Exposed brickwork

Exposed brick interior walls have gone from being a sign of an incomplete project in architecture to something of a trendy statement and a popular feature in many modern properties. 

At first glance they can create an industrial-like atmosphere, which may seem unappealing in a home, looking deeper reveals that there is more to it than that. 

Many believe that exposed brick interiors add a certain charm and warmth to a room with their timeless design. While wallpaper and plaster make a room more uniform in appearance, with an exposed brick wall no two bricks are identical which offers a more natural look with greater texture.

This is evident with the living room wall of a semi-detached property in Guiseley that we worked on where the interior gives off a rustic comfort that suits the style of the home. 

Playing into this idea that exposed brick interiors make a room appear more natural is the idea that brickwork can feature chips and flaws are much more difficult to get away with on a plastered surface. It is essentially seeing a wall in its purest form of construction - bricks carefully laid by hand -  and this demonstration of the craftsmanship can make an interior more interesting.

Another thing brick interiors add is a texture, both visual and tactile, that cannot be replicated with other interior styles. In architecture, texture should enhance both the visual and tactile elements of a site, the former referring to the optical characteristics such as windows that can be seen from afar and corners, while the latter refers to closer materials that can be touched and interacted with physically like building materials or handrails.

Texture is an important element for setting the mood of a room and a brick interior’s rough texture reflects less light thus giving the room a warmer feel. On the tactile front, their rough surface is something people enjoy running their hands over. Much more than a plastered wall.

One of the simplest benefits of a brick interior wall is its increased resistance to abuse and the wear that comes with the passage of time. Any damage dealt to the brickwork is harder to see than with a wall of any other kind meaning less work is likely going to need to go into maintaining the surface for the homeowner. Of course, brick can chip and crumble but noticeable damage would be much harder to inflict on this type of surface. 

Despite its versatility, exposed brickwork isn’t a match for every architectural style so the overall design of the home should be considered when deciding whether or not to make this a feature. Its timeless nature means it is a trend that may never go out of style, but its design is best suited for older homes that can better match the rustic atmosphere as is the case with the Guiseley property which was a remodel of a house from the 1930’s. 

With the proper deliberation, exposed brickwork is a style that can be used to create a beautiful and warm interior that pays homage to the past.