The Magic of Whitewashed Brick for Any Space

Are outdated walls making you cringe every time you enter a room?

I’ve been there too. Nothing ages a space faster than bland, ordinary surfaces that lack character and warmth.

A whitewashed brick backsplash could be exactly what your space needs. This timeless design element adds texture, dimension, and rustic charm while maintaining a bright, clean, and beautiful look that complements virtually any style.

I found my own home with this exact technique for under $100, and the results were nothing short of good. The subtle variations in the whitewashed brick create visual interest that painted drywall or basic tile can’t match.

Ready to breathe new life into your space without breaking the bank?

I’ll show you how to create this charming look yourself, from selecting materials to applying the perfect whitewash finish that will have your friends asking for the name of your contractor.

Why Whitewashed Brick is a Popular Design Trend?

• Whitewashed brick has captured the hearts of homeowners and designers alike, and for good reason. I’ve watched this finish transform from a niche farmhouse element to a mainstream design staple that shows no signs of fading.
• The appeal lies in its perfect balance, whitewashed brick offers all the texture and character of exposed brick while softening its sometimes overwhelming presence.
• What makes this trend so enduring is its remarkable versatility. I’ve seen whitewashed brick elevate spaces from rustic farmhouses to sleek urban lofts. It pairs beautifully with wood tones for a warm, organic feel or provides the perfect backdrop.
• The subtle, muted finish also makes spaces feel larger and brighter without the stark, clinical feel that pure white walls can sometimes create.
• Best of all, this timeless look can be achieved on a modest budget, making it accessible for almost any homeowner looking to add character to their space without a complete renovation.

Brick Backsplash DIY

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the brick backsplash project.

Step 1: Materials Preparation and Measurement

Tools & Materials: Brick paneling from Home Depot, measuring tape, cutting tools

The project began with the purchase of brick paneling from Home Depot. Careful measurements were taken of the kitchen wall area to determine the exact dimensions needed for the backsplash. This preparation step is crucial for ensuring proper fit and minimizing waste during cutting.

The video emphasized starting with one large piece rather than multiple smaller panels, which helps reduce the number of visible seams in the final installation. While not specified, the cutting likely required a jigsaw or circular saw to make precise cuts for the backsplash areas.

Pro Tip: Purchase a single large piece of brick paneling for fewer seams.

Step 2: Cutting and Fitting the Panels

Tools & Materials: Cutting tools, measuring tape

The first two panel pieces were cut with specific slots, allowing them to fit together like puzzle pieces and help conceal the seams between panels. Later, panels were cut flush, which was regretted as it made hiding the seams more difficult.

This demonstrates the importance of taking time with the cutting process, even if it seems more labor-intensive initially. Creating puzzle-like joints requires more precise cutting but produces a more professional-looking result where the panels meet, minimizing the appearance of separate pieces.

Pro Tip: Create interlocking notches between panels to better hide seams.

Step 3: Installing the Panels

Tools & Materials: Nail gun, nails (alternative: Liquid Nails adhesive)

The cut brick panels were secured to the wall using a nail gun for quick and secure attachment. The video mentions that Liquid Nails adhesive could be used as an alternative method for those who don’t have access to a nail gun or prefer not to make holes in the paneling.

Proper installation is critical – panels should be level and firmly attached to the wall to prevent future issues. Working systematically from one end to the other helps maintain alignment throughout the installation process.

Pro Tip: Consider Liquid Nails for a hole-free installation if you don’t have a nail gun.

Step 4: Grout Line Treatment

Tools & Materials: Lightweight spackling, putty knife, rags

Lightweight spackling was used to fill in the grout lines between the faux bricks, creating a more realistic look and giving the backsplash a whitewashed, textured appearance.

Rather than leaving the spackling smooth, a rag was used to dab the still-wet material, creating additional texture that mimics real brick mortar. This texturing technique adds depth and authenticity to the faux brick surface, enhancing the appearance of the manufactured paneling product to resemble traditional brick masonry more closely.

Pro Tip: Dab wet spackling with a rag to create realistic mortar texture.

Step 5: Color Correction and Whitewashing

Tools & Materials: White paint, brushes, rags

After applying the spackling, it turned a brownish-red color, which wasn’t the desired look. White paint was applied over the spackling to create a more whitewashed appearance.

The process involved adding and removing paint until the desired look was achieved, suggesting a dry brush or rag technique to create a weathered, vintage appearance. This selective whitewashing gives the backsplash an authentic look similar to aged brick with years of paint buildup, rather than a flat, uniform appearance.

Pro Tip: Add and remove paint in layers to achieve an authentic aged whitewash effect.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Tools & Materials: Caulking, new electrical outlet covers, light switch covers, vent hood.

The final step involved adding caulking around the corners and edges to create clean lines and seal the installation. All electrical outlet covers and light switch plates were replaced, and a new vent hood was installed above the stove.

These finishing details transform the project from a collection of attached panels to a cohesive, professional-looking installation. The caulking is particularly important in a kitchen backsplash, as it prevents water from seeping behind the panels, thereby protecting the wall from potential water damage and mold growth.

Pro Tip: Always caulk edges and corners for a waterproof seal essential in kitchen applications.

Video Tutorial

I would like to give credit to The Stanley Family for their informative video, which served as a valuable reference for this guide.

Creative Ideas to Style Your Whitewashed Brick Backsplash

Enhance your whitewashed brick backsplash with six distinctive styling approaches, ranging from dramatic dark wood contrasts and colored grout details to Mediterranean blue accents, industrial metal elements, and more.

1. Contrast with Dark Wood Shelving

Float chunky walnut or espresso-toned wood shelves against your whitewashed brick for striking visual contrast. This pairing creates a warm, inviting atmosphere while the textured backdrop makes even simple pottery or cookware look like curated display pieces. Add small potted herbs or trailing plants for a touch of green that pops against the neutral backdrop.

2. Industrial Metal Accents

Embrace an urban aesthetic by incorporating raw metal elements alongside your whitewashed brick. Consider copper pendant lights hanging above, matte black hardware on cabinets, or even a stainless steel pot rack mounted directly onto the backsplash.

3. Colorful Grout Highlighting

Take your whitewashed brick to the next level by experimenting with colored grout. Instead of traditional white or gray, consider pale sage green, soft terracotta, or even navy blue grout lines to create subtle pattern definition. This unexpected detail adds personality while maintaining the overall neutral palette of the whitewashed surface.

4. Mediterranean Blue Touches

Channel coastal Mediterranean vibes by pairing your whitewashed brick with strategic touches of cobalt or cerulean blue. A collection of blue glassware was displayed on nearby shelves, and with blue ceramic cooking vessels.

5. Vintage Elements with Modern Function

Layer vintage elements against your whitewashed brick for charming juxtaposition. Mount an antique mirror or weathered window frame directly on the backsplash as a decorative focal point. Complete the look with modern appliances in retro styles for a space that honors the past while embracing present functionality.

6. Living Greenery Wall Sections

Create breathtaking dimension by incorporating small sections of living plants into your whitewashed brick backsplash. Install pocket planters between bricks in strategic areas for succulents or air plants that require minimal soil.

Maintaining Your Whitewashed Brick Backsplash

1. Dust regularly with a soft brush attachment on your vacuum or a microfiber cloth to prevent buildup in the textured surface of the brick. This simple weekly habit prevents grime from settling into the porous material.

2. Clean spills immediately with a slightly damp cloth, especially in kitchen areas where food splatters are common. The longer spills sit on whitewashed brick, the more likely they are to be absorbed.

3. Use mild soap solutions sparingly when deeper cleaning is needed. Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water, gently scrub with a soft brush, and promptly wipe away excess moisture with a dry cloth.

4. Avoid using abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals, as they can strip the whitewash finish. Avoid using bleach, ammonia, and acidic cleaners, as they can damage both the whitewash and the brick beneath.

5. Apply a clear brick sealer every 2-3 years to protect your whitewashed finish. Select a matte sealer specifically designed for brick to preserve its natural appearance while providing protection against stains and moisture.

Conclusion

Adding a whitewashed brick backsplash to your space isn’t just a design choice; it’s a simple way to add character that lasts. With basic tools, some patience, and the techniques shared here, you can create a stunning focal point that brightens your room while adding timeless texture.

The beauty of this project lies in its accessibility. You don’t need specialized skills or a big budget, just the willingness to try something new. Whether you pair your whitewashed brick with dark woods, vintage elements, or pops of color, the result will be uniquely yours.

Remember to maintain your backsplash with gentle cleaning and occasional sealing. Your reward will be a beautiful, textured surface that continues to charm for years to come, proving that sometimes the simplest updates make the biggest impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brick Backsplash Outdated?

No, brick backsplashes aren’t outdated. They’ve evolved with whitewashing techniques that offer timeless texture and warmth while blending with modern design.

What are the Pros and Cons of Whitewashing Brick?

Whitewashing brick adds texture, brightens spaces, and costs less than replacement while hiding imperfections and complementing various design styles.

Is it Better to Whitewash or Limewash Brick?

Neither whitewash nor limewash is “better”; they offer different looks. Whitewash creates a painted look with some brick showing through, while limewash has a more matte finish.