For the Love of Brick: 25 Inspiring Uses of the Humble Brick
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Inspiring Uses of the Humble Brick
Bricks are easily overlooked. But they're one of the most versatile and hard-wearing building materials we have. Look at the ruins of ancient Rome - bricks that were laid thousands of years ago are still there today, looking as good as ever. Now that's a classic!
Here are 25 inspiring ways you can use bricks in your next project:
1. Replace Broken Bricks With Glazed Bricks
Combine regular bricks with glazed bricks. If some of your old bricks are cracked or damaged, have a bricklayer replace them with glazed bricks instead of trying to match the existing. It could create a surprising and stylish alternative to the awkward combination of aged bricks and their poorly matched counterparts.
2. Think Different Brick Patterns
Think different bond patterns (and completely different bricks). This fireplace created by artist Michael Morgan, uses a salt-glazed brick with a striking texture and glass and porcelain slip applied to create a radically different style of brick. To top it off, the fireplace doesn't use the standard stretcher-bond pattern, it uses a modified basket weave to stunning effect. Any talented bricklayer can undertake a project like this, but you might need to contact a ceramics expert to get the same porcelain and glass finish!
3. Bricks for Texture
A simple building can be transformed into a work of art by using a brick pattern that includes bricks on end to create texture and depth. In this building by MAKE Architects in Melbourne, the sun plays on the brick pattern to create incredible shadows that change throughout the day.
4. Or Texture and Screening
Another example of the incredible patterns and variety that can be created by using a brick in unconventional ways. These bricks create a screen for this apartment building.
6. Curving Bricks
With a bit of help from a concrete wall, bricks can go from a paving material into the wall itself.
7. To Defy Gravity
These bricks are defying gravity thanks to some clever engineering in this Brisbane home. Large expanses of open glass let the building open onto an internal courtyard, with above the brick becomes a screen, letting in light without compromising privacy.
8. For Private Courtyards
In this Sydney residence, a brick wall pulls apart to become a screen for a private courtyard. The painted white bricks feel light and bright.
9. For Green Walls
Thanks to advances in 3D printing, bricks today can be any shape you can imagine. They can even include pockets for succulents and plants to grow. Now that's a green wall!
10. For Fun
Artist uses a 3D printer to create 'prosthetics' for chipped and broken bricks that seem to reveal the inner makeup of bricks as Lego!.
11. Softening Corners
Glazed bricks in vibrant colours look great with really dark mortar. What's even better is they can have curved edges for super stylish look!
12. Or For Floors
Bricks can even go on the floor! This gorgeous herringbone pattern brings warmth to the house. Bricks on the floor are hard-wearing and can be sealed to protect them from stains.
13. Mix Old Bricks with New Styling
Exposing old brick and blending it with modern styling can create a stunning contrast.
14. Or Use Fake Bricks Instead
Sometimes it's ok to fake it. If you like in a house without brick, you can apply brick tile to get the warm brick look in any room. You're probably best to contact a tiler to help you with this, so it looks super professional.
15. Don't Forget Space for Wine
A brick wall can be reconfigured to include terracotta wine storage! This will keep the wine's temperature moderated and looks incredible, too.
16. You Can Paint Bricks
Bricks can always be painted if you don't like their colour. This article has some tips for updating your bricks with paint.
17. Or Make Show Stopping Fireplaces
Geometric configurations of brick can make great feature walls or fireplaces. This home is classic mid-century modern thanks to this stunning fireplace. Simple, but very effective!
18. Bricks Can Be Stained
Instead of painting bricks, why not stain them instead! You'll retain all the texture of the original, as well as the differently coloured mortar, but it can be any colour you choose (as long as it's darker).
19. Or Painted Like a Chalkboard
Use a super matte paint on bricks for this stunning effect. It's giving me an idea - you could use blackboard paint for your own brick blackboard!
20. Whitewashed Bricks
Check out this article on how to get that sought-after whitewashed brick look, even if you're not lucky enough to live in a converted loft.
21. Multicoloured Bricks
If all else fails, so multi-coloured paint goes a long way to brighten up even the most drab brick walls!
22. Pot Plant Bricks
The holes (called 'frogs') in bricks can be put to good use as pot plants!
23. Or Candle Holde Bricks
Or candle holders!
24. Bricks Painted in a Pattern
You could paint over some of your brick wall to reveal a great pattern (like a map of the world).
25. Insta-Bricks!
Probably the coolest thing I've ever seen. You can now gat a machine to lay your pavers in a perfect herringbone pattern. We're living in the future, people!
There are so many ways you can use bricks in interesting ways. Have you seen some uses of bricks you just love? Let us know in the comments!
Need a Bricklayer?
If you need a bricklayer to make your brick dreams a reality, we can help! Service Central has qualified, experienced bricklayers in your area. Hire a bricklayer today!
About the Author
Brodie Norris runs Lunchbox Architect, which features one architecturally designed home each weekday. Recently Lunchbox Architect featured a Melbourne home with some pretty inspiring use of brick.
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