones are in fashion - white, gray, cream, graphite, all in a matte finish.
Surfaces with high-quality imitation of natural materials with a pronounced texture are relevant. This could be an imitation of concrete, inclusions of stone chips, veins of marble, or a rough and clear pattern of dark wood.
Another trend is thin countertops to match the furniture. They seem to dissolve in the overall design of the kitchen, and the entire design of the kitchen set looks monolithic and solid.
Installation of a kitchen apron
The decision on the method of laying the coating depends on the chosen material:
- In the case of coatings such as stone, decorative formwork or mosaic structures, you will need not only the help of a specialist. In this case, leveling and plastering the walls will be a mandatory part of the repair work.
- Plastic panels, MDF and some types of tiles do not require pre-treatment.
In other cases, the amount of preparatory work depends on the quality of the wall cladding, possible structural defects and whether the apron has a complex pattern.
The apron over the hob is an extremely important part of the kitchen interior. The decorative surface performs not only a practical, but also an aesthetic function, emphasizing style.
How to choose kitchen furniture in gray shades?
You probably already realized that by taking gray as the main color for the kitchen, you can easily achieve a truly incredible interior. It is only important to remember that this color is considered quite strict, so using calm or even slightly faded shades can not only enhance the gloom of the room, but also give it simplicity.
In this case, there will be no need to talk about any chic and the room will simply become ordinary. For this reason, it is best to pay attention to contrasting shades, such as orange or deep blue.
With the help of such interesting combinations, it will be easy to turn the interior of the room into a real masterpiece, which all guests will talk about exclusively with admiration.
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Stylish decoration of kitchen walls
Which curtains to choose?
Curtains can complement a simple design or become the highlight of the interior. The choice of curtains for the kitchen is huge, read more about it here.
Well, let's move on to curtains that go well with a gray kitchen.
2. Light blinds.
3. light curtains.
4. Short light curtains.
5. Gray and white curtains.
Choosing the best material
You should not choose materials with a porous structure for making an apron, as moisture and fat will accumulate in the pores. It will be very difficult to clean such a surface. In addition, the presence of seams on the apron makes the cleaning process much more difficult. It is advisable to treat joints and joints with silicone-based sealant.
Try not to skimp on the apron if the kitchen interior as a whole is low-budget. Then it will become exactly the highlight, thanks to which the kitchen design will sparkle with new colors. Conversely, if the overall design is filled with rich colors, choose more neutral shades for the backsplash.
The workspace in the kitchen should not only be comfortable, but also practical.
It's nice when the kitchen creates a feeling of warmth and comfort
Introducing interesting motifs into the kitchen interior will bring a feeling of celebration and good mood to your home.
Ceramic tiles imitating brickwork look impressive and very stylish
The standard color for the apron is white. Suitable for almost any interior. And so that a pure white apron does not cause boredom, dilute it with bright inserts.
Do you want cheerful variety? Perfect. Choose bright colors for the apron or a rich pattern. However, such a bold decision will definitely require a echo of the overall design. Therefore, try to ensure that the colors of the apron are repeated in the colors of the trim and accessories.
The combination of a red apron with a white kitchen is suitable for any interior design style.
Gray shades will add fashionable and versatile character traits to the kitchen interior
A country-style kitchen is multifaceted and international; it combines style and simplicity.
A beautiful panel of decorative mosaic dividing the kitchen apron exactly in the middle will make the kitchen interior even more attractive
An original solution for a modern kitchen would be an apron in the form of a slate board for drawing. On it you can not only practice your artistic skills, but also write down your favorite recipe
Ceramic apron: time-tested
The most common material for a backsplash is small ceramic tiles or porcelain stoneware. In terms of cost, this is not the cheapest material, but rather an average price category. But there is a huge selection of colors and tones.
The work of laying tiles is quite painstaking. If you do not have experience, then it is better to hire a specialist to lay the tiles evenly and beautifully. In addition to the tile itself, you will need a tile cutter, glue, grout and sealant. Before installation, be sure to put the wall in perfect order. Remove all uneven surfaces, paint, old adhesive and tile residues.
Any person spends a lot of time in the kitchen, so it is very important that it is comfortable and convenient.
A ceramic kitchen apron with an asymmetric pattern is a win-win option for creating an original design
The design of a ceramic apron for the kitchen should be closely interconnected, taking into account the characteristics of the room, the subtlety of the selection of furniture and finishing materials
Ceramic tiles can be used to decorate both the apron itself and the entire wall in the kitchen. Both options will fit perfectly into any interior
The perfect combination of shades of gray with natural wood texture in the kitchen
When developing a kitchen design project, you should take into account that it is not so easy to get rid of a tile backsplash, so if you decide to glue tiles, then be prepared for the fact that you will most likely have them for a long time (fifteen to twenty years).
In this regard, pay attention to the quality of the purchased material, since cheap tiles over time develop cracks in the glaze and lose color saturation.
Yellow color will look good in tandem with a glossy backsplash made of white ceramic tiles
The classic combination of black and white will always remain in trend
Gypsum tiles are in no way inferior in beauty to ceramic tiles. An apron in the kitchen made from this material will create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort.
A kitchen apron made of seamless tiles looks stylish and elegant
Ceramic tiles have good moisture resistance, but you should not choose tiles with pores. The best option is a glazed (glossy) surface. A kitchen apron made from this tile can be easily washed, but you should not use strong detergents. Over time, the grout material will inevitably darken, so choose the highest quality grout materials.
By combining glossy and matte tiles on the wall you will get an unusual design that will perfectly harmonize with any style.
An apron in bright turquoise color can enliven and transform even the most boring interior
It is difficult to find a material with which ceramic tiles would be difficult to combine; natural wood is no exception
Photo tile: new for the season
Phototiles are an excellent alternative to classic ceramic tiles. The installation and maintenance technology is the same as that of conventional ceramics; the differences lie in the production process of its creation, which involves applying a high-quality, full-color pattern to the prepared surface.
Phototiles are an original solution that will decorate your interior. The material is moisture-resistant and durable, but is more expensive than simple tiles. In addition, if the design was printed using sublimation or to order, then over time the image may fade or crack. Be careful when using cleaning agents.
You can apply an image to the surface of a tile either in a professional printing house or yourself at home.
Photo printing is a new direction in the design of kitchen aprons, which easily found its audience
Glass apron: practical and beautiful
A particularly attractive design technique is a practical and unusual one - a kitchen apron made of glass. Glass, as you know, is very easy to clean and is not afraid of moisture and high temperatures.
The cost is sometimes more expensive than regular tiles and other materials. This is due to the complexity of processing the source material. In addition to glass, the cost of installation will include: the purchase of fasteners and roof rails, as well as cutting out holes for sockets.
You can apply absolutely any design to the back of the glass. From imitation of ordinary tiles to a family photo
For those who do not want to see a riot of colors in their kitchen, painted glass (lacobel), which can be made in various shades, is well suited
An apron made of MDF stylized as wood, covered with transparent glass, will also look very beautiful.
Installing a glass apron is a fairly simple process, provided you have some skill and a little experience. You can do it completely in just a couple of hours. However, you need to be extremely careful, especially if installation is carried out using fasteners rather than glue, as there is a risk of damage to the apron fabric.
When using special fasteners to install the apron, you will not need to perfectly level the wall, since this method leaves a gap between the apron and the wall (you can even hide the old covering). On the contrary, glue will require complete cleaning and leveling of the wall.
An elegant glass apron is ideal for white glossy facades
The invigorating red color of the apron will bring an atmosphere of strong energy and passion to your interior.
If you choose a good apron, it can last quite a long time, at least ten years. Provided that it is high-quality tempered glass and inkjet printing with special inks using ultraviolet rays, and not cheap plexiglass.
The material has excellent moisture resistance and is easy to clean. Regular glass cleaners are suitable for daily cleaning. In addition, you won’t have to clean numerous seams like you would with tiles. The only downside is that dust, dirt and stains are much more noticeable on the glass surface.
High-quality 3D printing and proper lighting of the apron will enliven the interior and give a great mood
Modern photo printing technologies allow you to create incredibly beautiful finishing materials
Beautiful flowers in the interior create a special atmosphere and it doesn’t matter at all that these flowers are just an image on the wall
Despite the fact that not many people decide to create a black and white interior, this combination looks very impressive and stylish.
Apron with mirror surface
A very interesting and unusual solution is an apron with a mirror surface. However, not everyone likes this, so before you do this in your kitchen, make sure that the apron will fit harmoniously into the interior of the room.
Using mirrors you can easily adjust the space. In addition, such an apron visually expands the space, gives the effect of perspective and, due to the reflection of light, makes the kitchen brighter. Among the shortcomings we can note: soiling, objects that are always reflected in the apron, including the reflection of the owner of the kitchen herself.
A mirrored apron can transform the kitchen space beyond recognition, giving the room a solemn and luxurious look
Nothing goes better with a mirror surface than gold-plated items and decorative elements
Mosaic for the kitchen on the apron
The mosaic apron simultaneously contains brightness, mood, and dynamics in the roll call of different color shades. This apron combines perfectly with the overall interior.
However, the cost of decorative mosaics for the kitchen is quite high, so be prepared for the fact that you will have to fork out for each square.
In addition, you will have to pay a considerable amount to the tile master, since you are unlikely to be able to cope with the work yourself. Tiles will additionally require adhesive and grout. An alternative to mosaic can be its imitation, made of ceramic tiles.
Perfect kitchen design to which it is difficult to add anything
Particularly popular among designers is an apron in the shape of a honeycomb, the main principle of which is unity with nature.
To create a cozy interior, you need to be able to combine colors correctly. Only thanks to this the house becomes original and attractive
If you are planning to tile your kitchen splashback, try to move away from tradition and standards and create your own style using decorative mosaics
As mentioned above, the process of laying mosaics is very complex, long and does not tolerate amateurs. In addition, the grouting process increases significantly. If you still decide to make the apron yourself, then you can simplify the work by choosing a mosaic on a grid.
Mosaic is an excellent material for finishing curved surfaces, whereas on a straight surface it will reveal all the errors and flaws. Therefore, the preparation of walls is required to be as thorough as for tiles. In terms of durability, mosaic is not inferior to tiles, provided that all installation conditions are met (up to twenty-five years). Mosaic is not at all afraid of water and washes well. The only drawback is the numerous seams. To avoid darkening, purchase higher quality epoxy grout.
The snow-white interior of the kitchen allows you to combine all kinds of finishing materials necessary for modern renovation
If you think through everything in advance, the renovation done in the kitchen will become a real work of art and will delight you for many years
Plastic - economical and convenient
Plastic is a kind of economy class material. It can be installed from polycarbonate or plastic-lined fibreboard, chipboard or MDF. MDF-based plastic is relatively inexpensive, easy to install and maintain, and has average resistance to moisture and mechanical stress.
In addition, the technology for its installation does not require a perfectly smooth wall treatment, since it is not mounted closely, but on blocks of wood. It can be easily dismantled during the next repair. If the material is of high quality, it will last for many years.
Today, plastic, like many other finishing materials, can be made in various colors and have a unique pattern.
Anyone can create a cozy corner in the kitchen, the main thing is to choose the right materials
Chipboard-based plastic is even cheaper than the previous option. It is also easy to install, does not require careful treatment of the wall, and is easy to maintain. However, such material is very unstable to moisture and can swell with prolonged contact with water.
An apron made of polycarbonate, like plastic, is a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-install material that does not require special preparation. As a rule, it is transparent, which makes it possible to apply a decorative pattern on film or wallpaper to the back wall.
Of the minuses: unpresentable appearance, loses its transparency over time.
Artificial stone or metal: comparing the pros and cons
A kitchen apron made of artificial stone looks noble and expensive. And expensive in the literal sense. Usually such an apron comes complete with a tabletop and looks very harmonious and complete. It is better to entrust the installation of acrylic stone to an experienced craftsman who can guarantee you the quality of the work he has done. You definitely need to level the wall.
Artificial stone is a durable and strong material, installed without seams or joints, tolerates moisture well and is easy to clean. In addition, it is possible to restore the damaged surface.
Gray artificial stone represents a true kitchen design with a masculine character
A panel made of artificial stone is an excellent option to decorate the interior with a bright and quite attractive element.
An artificial stone apron is very easy to care for; it is not afraid of moisture, heat and greasy stains
Natural and artificial stone is the standard of natural beauty, allowing you to create an individual look for a room
A metal apron can be a sheet of stainless steel with decor applied to it or simply a smooth, glossy surface, or it can also be metal tiles of various sizes, which are glued to the walls according to the ceramic principle.
A metal kitchen apron is stylish, impressive and ultra-modern
Metal fits perfectly into the style of even the most sophisticated interiors
