45 Modern and Timeless Kitchens with Brick Accent Walls

There is something so soothing about the warm, rustic look of an exposed brick wall. When I was looking for inspiration for a new project we are building, a kitchen with an entire wall of used brick stopped me in my tracks.

The historic charm mixed with textural elements creates a perfect contrast and adds a beautiful warmth. If you have read my blog, you know that modern is not necessarily my vibe, but these beautiful kitchens might just change my mind.

Industrial Vibe

I have to say, there is something so cool about an industrial or loft-style kitchen, and the exposed brick wall is a key part of that look. It has this timeless charm but also feels incredibly trendy right now.

I think it’s because so many of us are falling back in love with that rugged, practical aesthetic that just works so well. The brick wall fits right into that vibe and creates a space that feels both stylish and functional. It’s a total win-win!

Striking pendant lighting and brick walls create a great fusion between contemporary and industrial styles [Design: The Last Inch] — I love how the amazing pendant lights and brick wall blend contemporary and industrial styles. [Design: The Last Inch]

Contemporary kitchen in London with brick walls and wooden workstation [Design: MDSX Contractors] — A contemporary London kitchen pairs brick walls with a warm wooden workstation. [Design: MDSX Contractors]

False ceiling with a light source above it creates the impression of a skylight in the industrial kitchen [Design: Jane Kim Design / Photography by Eduard Hueber] — A false ceiling with hidden lighting gives the feeling of a skylight in this kitchen. So clever! [Design: Jane Kim Design / Photography by Eduard Hueber]

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Beautiful blue cabinets and a black refrigerator add so much life to this industrial kitchen.

Lovely blue cabinets and bold black refrigerator enliven the industrial kitchen — A false ceiling with hidden lighting gives the feeling of a skylight in this kitchen. So clever! [Design: Jane Kim Design / Photography by Eduard Hueber]

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Beautiful blue cabinets and a black refrigerator add so much life to this industrial kitchen.

Smart lighting steals the show in this Seattle kitchen [Design: Crescent Builds] — The clever lighting is definitely the star in this Seattle kitchen. [Design: Crescent Builds]

Beyond Industrial

While I love a brick wall in an industrial or modern kitchen, you might be surprised by how many other styles it works with! We’re talking farmhouse, rustic, Mediterranean, and even coastal. It gives the kitchen an unexpected and totally charming twist.

Since the kitchen really is the heart of any home, I love the idea of giving it a unique theme that feels different from the rest of the house. It makes those family dinners feel even more special.

You’ll notice a lot of these spaces still have clean lines and modern touches, which creates a beautiful mix of old and new.

Kitchen and dining room rolled into one [From: Farinelli Construction / Andy Warren Photography] — This space combines the kitchen and dining room so beautifully. [From: Farinelli Construction / Andy Warren Photography]

Orient P2 pendant adds metallic glint to the Victorian kitchen [Design: Redesign London Limited] — A metallic pendant adds a touch of glint to this Victorian kitchen. So pretty! [Design: Redesign London Limited]

Custom island and chairs bring antique charm to the rustic kitchen [Design: Cameron Stewart Design] — The custom island and chairs give this rustic kitchen such a lovely antique charm. [Design: Cameron Stewart Design]

Sweeping Victorian kitchen with high ceiling, brick wall backdrop and an air of dramatic flair [Design: SLC Interiors] — This Victorian kitchen is so dramatic with its high ceiling and brick wall backdrop. Just stunning! [Design: SLC Interiors]

Color of the bricks gives the kitchen a beautiful, traditional style [Design: Kitchen Design Gallery - Dean Sebastian] — The color of the brick wall lends a beautiful, traditional feel to this kitchen. [Design: Kitchen Design Gallery – Dean Sebastian]

A Modern Touch

The old idea that a brick wall can’t fit into a sleek, contemporary kitchen is definitely a thing of the past. I’ve found that it actually does the complete opposite!

An exposed brick wall becomes the absolute star of the show in a modern kitchen, helping to define the space and highlight all the other beautiful features.

You can use it as a stunning accent, a backsplash, or go for a bigger statement with an entire wall. It’s a bold and unforgettable look that you’ll love for years.

Brick wall next to the kitchen adds to its visual [From: Corynne Pless] — A brick wall beside the kitchen adds so much visual interest. [From: Corynne Pless]

Innovative design of the kitchen island also offers a brilliant dining space [Design: architecture et bois] — I love the smart design of this kitchen island, which also serves as a great dining spot. [Design: architecture et bois]

Scandinavian kitchen with gorgeous brick backsplash [Design: Affleck Property Services] — How pretty is the brick backsplash in this Scandinavian kitchen? [Design: Affleck Property Services]

Herringbone pattern flooring and brick wall backsplash in the modern kitchen [Design: Concept 8 Architects] — The herringbone flooring and brick backsplash are such a great combo in this modern kitchen. [Design: Concept 8 Architects]

Gorgeous gray cabinets and kitchen island in kitchen with beautiful brick wall [Design: Jamestown Estate Homes] — The gray cabinets and island look gorgeous against the beautiful brick wall. [Design: Jamestown Estate Homes]

Color and Care

Okay, let’s talk practical tips. Using a sealant on a kitchen brick wall is an absolute must. Trust me, it makes cleaning so much easier and keeps the brick looking beautiful.

You can choose a sealant that gives you either a matte or a glossy finish, depending on the look you’re going for. Another option I really love is painted brick. This gives you that amazing texture but lets you match the wall to your kitchen’s color scheme.

Gray is a super popular choice right now, but a whitewashed brick wall has such a soft, charming feel that I just adore.

Whitewashed brick wall and colorful cabinets for the stylish, modern kitchen [Design: Aegis Interior Design] — A whitewashed brick wall pairs with colorful cabinets in this stylish modern kitchen. [Design: Aegis Interior Design]

Arched doors, windows and brick walls give the traditional kitchen a Mediterranean vibe [Design: Brian Patterson Designs] — The arched doorways and brick walls give this kitchen a lovely Mediterranean feel. [Design: Brian Patterson Designs]

Concrete, Carrera marble and brick come together in the beautiful kitchen [Design: Kevin Spearman Design Group] — Concrete, marble, and brick all come together in this beautiful kitchen. [Design: Kevin Spearman Design Group]

Fabulous way of creating different visual sections in the kitchen with a brick wall [Design: Landing Design] — What a great way to create different zones in the kitchen using a brick wall. [Design: Landing Design]

Shelves and Cabinets

The cabinets and shelves you choose are a huge part of your kitchen’s design, and they have to work with that beautiful brick wall backdrop. I’ve noticed that your storage choices really define the overall style.

For an industrial vibe, think open wooden shelves or cabinets with a vintage feel. If you’re going for a more contemporary look, sleek cabinets with glossy finishes and stone countertops look amazing.

One important thing to remember is to check the strength of your brick wall. Some older walls might need a little reinforcement before you hang heavy cabinets, so it’s good to keep that in mind before you start a big project.