Kitchens + Limewash Paint: Tips, considerations + inspiration for using limewash in kitchens
Kitchens + Limewash Paint: Tips, considerations + inspiration for using limewash in kitchens
Bauwerk Limewash Paint is a popular choice in kitchens around the world, from sleek modern spaces to charming heritage homes, as well as colourfully eclectic designs and soothing monochrome interiors. What’s universal is how limewash’s soft, textured finish adds a beautiful contrast to the hard, functional elements typically found in kitchens. We especially love how limewash transforms a kitchen into more than just a utilitarian space—it creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels more like a living area than just a place to cook. While limewash is a beautiful choice for kitchens, where and how you use it will depend on your unique needs and lifestyle.
Bauwerk Limewash Paint can be applied to most wall and ceiling areas in a kitchen, just like conventional paint. However, we recommend avoiding areas exposed to grease, oils, and fats–like behind the stovetop–and it’s not ideal for kitchen cabinets. Unlike conventional paint, limewash is breathable and helps regulate your indoor micro-climate by absorbing and releasing moisture. That same breathability, though, means it can also absorb materials that leave marks, so it’s best suited for areas less prone to splashes and stains. We don't advise applying protective sealers over limewash to prevent staining as these coatings can add unwanted chemicals to your space and make future touch-ups or redecorating more challenging. Instead, embrace its natural finish, which contributes to a healthy, harmonious kitchen environment.
When it comes to limewash in the kitchen, it’s all about finding what works best for your lifestyle and how you feel about maintenance. Here are some things to consider...
Using limewash in ways that work for you
01 | Use a splashback to minimise marks
If you want your limewash colour to flow seamlessly throughout the space, you can use a sheet of glass behind the stove to protect against marks while keeping things looking clean and cohesive. This also makes it easy to repaint later if you fancy a change.
Alternatively, you can use a waterproof material like a stone or tile splashback in splash zones, with the remaining wall areas limewashed in one of Bauwerk’s nearly 400 colours to tie everything together beautifully. The modern, stainless steel kitchen featured here is from the former Australian home of Bauwerk's founders, Bronwyn and Andreas Riedel. It features a simple, squared-off stone slab behind the cooktop, offering a sleek, minimal look while keeping marks to a minimum.
02 | Embrace a casual, lived-in look with occasional paint refresh
If you don’t want to use tiles or a splashback and can handle a gently lived-in look, limewash can work even in splash-prone areas like around the sink or stove (as long as it’s not constantly wet). If your walls are undamaged and just need a fresh coat of colour, you can simply repaint as needed. Because there is no prep required to repaint limewash, this maintenance can be as simple as picking up a limewash brush and giving a quick 15-minute coat of limewash to the wall. Just make sure to cover the entire wall from edge to edge to avoid lines. If your walls have been repaired, you'll need to make some additional steps to ensure an even coating for your limewash–learn more here.
Tip: If you’ve used a light colour such as Whitewash, Raw White or Chalk—you can patch by just repainting over the marked areas, instead of painting the entire wall. Bronwyn Riedel, co-founder of Bauwerk Colour, uses this method for her ‘Whitewash’ bathroom walls. Every few months she uses a sample pot to touch up spots and minutes later, the room is refreshed.
The secret ingredient for any kitchen
Like the perfect seasoning, limewash can enhance the atmosphere of your space, whether you’re aiming for a modern, minimalist look or a historic room that feels frozen in time. It can highlight statement pieces, unify different materials, or create a warm, inviting backdrop. We love a good dose of inspiration as much as anyone, so we’ve rounded up some of our favourite kitchens—neutral, colorful, and cool-toned—for some delicious design ideas. Check out this inspiration below...
