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When most people think of a brick wall, they think of old-timey houses, rather than modern-day homes.
Although these two design styles may seem contradictory, they can actually work well together.
An interior brick wall helps add a bit of texture to a wall that may otherwise seem too bland.
Brick, being the classic material it is, also holds a level of timelessness that allows a home to stay fashionable throughout the decades.
Why Use Bricks?
Image source: Joel Dessaules Design
Here’s a bit of history: In the late 1900s, many old homes were struggling to remain presentable. The walls were stripping away, and people found it too expensive to repair or replace the damaged plaster.
The solution—exposing the wall, showing off the bricks. This way, people did not have to worry about trying to maintain the appearance of the wall through such costly means.
Exposed brick can last a long time without many complications. In the end, this was the best option at the time, and it quickly became a fashionable addition to the home.
This design was not just popular for its cheapness—it also adds a certain charm and industrial feel to the home.
Image source: Brian Patterson Designs, Inc.
An exposed brick wall can offer a sense of history in a modern home. It can be comforting and give one a connection to the past.
It can also create a sense of sturdiness that can help someone feel secure and calm. Brick wall décor also adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the room.
It gives a glance at your personality, suggesting strength and tradition. It can also just be a great way to spice up a room, rather than going with the usual, bland drywall or glass.
Image source: Ольга Клевакина
Many people are hesitant to try out a brick wall for their home. This is because they often picture layers of brown or reddish bricks in their home.
While this is still a doable option, brick walls can come in other colors, such as white. Usually, you can paint a brown/red brick wall white, or you can buy white painted bricks that are ready for use.
Here are some ideas on what to do with white painted brick work:
White Bricks Wall Ideas
Bedroom
Image source: nasciturus design
A single white brick wall in your bedroom provides the ideal place to put your bed. To make the entire area more classy, use a wooden frame for the bed, adding to the traditional style.
Not what else to do for the bed? Just stick with the color white or go for a partially white color, such as beige or shades of gray.
Your pillows, sheets, comforter, and bed liner should all be either one of these colors or a combination of them.
It is best not to make the entire bed white, since being against a white wall can cause white to dominate the room and lead to a lessened appeal.
Do not neglect to use these colors for objects surrounding the bed, such as a bedside lamp, nightstand, rug, or picture frame.
If you want your room to focus on serenity, try out a complete white brick wall bedroom. It may seem like too much to have every wall made of white brick, but if done properly, it can add to the beauty and overall serenity of your bedroom greatly.
Loft
Image source: DHD Architecture and Interior Design
Brick walls are a common in lofts. Mix things up and make your loft unique by including a glass door and several windows. This makes the loft feel spacious and airy.
Have a brick wall on one side of the loft with another textured wall on the other side. This creates a structural balance without overusing the bricks.
The textures from these two walls allow for a subtle variation in the loft that improves the overall appearance of it.
Chair Designs
Image source: Carmen Parker Styling
Try Ecléctico Salón—simply put different chairs in an eclectic space to create a unique look.
Sometimes, it can be nice to have chairs near or lined against the brick wall.
Keeping in touch with the traditional vibe of the wall, use wooden chairs, but with a modern design to keep your home in the 21st century.
On top of the chair, you may want to place fabric. Consider basic geometric shapes on the fabric to add some sophistication and interest to the area.
Kitchen
Image source: Applegate Tran Interiors
Rustic designs have been increasing in popularity, especially for kitchens. Rustic is considered charming and nearly romantic.
Add to this by using white—the color of purity—and the texture of bricks. The brick wall can be used to hold spices and fresh herbs, giving the wall an even more natural and rustic look and feel.
Another way to utilize a large brick wall in the kitchen is by placing a white, marble counter in front of it. This way, the wall is not the center of attention.
Instead, it serves as a nice way to accent the room and incorporate a bit of variety. Modernize the look more by inserting a stainless steel sink.
You can include some bits of color throughout the kitchen to draw attention away from the wall while at the same time contrasting with it. A picture on the brick wall has the same effect without leaving the wall bare.
Living Room
Image source: Vick Vanlian Architecture and Design
Place black furniture in front of or near the white brick wall to create a stunning contrast of color as well as texture. Complement the wall by using beige, especially for the other walls.
Turn your plain, brick wall into a cozy fireplace. Give the fireplace a classic feel by carving designs and patterns into the mantle. And no fireplace is complete without a few items sitting on top of or hanging of it.
Additional Effects
Image source: Joel Dessaules Design
If you feel that your brick wall is too old-school, modernize it by using other colors. Use bits of Scandinavian accents to liven up the wall.
Accents can work in one of two ways—they can contrast with the color or complement it. Darker colors, such as brown, black, and gray, are used to contrast against white.
This draws more attention to both colors and make the white seem brighter as the other color appears darker. Lighter colors that are closer to white—beige, for instance—can complement the color.
Both colors are working well with each other and neither color stands out much against the other. They blend and are equals, so much as one color does not over-dominate the other.
Texture can also either contrast or complement. For example, a rich cabinetry complements the white brick wall.
Styling Homes for White Brick Walls
Image source: Leslie Goodwin Photography
There are many ways to incorporate a brick wall into the home, and it largely depends on what your theme or mood for the room is.
In general, a white brick wall will always look good if it has an industrial and/or Scandinavian look and feel. If this is what you have in mind for your home, here are a few tips to consider:
Image source: I-Beam Design
- White or gray furniture can make a room more spacious and will fit in with the brick wall so that the more accented parts of the room stand out even greater.
- Don’t be afraid to have metal in the same room as your brick wall. Chandeliers and glass object actually contribute to making the wall and the room more industrial.
- For furniture and curtains, try using upholstery or other coverings that have sharp lines to contrast against the lumpiness of the bricks.
- Just because the wall has a rigid and rough surface, that does not mean it is out of place to include a plush object in the room. It can actually add to the wall, making the room feel more “homey” and less strict.
- Consider using natural or artificial lighting to show off the features of the brick wall.
- To add to the natural look and feel of exposed brick, incorporate some plant life. The wall and plants may remind you of a garden and help relax you whenever you enter the room.
Conclusion
Image source: Lisa Petrole Photography
Brick walls are a classic design that can work in any room. White bricks create a great backdrop and is easy to accessorize.
Because of this, it is best to have an idea of what you want the room containing the brick wall to look and feel like. You wouldn’t want to create the wrong atmosphere for your room!