Decorating & Design
October 22, 2020
How To Inject Character Into Your Home With Exposed Brick Walls
Whether it’s real or faux (shh… we won’t tell anyone), there’s a reason exposed brick is one of the most sought-after elements when shopping for a home. Just look on Instagram: you’ll notice #exposedbrick has over 140,000 photos and counting. Even if your space isn’t blessed with this historic, charming detail (hello, New York City loft), you can still create a similar look on your own with decorative panels or wallpaper. But, for a taste of the real thing, we rounded up 12 warm and welcoming rooms adorned with exposed brick walls. Time to fire up your Pinterest board!
Paying homage to the building’s industrial roots, this Montreal loft‘s exposed brick wall displays artwork by homeowner and Maison Pepin founder Lysanne Pepin. The ruggedness of the brick contrasts beautifully with the delicateness of her paintings.
In the entryway of this Toronto family home, an original brick wall and playful wallpaper set the tone for the rest of the space. Designer Rebecca Axler made the brick even more of a focal point with a rustic mirror and eye-catching pendant hanging above.
“A lot of people ask: is the brick wall real? Yes, it’s real!” says homeowner Elena Lohse. “We exposed the brick, sealed it and painted the bottom half white. It’s one of the more unique features in our home.”
An exposed brick wall steals the show in this renovated heritage home‘s kitchen. Rows of open shelving display treasured ceramics and everyday essentials, plus vintage art and quirky animal figures — the perfect mix of rustic and refined.
At first glance, it’s hard to tell this is a children’s bedroom (the brick wall screams New York brownstone sophistication), but treasured stuffies and playful touches keep the neutral space feeling youthful.
Ceramicist and designer Trudy Crane’s dreamy apartment is housed in a circa-1875 building (hence the Pinterest-worthy brick walls) which gives the white and wood palette plenty of interest.
If you’re lucky enough to live in a historic New York City loft, like retailer Michele Varian and her husband, singer and guitarist Brad Roberts, exposed brick is part of the equation. Cerulean throw pillows, vintage-look artwork and a quirky owl statue are eclectic and fun in this cozy corner.
In this picturesque cottage bedroom, a dividing wall covered in black brick creates unexpected contrast when set against the serene white, gray and wood palette.
“The studio is my place to write or paint or play piano,” says designer Theresa Casey of her hidden retreat. “It’s a sanctuary where I can really be creative.” Old clay tiles from France and exposed brick hint at the space’s past as a garage.
A coat of white paint provides a clean slate for copper pots and pans and other eclectic cooking essentials to really stand out against the brick backdrop.
If you really want to take the plunge, paint a brick wall in a vibrant color like cherry red. It’s a bold move that just makes sense in this black and white basement.