Building Essentials: 7 of the Best Brick Trends
From feature walls to bespoke colour combinations – here's a sneak peek at how the latest brick looks are stacking up
Bricks are enjoying a renewed moment in the spotlight as architects and designers embrace their unique aesthetic. Thanks to innovative manufacturing technologies, this once-humble building material has been re-imagined and re-cast to take a starring role in 21st-century homes. Bricks are available in myriad textures, colours and shapes, and offer almost limitless scope for creativity, both inside and out.
Here are seven brick looks that are coming to the fore in 2018.
Here are seven brick looks that are coming to the fore in 2018.
1. A passion for pattern
The innate earthiness and textural appeal of brick aligns beautifully with our current infatuation with natural, tactile finishes, and it’s increasingly being chosen as the primary decorative element for both exteriors and interiors.
A renewed focus on patterning and creative laying techniques, however, elevates the simple brick facade into something altogether more compelling. “Bricks are being laid in a variety of interesting ways to create a focal point on the facade of a home or building,” says Ward. “These methods include traditional stretcher bond, stacked bond, Flemish bond, on-edge, bricks protruding from the wall and hit-and-miss brickwork. Other trends or design directions include curved walls and interesting uses of mortar.”
The innate earthiness and textural appeal of brick aligns beautifully with our current infatuation with natural, tactile finishes, and it’s increasingly being chosen as the primary decorative element for both exteriors and interiors.
A renewed focus on patterning and creative laying techniques, however, elevates the simple brick facade into something altogether more compelling. “Bricks are being laid in a variety of interesting ways to create a focal point on the facade of a home or building,” says Ward. “These methods include traditional stretcher bond, stacked bond, Flemish bond, on-edge, bricks protruding from the wall and hit-and-miss brickwork. Other trends or design directions include curved walls and interesting uses of mortar.”
Elizabeth McIntyre, CEO of Think Brick Australia, says that employing patterning in brickwork adds individual flair and interest. The approach is illustrated beautifully in the Barkers Road Townhouses by Kavellaris Urban Design – a project that won the 2017 Think Brink Horbury Hunt Commercial Award. “These luxurious townhouses showcase how modern brickwork features elaborate patterns to create a more contemporary yet sophisticated design,” says McIntyre. The intricate bond pattern and protrusions enliven the dark colour scheme without compromising the architectural vision.
Picture Perfect: 50 Extraordinary Exteriors From Around the Globe
Picture Perfect: 50 Extraordinary Exteriors From Around the Globe
In this MBA-award winning renovation, NSW South Coast designers SKETCH interiors + design gave the living room an unexpected twist by replacing the carpet with recycled red bricks laid in a herringbone pattern. It’s a whimsical, casual take on parquetry, with the added bonus of being both hard-wearing and thermally efficient (in winter, it absorbs the sun’s warmth during the day and releases it at night).
Design flexibility can also be showcased through the hit-and-miss bricklaying technique, according to Ward. “This involves strategically removing a section of bricks from a wall to create an authentic feature that allows natural light to shine through those spaces left unfilled. Laying brick in this way can increase natural light and add depth of contrast to an existing structure,” he says.
2. The third dimension
For a feature wall that really pops, we’re seeing bricks being laid at different depths to create stunning 3D effects. “Using bricks and pavers to create unexpected visual designs is a new spin on the feature-wall trend – adding texture, impact and warmth to a space,” says McIntyre. The interplay of light and shade, combined with bold geometric patterning, delivers powerful visual intrigue.
Spotlight On: Mosaic Tiles
For a feature wall that really pops, we’re seeing bricks being laid at different depths to create stunning 3D effects. “Using bricks and pavers to create unexpected visual designs is a new spin on the feature-wall trend – adding texture, impact and warmth to a space,” says McIntyre. The interplay of light and shade, combined with bold geometric patterning, delivers powerful visual intrigue.
Spotlight On: Mosaic Tiles
Bricks can be used to create a highly substantial, sculptural form, as illustrated by this fabulous fireplace surround, which was constructed as part of a renovation by David Boyle Architect in Sydney’s Inner West. It’s made up of bricks salvaged from walls that were demolished during the renovation; each one graded, cut, and intricately assembled. This architecturally striking piece, which melds a chic, art-deco sensibility with the rustic appeal of bricks, transforms the wall into something more like furniture, and forms the focal point of the home’s living spaces.
3. Pared-back perfection
In contrast, a 2D, linear-focused interplay between colour and pattern can be leveraged with new bricks to deliver a more streamlined look for internal feature walls.
Using exposed bricks to create internal feature walls is a look that’s very much back in vogue, says Ward: “Larger bricks with more exaggerated dimensions are increasing in popularity as they offer a point of difference”. Black, shades of grey and pale neutrals are the colours of choice for interior applications. “White is currently experiencing a resurgence as an edited style statement,” he adds.
In contrast, a 2D, linear-focused interplay between colour and pattern can be leveraged with new bricks to deliver a more streamlined look for internal feature walls.
Using exposed bricks to create internal feature walls is a look that’s very much back in vogue, says Ward: “Larger bricks with more exaggerated dimensions are increasing in popularity as they offer a point of difference”. Black, shades of grey and pale neutrals are the colours of choice for interior applications. “White is currently experiencing a resurgence as an edited style statement,” he adds.
4. Colour codes
Thanks to a fashion-forward approach from manufacturers, we can now source bricks in a veritable rainbow of colours and finishes, from glossy, glazed blues and greens through to the more familiar earthy browns, and everything in between.
So what’s trending? Red, which walks the line between traditional and modern, is big news for 2018, according to Jai Sanderson, general manager of marketing at PGH Bricks & Pavers. “Red brick has been used beautifully in heritage buildings and will never date. It’s now once again a hot choice for modern builds as a premium finish – but not for the whole house. Architects are choosing red bricks as a way to enhance the building’s form and using them alongside other contemporary building materials, such as zinc and steel, in a sophisticated palette.”
Thanks to a fashion-forward approach from manufacturers, we can now source bricks in a veritable rainbow of colours and finishes, from glossy, glazed blues and greens through to the more familiar earthy browns, and everything in between.
So what’s trending? Red, which walks the line between traditional and modern, is big news for 2018, according to Jai Sanderson, general manager of marketing at PGH Bricks & Pavers. “Red brick has been used beautifully in heritage buildings and will never date. It’s now once again a hot choice for modern builds as a premium finish – but not for the whole house. Architects are choosing red bricks as a way to enhance the building’s form and using them alongside other contemporary building materials, such as zinc and steel, in a sophisticated palette.”
Dark, moody colour schemes also play out beautifully in brick, thanks to its textural warmth and tonal variation. “Adding a sense of drama to any building, dark shades are finding their place in many suburbs – particularly in cool climate areas,” says Sanderson. For maximum impact, she recommends building in some contrast: “Dark bricks can become a feature statement when light-coloured render and softer trim colours are used to help accentuate the dark materials”.
Perennial favourite grey has crossed over to brick, according to Sanderson. This versatile shade can underpin just about any architectural style – from cottage cute to cutting-edge contemporary. A grey colour scheme reads beautifully in brick – the textured surface and mortar breaks deliver additional depth and character.
Want to make a statement? Deep charcoal hues will deliver a dose of high drama and are absolutely on-trend. “Lighter greys have a softer, more relaxed look that allows more focus on architectural features,” says Sanderson.
Want to make a statement? Deep charcoal hues will deliver a dose of high drama and are absolutely on-trend. “Lighter greys have a softer, more relaxed look that allows more focus on architectural features,” says Sanderson.
Image: Ashgrove Residence, DM2 Architecture. Brick: Crevole, Velours Collection, PGH Bricks & Pavers
For a timeless look with plenty of organic appeal, build a neutral palette with layers of earthy-toned bricks. “Neutral shades of brick such as taupe, off-white and stone remain popular, particularly when teamed with crisp white, greys and concrete. The sophistication is enhanced with a layering of materials and textures all in the same palette,” says Sanderson. Neutral hues bring a softness and tactility to internal brick spaces, and sit beautifully alongside other natural materials such as textiles, stone and timber.
For a timeless look with plenty of organic appeal, build a neutral palette with layers of earthy-toned bricks. “Neutral shades of brick such as taupe, off-white and stone remain popular, particularly when teamed with crisp white, greys and concrete. The sophistication is enhanced with a layering of materials and textures all in the same palette,” says Sanderson. Neutral hues bring a softness and tactility to internal brick spaces, and sit beautifully alongside other natural materials such as textiles, stone and timber.
5. Mixed palette
When it comes to brickwork, the scope for creativity is practically unlimited, and designers are piecing bespoke looks together using a combination of contrasting colours and textures. “A little of one brick mixed with another type – or two – can offer a satisfyingly bespoke and custom design for your home, knowing you have created your own unique look,” says Sanderson.
See more stunning exteriors
When it comes to brickwork, the scope for creativity is practically unlimited, and designers are piecing bespoke looks together using a combination of contrasting colours and textures. “A little of one brick mixed with another type – or two – can offer a satisfyingly bespoke and custom design for your home, knowing you have created your own unique look,” says Sanderson.
See more stunning exteriors
6. Outdoors in
Sanderson predicts that natural materials and palettes will continue to gain popularity in the home, both inside and out. And brick, with its ability to bridge the boundary between indoor and outdoor living spaces, is pivotal to this emerging trend. “Landscapers and architects are utilising standard bricks to craft intricate interior living spaces with the same bricks used in the landscaping outside,” says McIntyre.
Deicke Richards Architects embraced this approach in the Crescent House project (pictured here), which won a 2017 Think Brick award. “The same brick is used in this design to create stairs, floors, walls and plinths both inside and outside, connecting the spaces and establishing an interesting and smooth flow from house to backyard,” says McIntyre.
Sanderson predicts that natural materials and palettes will continue to gain popularity in the home, both inside and out. And brick, with its ability to bridge the boundary between indoor and outdoor living spaces, is pivotal to this emerging trend. “Landscapers and architects are utilising standard bricks to craft intricate interior living spaces with the same bricks used in the landscaping outside,” says McIntyre.
Deicke Richards Architects embraced this approach in the Crescent House project (pictured here), which won a 2017 Think Brick award. “The same brick is used in this design to create stairs, floors, walls and plinths both inside and outside, connecting the spaces and establishing an interesting and smooth flow from house to backyard,” says McIntyre.
7. New looks with old bricks
“Taking cues from the industrial chic movement, the imperfection of reclaimed and handmade materials such as brick is hot,” says Sanderson. “Creating a customised effect using imperfect, knotted and gnarly materials adds to the satisfaction of a unique end product.”
Reclaimed bricks, which have generally been taken from old factories or warehouses, tell their own story and bring an authenticity and charm to new builds, or protect the integrity of renovation projects. When restoring this once-dilapidated inner city terrace, architect Danny Broe sourced recycled bricks from The Brick Pit in Sydney, which were used to clad both walls of the kitchen space. Their weathered softness adds warmth to the home’s contemporary styling, and respectfully references the home’s history.
“Taking cues from the industrial chic movement, the imperfection of reclaimed and handmade materials such as brick is hot,” says Sanderson. “Creating a customised effect using imperfect, knotted and gnarly materials adds to the satisfaction of a unique end product.”
Reclaimed bricks, which have generally been taken from old factories or warehouses, tell their own story and bring an authenticity and charm to new builds, or protect the integrity of renovation projects. When restoring this once-dilapidated inner city terrace, architect Danny Broe sourced recycled bricks from The Brick Pit in Sydney, which were used to clad both walls of the kitchen space. Their weathered softness adds warmth to the home’s contemporary styling, and respectfully references the home’s history.
And when it comes to exposed bricks for interiors, rustic rules: “The contemporary rustic movement is now spilling into residential design with an emphasis on raw, urban-look materials,” says Sanderson.
Ward agrees: “Rustic exposed bricks are right on-trend in 2018. They have a rich, warm and authentic feeling that can… blur the boundary between the internal and external,” he says. If you can’t access reclaimed bricks, manufacturers are producing lines that replicate the age-worn appeal of the pre-loved varieties, in a range of colour palettes and raw, textured finishes.
Ward agrees: “Rustic exposed bricks are right on-trend in 2018. They have a rich, warm and authentic feeling that can… blur the boundary between the internal and external,” he says. If you can’t access reclaimed bricks, manufacturers are producing lines that replicate the age-worn appeal of the pre-loved varieties, in a range of colour palettes and raw, textured finishes.
Tell us
If you found this story useful, don’t forget to like it, share it, or save the photos. Join the conversation.
More
Read more stories on building components
If you found this story useful, don’t forget to like it, share it, or save the photos. Join the conversation.
More
Read more stories on building components
The latest trends in brick reflect this willingness to experiment, as designers and architects explore the creative potential and push the aesthetic and functional boundaries of this age-old building material.