When it comes to designing home interiors, there is a timeless and versatile material that can add texture, warmth, and dimension to a space – exposed brick. Molly Torres Portnof, founder of DATE Interiors in Brooklyn, recognizes the inherent beauty of exposed brick and has used it as a starting point for selecting complementary materials in her design projects.
The natural appeal of exposed brick has led Torres Portnof to choose a range of natural materials for her spaces, including wool, wood, velvet, leather, rattan, and marble. By combining these materials with a deep, saturated color palette alongside muted neutrals, she creates a sense of balance and harmony in her designs.
In another part of the country, Isabel Ladd of Isabel Ladd Interiors in Lexington, Kentucky, takes a different approach to working with exposed brick. Instead of solely relying on natural brick, Ladd incorporates white-painted exposed brick along with the brick in its natural state in a stairwell. This creates a clear distinction between the historic home and its newer addition. The two-toned look serves as a visual representation of the merging of the old and the new.
Ladd’s creativity shines through in the statement lighting she designs for the stairwell. Using wooden vases sourced from an antique store during her visit to High Point Market, she clusters them together and hangs them at varying heights, adding an element of fun and interest to the space.
While exposed brick is often associated with earth tones, it can also be a canvas for more unconventional colors. In an old Chicago home, a multifunctional space is brought to life with the addition of light blue painted brick. This unexpected choice of color infuses the room with charm and character.
In conclusion, exposed brick has the power to transform a space, providing both visual interest and a sense of history. Whether used in its natural form or painted, it offers designers a range of creative possibilities. By carefully selecting complementary materials and incorporating innovative design elements, architects and interior designers can make the most of the design potential that exposed brick presents.
FAQ:
Q: What are some natural materials that pair well with exposed brick?
A: Wool, wood, velvet, leather, rattan, and marble are just a few examples of natural materials that complement exposed brick.
Q: How can exposed brick be used to delineate between old and new in a home?
A: By leaving the brick two-toned, with a combination of natural and painted brick, designers can create a distinct visual divide between the historic and newer sections of a home.
Q: Can exposed brick be painted in unconventional colors?
A: Absolutely! The use of colors like light blue can add a unique and charming touch to a space featuring exposed brick.