Thin Brick Veneers: Contemporary Design Trends

With a wealth of new brick products on the market, contemporary interior brick design trends are all about adding warmth, texture, character, and even a bit of modernity to a space. Brick is a timeless, low-maintenance, and versatile material that can be used in a variety of ways, from creating a focal point to adding a touch of industrial chic or timeless refinement. Products such as thin brick veneers come in contemporary colors, sizes, and textures, providing a fresh take on this timeless material.

Brick is becoming increasingly popular in contemporary interior design. Trends on the upswing include:

• Exposed brick: Exposed brick walls are always on trend. They add a touch of loft or industrial style and add character to any room in which they are used, whether in a residence or commercial space such as restaurants.
• Brick accent walls: Brick accent walls are a great way to add a touch of interest to a room without overwhelming the space.
• Backsplashes: Designers and homeowners are discovering that brick adds classic warmth to kitchen and bathroom backsplashes.
• Floors: Brick not only looks great underfoot, but is a highly functional and durable alternative to the expected wood or tile.
• Whitewashed brick walls: Even if you don’t have brick to whitewash, a thin brick veneer can be installed and whitewashed for a beautiful effect. Whitewashing brick walls gives them a softer, more weathered look. This is a great option for creating a cozy and inviting space.
• German schmear: Recreate the look of centuries-old European brick installing a thin brick veneer — to an accent wall or fireplace, for instance — then apply and partially wipe away wet mortar before allowing it to dry.
• Painted brick walls: Painting brick walls creates a classic, yet contemporary look. Popular colors include white, black, and gray.
• Brick fireplaces: The popularity of classic brick fireplaces, both indoors and outdoors, is enjoying a resurgence. Bricks add warmth and character to a space and can be used as a focal point.

Whether you are a design professional or a homeowner, it is important to remember that when incorporating brick into your contemporary interior design, keep the overall balance of the space in mind. Brick can be a heavy element, so it is important to pair it with other light elements to create a balanced look.

The term “veneer” can conjure an artificial material. Wood veneer, for instance, is a very thin layer of wood placed over a substrate, rather than a solid piece of wood. Brick veneer, on the other hand (unlike faux brick, which can be made of plastic or concrete) is authentic brick: either a slice taken from a full-faced brick, or, less frequently, a brick that is extruded just like a standard brick, but in thinner pieces before it is dried and fired.

Depending on the manufacturer and the product, brick veneers are ½- to one-inch thick bricks that can be applied to exterior or interior walls to give the appearance of a solid brick wall.

When they are to be used for large areas, such as commercial or residential exteriors, thin brick veneers can be set into panel systems before they arrive at the construction site, then installed. When they will be used in interior applications, such as brick accent walls, fireplace surrounds, backsplashes, or floors, thin brick veneers are installed via a traditional mortar set, very similar to installing tile. The benefits of this installation is that it requires no mason. In fact, even a handy do-it-yourselfer can install thin brick veneers successfully.

Brick veneers are a popular choice for both new construction and renovation projects. They offer a number of advantages over traditional brick masonry, including:

• Cost: Brick veneers are less expensive than traditional brick masonry, both in terms of the material itself and the cost of installation.
• Weight: Brick veneers are much lighter than traditional brick, which makes them ideal for use on existing walls that may not be able to support the weight of a solid brick wall.
• Versatility: Brick veneers can be applied to both interior and exterior walls, and they can be used on a variety of surfaces, including wood, concrete, and masonry.

Because of their increased popularity, brick veneers are available in a wide variety of colors, textures, and finishes, so you can choose the perfect look for your home or, if you are a designer, your client’s project.

Designers and homeowners are turning more to brick veneers from Royal Thin Brick. Recently introduced by the 150-year old Ironrock company, Royal Thin Bricks feature:

• An upscale, contemporary feel
• Classic and modern color choices from traditional reds to light neutrals and a nearly-black gray
• A popular queen-size face (5⅞ x 2¾)
• L-shaped corner pieces for the look of full-sized brick in three-dimensional applications.
• Ohio and Pennsylvania clays and shales — widely regarded as some of the best in the world
• Kiln-firing in Ironrock’s 150-year-old brickmaking tradition
• A wire-cut texture
• A weathered, reclaimed appearance achieved by tumbling
• A low, ⅝’’ profile to fit where full bricks can’t.
• Low moisture absorption for outdoor applications
• Easy installation — with no reinforcements or footers required.

Royal Thin Brick can be installed on nearly any sound structural interior or exterior surface. Royal Thin Brick veneers are as easy to install in remodeling projects as they are in new construction. Floors, backsplashes, fireplaces, feature walls, porches, walkways — with incomparable style, Royal Thin Brick brick veneers go anywhere you want the look of full brick without the added cost and effort.