Designer Secrets for Using Thin Brick in Kitchens: Backsplashes, Coffee Bars & More

Looking for way to add warmth and texture to your kitchen so it feels layered and inviting?

When I was working on a recent project, Charlestowne Grant, the client requested a french bistro style for her kitchen and pantry to accent her beautiful La Corneau range. After shopping around locally at tile stores I couldn't find a thin brick paver that I really liked so I got on Google and there it was... Zenbuild. I was able to order samples which shipped within one week. Easy peasy.

The Winning Brick

The winner sample for this project was the Old Chicago Pueblo Bonita. It had just enough gray in it to tie in with the black base cabinets and quartz countertops with light grey veining. The homeowner is thrilled with the end result as it creates so much warmth and character.

Design by Robin Johnson Interiors

Why Thin Brick Is One of My Favorite Design Materials

Thin brick works great as a decorative surface material similar to tile. It's lightweight while still offering the texture and chararater of brick. Here are some of the advantages vs using traditional brick:

• Thinner profile

• Easier to install

• Costs less to ship

• Doesn't take up valuable space

• Gives authentic character

Where Thin Brick Works Best

• Kitchen backsplashes

• Coffee bars

• Butler's pantries

• Fireplaces

• Laundry rooms

• Mudrooms

• Accent flooring

Pro Tip: If you want to use thin brick pavers for floors, which looks amazing by the way, don't choose white or something super light that you will have to clean all the time.

Design by Robin Johnson Interiors

The Designer Secret Most Homeowners Miss

It's important to remember that grout lines take up about 20% of the surface you will be installing pavers on. This means you need be thoughtful when choosing the grout color. Also, the size and style of the grout lines matter just as much. There's many techniques to choose from depending on the look you are going for.

In a contemporary or modern home, thin brick that has more precise edges with thinner grout lines work better. Why? Because it creates a more angular design that feels sleeker. You could also paint the brick and grout for a seamless look..

For a more rustic, farmhouse or coastal style, choose a paver with irregular colors and textures so it looks worn and tumbled. Then consider using wider grout lines, even up to 5/8" and play with techniques like German Smear to create an interesting effect. It's these little details that really uplevel your design and creates a custom space.

Always Order Samples

Pro Tip: Always order samples for your project to see it in person. Gather all of the materials you are considering for you kitchen including:

• cabinetry

• countertops

• flooring

• paint

• hardware

Make sure everything works together. I always say... if you love your samples, you will love the end result.

Ready to Start Your Kitchen Remodel?

If today's article helped you think differently about using thin brick in your kitchen, imagine how much easier your remodel could feel with a step-by-step plan.

Before you choose materials, hire contractors, or start demolition, download my FREE Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit.

Inside, I'll walk you through the first steps every homeowner should take to avoid costly mistakes and create a kitchen you'll love for years to come.

👉Download your FREE Starter Kit here

Prefer to Listen?

This article is based on Episode #28 of the Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Podcast, where I sit down with Clark and Carson Combs from ZenBuild to dive even deeper into choosing and designing with thin brick. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.