In the past, homeowners wanted to hide the exposed brick and beams of their house under a thick layer because they considered them as a part of the building’s structure. Any exposure of these structures represented poor upkeep and neglect. Contemporary design trends, however, view exposed brick or beams as a fashionable way to accent your home’s interior. Exposed brick and beams play an important role in interior design because they are undeniably elegant and timeless and can contribute to the aesthetic value when done right. If you are considering implementing these elements into your home decor, this article will help you understand how to maximize these no- to low-maintenance design aspects and turn your home into a personal retreat.
Exposed Brick Ideas
Whether remodeling, buying or building a new home, the latest brick trends in interior design combine natural style with sustainable value. Genuine clay brick pays for itself through its superior performance, durability, lasting beauty and resale value, and it’s a sustainable choice. Exposed brick also brings texture, character, and color to your room. More importantly, brick adds natural warmth and raw charm to your home from kitchen to bedroom.
Kitchens: If you choose the right color to go with your furniture and appliances, brick can blend seamlessly in the kitchen. For example, you can use the muted colors of a faded brick wall to pair with light blue cabinets and island countertops. From a practical standpoint, brick walls can also serve a functional purpose in the kitchen because their surface is more durable than traditional wall paint. In short, brick accent walls, ceilings, and islands help add enduring warmth and naturally offset stainless appliances in your high-traffic space.
Living rooms: As the most utilized room in the house, making a statement with exposed brick in your living room will make sure your home looks unique in no time. A weathered, reclaimed brick backdrop will give a new space a sense of history. Meanwhile, throw in a couple of white sofas to create a neutral rustic look that will captivate your guests every time they drop by. From converted garages to connected spaces, the latest applications include brick screen walls with a porous design and exposed brick walls adjacent to sleek interior finishes.
Bedrooms: You may want to enjoy a moment of silence in your private space after coming back from a long day at work. Brick can transform your bedroom into a relaxing nook with its warmth and comforting feel. If you love the texture brick gives to your walls but are not a fan of the color, you can paint brick and wainscoting the same hue as your interior. Combining monochromatic painted brick walls with elegant off-white linens and cushions will make your bedroom become an ideal place for sleep and offer some respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Types of Beams
Ceilings present another opportunity for unifying a distinctive aesthetic. Exposed ceiling beams are a great way to add texture and warmth to a room. With exposed beams, you can play with different styles to give the home a great visual appeal. Whether you use natural wood, faux wood or metal, you can paint them in a color that complements or contrasts with your home’s interior. You could also leave them unpainted or stained for a more rustic look as long as the color is suitable for your interior design.
Wood beams: If you want to decorate your home with a rustic and country style, you can try solid wood. Natural wood creates a warm and cozy atmosphere and a casual feeling. There are different materials for the wooden beams including cedar, hemlock, oak, etc. Depending on your personal taste and the visual effect you like, the solid wood can be sanded, stained, polished, or roughly hewn in order to correspond with other natural materials. However, the disadvantages of solid wood include the high cost, heavy labor and possibility of damage by insects or water.
Faux wood beams: While solid wood can be used for home construction, faux wood is a lightweight alternative that can serve decorative functions. Faux wood offers a more cost-effective solution and comes in all the colors and textures of real wood. It comes in various materials including vinyl, lightweight foam, fiberboard, and polyurethane plastics. The lightweight nature of the artificial beams makes it possible to create and easily install these wonderful accents for the modern home. In addition, pipes and wires can be covered by the faux wood box beams to create visual accents while covering up items you may want to be hidden. Other advantages are its eco-friendly as well as moisture and insect-resistant features. The only weakness for the faux wood is that it can’t be as authentic as natural wood.
Metal beams: Metal ceiling beams can be made of steel or aluminum. The metal gives the home industrial character and is often used in modern loft style interiors. Metal ceiling beams work well with exposed brick walls or concrete walls. Because of their exceptionally strong nature, they are a great choice for structural purposes. Metal beams can also be painted in a color that blends into your interior design or creates a contrast statement. Just make sure to brush off any rust spots and use a primer that is specifically formulated for metal before painting. On the other hand, metal beams are bulky and heavy like the solid wood. Also, moisture may cause damage such as rust. Incorporating lighting fixtures or fastening something to a metal beam can also become quite complicated.
There is something special about the charm and raw beauty of exposed brick and beams. Embracing brick and beams can help you maintain a traditional but innovative look. You can try updating building material to make it last longer with less upkeep. Brick provides rugged beauty and unconventional texture to add aesthetic accents and distinction to any room. Beams are a highly overlooked opportunity for adding elegance, charm, and grace to your home. The selection of brick or beams will depend on the décor style of the room and the budget you want to spend. There are countless sustainable design ideas with brick and beams. With many colors and textures, there are numerous options to match almost any style. 
Ning Qin
Home & Yard Magazine
