A partner to the layering concept in interior design, adding texture is in my top ten most important elements of good room design. And the wall and ceiling surfaces are the perfect places to add texture that sometimes seem to go untouched.
Since we cannot not all live in a Tribeca loft, finding a brick wall isn't in the cards. But adding this design element is a royal flush. Just don't go overboard. Use a keen eye to determine if you have a space in your room where a brick wall won't look contrived.
Another consideration in either exposing an existing brick wall or adding one, is the desired look that you want to achieve. The wall and ceiling surfaces should be part of the grounding of a room. A grounding element is one that should be looked at like the artist sees their canvas. A structure that is layered onto.
Once it is determined that a brick surface is a desirable and suitable textural element in your space, then the color needs to be decided. Is the brick surface left raw, painted, German smeared or slurry washed? Do your research and I highly recommend planning your entire room around this brick surface, whether existing or adding it to your space.
Planning is always important, even more so with a brick surface. Electrical planning is necessary and if you are adding ledges as design elements to the brick surface there are structural bulking up that will be necessary prior to adding the brick.
There is something to be said of a dramatic dark brick surface and the same quiet sophistication of one that blends into the walls surfaces around it. So what works best in your space is an important design element consideration.
One thing to know is that, though there are limitations where a brick surface will work, like structurally - you can treat this surface like any other wall space. Nifty hardware is made specifically for hanging artwork onto brick walls. With all the important factors you need to think about at least you can take that one off your list.
A brick wall surface that is an accent or backsplash is a great way to add texture to a kitchen, a bathroom area, and let's not forget leaving it exposed behind built-ins; even glass door cabinets. The layering of shelving with exposed brick behind it is wonderful - even with glass doored shelving or cabinets.
So what are these German smear and slurry wash options for brick surfaces? They are beautiful finishing techniques that enhance or give historic looks to brick. German smear mimics a look found on old cottages and castles throughout northern Germany. It's a coating of wet mortar applied to brick while leaving some areas of exposed brick.
Slurry wash is another mortar wash that gives a stucco look. By applying a heavy wet mortar coating, the slurry wash provides full coverage while still having brick texture showing through. This gives the brick surface a rustic but modern look.
On smaller brick surface areas - like backsplashes, the pattern of the installed surface is something that should be brought to the table of discussion. I wouldn't recommend any pattern on larger surfaces - just keep it the traditional staggered brick install, no matter the ultimate decision on the color.
Adding this textural design element makes hitting a brick wall a good thing!
Sources: Pinterest, Reno Guide Australia, Home Bunch, Elle Decor France
