Selena Gomez is bringing back this centuries-old accent wall treatment – the result commands attention

American singer, songwriter, actress, and producer, Selena Gomez, is a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood, and her home and culinary skills are equally impressive. Thankfully for us, her modern rustic kitchen has graced her social media feed several times over the years. 

Characterized by the warmth and beauty that natural materials bring to a space, rustic exposed brick wall treatments embody a pared-back look that celebrates the world of restoration and reclamation. It is a functional aesthetic, edging towards the industrial, but one that also retains the inherent warmth that comes from a traditional kitchen scheme.

Make do like Selena, and embrace period features in your kitchen as a backdrop for your rustic design. Leaving brick fireplaces exposed will increase the character of your space. This scheme pairs a tried-and-trusted white kitchen color scheme with modern appliances worthy of a chef's kitchen for a modern-meets-rustic feel. 

A key tenet of this centuries-old design technique, according to Adrian Bergman, design manager at Plain English, is to ‘embrace the natural warmth and charm of architectural details in the kitchen, which have aged and weathered over the years.’

However, unlike Selena's, many homes aren’t lucky enough to have these details with which to ground their design. If this is the case, then instead ‘look to introduce elements such as timber cladding, reclaimed worktops and antique pieces of furniture,’ continues Adrian.

If you do decide to expose the brickwork in your home, there are a few important factors to consider first. Although durable and solid, brickwork tends to fail if mistreated. 

The deterioration of brickwork and renders due to lack of maintenance leads to a build-up of moisture within the building’s structure, which potentially causes damp patches, rot, beetle infestation, and, ultimately, structural failure. 

With all repairs, appropriate lime-based products should be used. As well as being breathable, they offer flexibility and soft, attractive textures. Most suppliers are happy to advise on suitable materials and mixes, and some may even know local craftspeople who have the skill to undertake the work. In all cases, it’s best to trial a small area before tackling the entire wall.