A white apron is a modern Total White trend that looks stylish, fresh and modern. The main function is to protect the finish from dirt and moisture. Placed above the work area, sink or stove. Well complements or dilutes the main interior of the kitchen. Often, before creating a white apron, the housewife is interested in how practical it is and which design option to choose.
Is a white apron practical in the kitchen?
The practicality of such a kitchen element is proven by the following advantages:
- Versatility. A white apron adapts well to any style and color of the kitchen. Here housewives need not worry: whether it will fit in or not, whether it will fit or not. It will definitely fit and fit.
- Relevance. Repainting the walls or changing the interior of the kitchen can be done without removing the apron. It will look good in a renovated room, while saving on building materials.
- Visual expansion of space. A wall with a protective panel looks longer and taller. Additionally, the room becomes lighter and more spacious. The effect is well enhanced by the presence of a white countertop.
- Easy to clean. The wall in the work area is always protected. Grease, water, other contaminants, and mold accumulate on the apron. It can be easily washed with warm water and detergents.
- Durability. To create the panel, materials with high performance characteristics are selected. Their resistance to sudden temperature changes, moisture, mechanical stress, detergents, and chemicals is taken into account.
Reference. Additional lighting, any kitchen utensils, and decorative items look great on a white background. The focus is on the backsplash, making cabinets and plumbing compartments less noticeable.
The role of an apron in kitchen design: beauty and functionality
A mirror as a finishing material attracts not only its quality characteristics (regardless of where it is located in the room), but also its powerful energy, a sense of freedom, lightness and a certain magic.
This is probably why designers brought it into the kitchen as an element of peace, tranquility and goodness and - only last but not least - as an original decorative material. Whether this is true or not is not that important. The fact remains: an increasing number of owners prefer to see a mirrored apron on their territory. At the same time, the kitchen can be decorated not only in one of the restrained and laconic modern styles, but also in the ethno, Provence, country and even modern styles.
Glass splashback is suitable for different interior styles
This choice is a harmonious union of practicality, bold design decisions, drive, positivity and natural beauty. However, more about everything!
Attention! When creating a mirrored apron in your kitchen, you should pay attention to the material itself. A cheap mirror threatens to crumble in the first months of use, but a high-quality one will withstand changes in temperature and humidity, will not lose its magical shine and will delight you with impeccable service for many years.
What materials can a white apron be made from?
When choosing a material, it is important to pay attention to its surface. It’s good if it cleans quickly and the pores do not cause mold and bacteria. The following options for white aprons are in demand today:
Made from textured tiles. Suitable for simulating stucco patterns, stone or brick textures, geometric or floral patterns.
They threw it off. This is a modern glass material that is distinguished by its beautiful appearance and ease of maintenance. It can be glossy, matte, textured, smooth, translucent, rich.
Mosaic. An elegant and original version made of white glass, ceramics or smalt. Several variations of white are used here for a monochromatic effect.
Wooden. To create an apron, MDF panels, laminate, and natural wood are used. The material is painted white. But the ideal shade cannot be achieved, since brown veins from the wood will be visible.
Stone. It is made from white marble, lithoceramics, limestone, granite or other similar materials. The stone wall shows a long service life, but is not cheap.
Ceramic tiles are also popular. It is a traditional building material characterized by strength, durability, fire resistance and a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. There are several ways to lay such an apron:
Brick. The finished rectangular elements resemble a brick wall, but painted white. Great for decorating a room in a rustic, loft, art deco, or Scandinavian style.
Combined. One part of the tiles is laid out like a brick wall, and the other - vertically or diagonally. This is how the upper or lower parts of the panel are highlighted, or a small panel is formed.
Smooth. Here they use square tiles to decorate the area above the sink, work area, and stove. Great for creating industrial, minimalism, retro style. Small sized tiles are good for rustic and pin-up styles.
Herringbone. Rectangular tiles are used to complete the Provence, vintage, retro, modern style. The main highlight of the interior is the parquet and laminate flooring.
Important! There is a budget option for decorating a white apron - plastic panels. They are attractive and quickly clean from light stains. But they show weakness to mechanical damage and fat. The ingrained fat deposit cannot be removed, so the panels quickly lose their original appearance.
The protective panel can be supplemented with backlighting. The installed lamp provides high-quality illumination of the desktop without harming the eyes. If cabinets are placed above the apron, then the lamps are mounted on their bottom. It is better to choose LED strip or fluorescent light bulbs, as they illuminate evenly.
How to beat a mirror in the kitchen
A lot in the perception of a room depends on where to hang the mirror in the kitchen. You should not think that it can only be used in the traditional version - glass in a frame. There are many interesting ways to use mirrors. Let's look at the most successful of them.
There are many non-standard options for using mirrors in the kitchen.
Mirrors are often used to expand space - this technique looks especially good in a small kitchen in a Khrushchev-era building or in other small-sized apartments. In this case, the surface reflects the opposite wall, visually making the room twice as wide.
A neat mirror can visually enlarge the kitchen.
On the other hand, it is precisely because of this property that you should not hang large wall-length mirrors in spacious kitchens - this way you will easily upset the balance of perception and make the room too voluminous and uncomfortable.
Mirror mosaics and panels look very unusual. Here it is important to choose the right shape and decide where to hang such a mirror - the refracted reflection may not look very aesthetically pleasing, so it is better if a smooth wall is reflected in the surface of the structure.
Mosaic looks impressive, but it needs to be carefully thought out.
A narrow strip of mirror on the apron, illuminated from above with an LED strip or spotlights, will make cooking on the work surface much more comfortable. This way the countertop will be well lit and you will be able to see the food from all sides without turning it.
Illuminated mirrors are a trendy technique.
True, there is also a minus - you will have to wipe the mirror almost after every cooking, since all the splashes and marks will be noticeable on it. On the other hand, with the use of modern detergents this is unlikely to be a big problem for you.
A very bold and unusual technique is using a mirror instead of an apron. Most often it is used for kitchen sets with narrow countertops - this makes them visually wider.
A mirror instead of an apron is popular.
Please note that the work area will now require a very careful approach. Not only will you have to regularly wipe the apron, but you will also need to monitor the cleanliness of the tabletop - crumbs and stains on the set are unlikely to add attractiveness to the reflection.
In addition, try to order the most durable mirror glass - the apron is often subjected to mechanical stress, so you risk simply breaking ordinary glass. This is fraught not only with the need to replace the apron, but also with injuries, even quite serious cuts.
Sometimes mirrors replace facades in the kitchen. In this case, strength also plays an important role. By the way, it is not necessary to decorate the facades directly with mirror glass. A bright effect can be achieved by using glossy metal surfaces, shiny light acrylic...
It is better to replace glass on facades with metal.
Try experimenting with materials. Moreover, caring for pure mirror facades is quite complicated - it is quite possible to find a less capricious option that will look just as aesthetically pleasing, but benefits in terms of practicality.
In addition, it is necessary to take into account that mirrored facades are not suitable for any style of kitchen design - for example, they are almost impossible to imagine in a classic interior.
In a classic style, mirrors look better as decoration.
Some design solutions suggest hanging a mirror in the kitchen near the sink. This technique can look very stylish, but you need to take into account a number of nuances :
- No matter how carefully you wash the dishes, drops of water will constantly fall on the surface of the mirror. This means that you will have to constantly wipe the glass.
- It is very important to choose the right mirror frame . It should be a material resistant to moisture and steam that does not deform after a couple of months.
- Pay attention to how tightly the edge of the frame adheres to the glass. If there are gaps, moisture will get in and mold may develop over time. This is fraught with not only an unpleasant odor and an untidy appearance - mold from such a source easily spreads throughout the kitchen.
- If a mirror is constantly exposed to steam, it will fade over time. You will need special cleaning products. If you are against using chemicals in the kitchen, you can replace them with a vinegar solution. But remember that you need to wipe the surface regularly - only then will it shine.
The mirror in the kitchen above the stove should also be highly resistant to heat and steam. Refuse to use plastic frames: your choice is metal and wooden frames with special impregnation.
In this case, the glass must be especially strong.
In addition, you will need a special polish that prevents the formation of steam on the glass - otherwise the mirror will be foggy all the time.
Consider the angle of reflection of the mirror - it is better if the picture in it is attractive. In this case, it’s a good idea to hang a special hanger for dishes above the stove, and on it - attractive copper or ceramic pots and kitchen utensils.
Important! Wherever you decide to hang a mirror in the kitchen, imagine what will be reflected in it. Sometimes a reflection that is not very aesthetically pleasing can ruin the entire perception of even the most thoughtful kitchen in terms of design.
A mirror hung on the front of the refrigerator can look very stylish. But here you need to think about the degree of accuracy of your family members. Constantly wiping fingerprints off a reflective surface is not much fun. If there are small children in the house, you should abandon this idea - it will take a lot of effort to maintain the mirror in good condition.
Sometimes it is more rational to replace the mirror with reflective equipment.
In addition, it is very important to properly fasten the mirror to the refrigerator: if the fasteners are not strong enough, there is a risk that the glass will simply fall under the load of its own weight. As an alternative, we recommend using plastic mirrors or mirror film. Such options are much lighter, cost less, and securing them is much easier.
As you can see, there are many options for decorating a kitchen with mirrors in the work area. As for the dining area, you can also find very interesting techniques here.
Using a mirror above the dining table will make the kitchen cozier.
For example, a mirror above the dining table can make the dining area seem larger and more comfortable. We recommend illuminating the mirror with small lampshades in the corners - this way you can create a warm and homey dining area.
For the same purpose, mirrors are hung in the kitchen above the sofa. However, here it is important to ensure that the latter has a fairly wide back - touching the back of your head to the mirror is not only unpleasant, but also dangerous.
There are even more extensive ways to add mirrors to your kitchen. For example, you can design a completely mirrored ceiling. However, keep in mind that this technique is only suitable for people who are used to keeping the kitchen in perfect order - otherwise, you will have to learn how to immediately clean up the slightest mess. Any defect will immediately be noticed twice as much. In addition, it is necessary to frequently wash the ceiling itself - especially above the stove and sink, where steam deposits are most often observed.
A large-scale but complex solution.
As for the mirror floor, we do not recommend it in the kitchen for the same reasons of neatness - you will have to wash it almost after every cooking. Therefore, such a coating can tire even the most careful housewife.
What color of kitchen set will a white apron go with?
The ideal option is a snow-white kitchen with a white apron and small color accents. For example, a dark stove or oven, black decor, laminate of the appropriate shade, and so on.
Here are some more beneficial color combinations:
White panel with gray shades, but only the latter predominates. This range is found in the style of techno, modern, contemporary, industrial, and fusion. Gray goes great with white. It is recommended to dilute the interior with vegetation and delicate curtains.
White paired with black-red, red-gray. In this case, the apron acts as a separator between the lower and upper shades. The gamma is typical for modernism, minimalism, and hi-tech.
White with several shades, no more than five. Is it retro or vintage? For example, the kitchen set is made in yellow, the appliances are in black, the apron is in white, and additional elements are in brown or dark gray.
White with green. An apron will perfectly refresh the interior of a kitchen in green tones. This duet will especially appeal to lovers of a rich palette and the effect of nature. The most stylish and expensive option is white with emerald or pistachio. The material is selected in the form of ceramics with a glossy surface.
White with blue. This is a calm, cool, peaceful, beautiful combination. More used to create a nautical style. Any shade of blue is used here.
White goes well with all existing colors. The main thing is to build on personal preferences and taste. But do not forget about moderation, since any scale easily turns into negligence and illegibility.
Varieties
The mirror surface can be of the following types:
- Satin. The satin effect is achieved through chemical action on the surface of the base. Both completely matte options and various matte patterns and ornaments on a mirror surface are popular. Satin glass has almost no reflective properties, so it is not suitable for those who want to visually expand the space.
- Colored mirror. Colored mirrors are one of the favorite techniques among designers. The surface is given some shade (green, pink, purple, bronze, moraine), which allows you to fit such an apron into a kitchen of any style. Depending on the rest of the interior, the apron is chosen either to match the walls and kitchen unit, or to contrast with them.
- With an image. A mirrored kitchen apron with a pattern is suitable for those who want an exclusive interior design: the pattern itself can be made absolutely anything. The process of creating such an apron is quite simple: the desired image is applied to a film that is glued to the mirror panel. There is also a sandblasting option, where the pattern is applied directly to the outside of the mirror.
- Aging. An aged mirror surface is chosen for classic and vintage interiors. It has a slight clouding effect, but does not completely lose its reflective functions.
Caring for a white apron in the kitchen
To maintain the original whiteness of the apron, it is necessary to promptly remove dirt from the surface. The frequency of cleaning depends on the intensity of use of the sink and stove. The more often, the more regular the procedure.
The tips are as follows:
- Remove any stains, splashes or deposits immediately. Old dirt is more difficult to clean. This rule is especially true for ceramics, plastic, and glass.
- Avoid cleaning products and hard sponges. It is enough to use universal detergents in the form of gel, paste, liquid. Abrasives cause dents, scratches or discoloration. Additionally, it is recommended to purchase microfiber and foam sponges.
- Install the hood. This is an important element in the kitchen that protects appliances and fittings from soot. Before each cooking, be sure to turn on the hood, otherwise all surfaces will become covered with a greasy coating and all kinds of impurities.
- Use the protective cover of the hob. During heat treatment of food, it is enough to tilt the structural element against the wall. It will additionally protect the apron from grease splashes and steam.
- Carry out general cleaning regularly. All work surfaces should be thoroughly washed at least twice with warm soapy water or a special dish soap. The latter method is considered ineffective: not every composition is able to ideally overcome fat.
- Treat the apron with compounds that repel dirt and moisture. Today, manufacturers offer a lot of options aimed at protecting kitchen surfaces from negative environmental influences. These can be gels, adhesive-based substances, sealants, universal compounds. But they are used strictly according to the instructions.
Attention! Ceramics, stone, and wood are treated with silicone sealants at the stage of creating the apron. This makes it possible to eliminate the appearance of mold and bacteria in the joints of materials in the future.
A white splashback is a practical, cost-effective solution for protecting kitchen walls and providing aesthetic appeal. It is made of ceramics, stone, wood, glass in the form of a plain or monochrome panel. When choosing a material, its properties, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages are taken into account. The durability and appearance of the apron depend on these parameters. Also, do not forget about color combinations in order to avoid absurdity in the kitchen design.
Stylistic design of the kitchen with mirrors
Oddly enough, mirrors fit almost any kitchen interior style - the main thing is to choose the right size and shape.
So, for a kitchen in a classic style, it is better to choose small, neat mirrors in a traditional frame, round or rectangular.
In a classic style, you should not experiment with shapes.
In spacious kitchens decorated in the Empire or Art Deco style, massive mirrors and curly frames of the most elaborate shape look better. Traditionally, such mirrors are hung in the recreation area, but modern traditions allow a little freedom - if you are sure that you can take care of such a complex element of the interior, try hanging a similar mirror above the stove. It looks very stylish and unusual.
The capricious empire style requires a special approach to mirrors.
Unusual, streamlined shapes are more suitable for modernism. Here you can experiment with both the location of the mirrors and their appearance. However, remember that too extreme solutions are not welcome.
Modernity allows experimentation.
But such mirrors will find a place in a high-tech kitchen. A white kitchen with mirrors equipped with hidden lighting looks very impressive. You can decorate a mirrored ceiling or randomly install small mirrors on various elements of the kitchen - high-tech allows any experiments.
In a high-tech kitchen you can afford any experiments.
Mirrors in a loft-style kitchen can also be very diverse. Try to find an unusual shape. Asymmetrical models look good, as if embedded in a brick or concrete wall. This technique looks very bold, so we recommend that you carefully consider the features of your kitchen interior.
Would you like a mirror? Install a mirrored refrigerator.
