Tom Scheerer would paint the bricks.
So, here is a blurry camera phone photo of my yet to be decorated office. What was once a screened porch will soon become my cozy work space and I am still debating whether to paint over the brick or keep it exposed. The minimalist decorator in me imagines how nice it might look under a coat of White Dove, but I worry I may be losing one of the few interesting elements in our otherwise architecturally bland home. 
According to Dara from Domino, exposed brick can "suck the life out of a room", but I am still not 100% convinced. 
Once you commit to painting brick, there is no easy way of going back. However, a white background would give my growing art collection a lift. Decisions, decisions. Any advice?
Top photo from Tom Scheerer, Third photo from Domino, December 2006, Fourth photo from Living Etc. by Penny Wincer
27 comments:
I vote for painting the bricks. I was thinking it would make a nice neutral backdrop and then you mentioned your art collection which sealed it.
I vote to paint the bricks. I like the look of your example photos.
Is this the same color brick that is on the exterior of the house? Is this painted or are you thinking about it?
Unless you have really interesting brick or George Washington slept there, I vote for paint. The pattern and texture will still be there.
My "paint the brick" story: Prior to our renovation: The first time our designer came to our house - before he get into the door - he said, "Paint the brick." The first time our (noted Atlanta architect) friend came over - before he get into the door - he said, "Paint the brick." Our brick was pretty boring and looks great painted.
Paint the brick. It's interesting, but not in a good way.
Yeah, that's a lot of brick (in the same manner Tim Gunn would say, "That's a lot of look.")
I vote for painting the brick.
painting the brick for sure!!!
I say paint away. Suddenly it will become a neutral palette with delicious texture. Never a bad thing.
paint ;-)
paint paint paint! it'll look great, so fresh and bright. the grid of the window panes are competing with the grid of the exposed brick and that little space looks so busy! can't wait to see it after a transformation :)
your art will struggle on the exposed
brick i think...therefore paint is it.
Without a doubt, paint it. It would look fabulous in that area!
I vote for paint, but you are the one who has to live with it- so you have to be happy with the paint :) I do think it would look very pretty though.
Thanks for all of the thoughtful suggestions. It seems like the "paints" have the popular vote. I will keep you posted!
Oh and the exterior is the same exposed brick. Painting that would be an option someday too. (Though I am ready for a break between painting projects).
Have you thought about limewash? I think a wash is much prettier than paint -- the brick still shows through.
Good luck
I'm going to be the lone person to say no to the paint. I think it's nice the way it is and would really offset some white or pale blue furniture. The finality of painting brick is a little much for me. I look forward to seeing what you decide.
paint!!!!!!!!!! you don't have to paint it white though - maybe an light taupe would look less stark?
Paint!! It will still retain that rough texture and architectural interest, but prettier. All your examples of painted brick are great.
–Lana
Okay, I have a question for all you designers.
I have a blonde brick fireplace wall. I change the mantlescape constantly and use "brick hangers" for the artwork. Most times I have to scrape the brick edges to get a good grip which I couldn't do with painted brick.
How would an art collection be hung on painted brick?
I love painted bricks ...the texture is still there but it's less chaotic.
Paint the brick and never look back. Once it's a beautiful creamy white and your office looks twice as big and bright, you'll wonder why you ever hesitated.
Paint it white or a historic neutral, a pale grey.
PAINT! It doesn't have to white, or all white, it could also be a neutral. There are some types of old bricks that make one feel guilty painting over-yours are not one of them.
Oh, and if people want to paint over brick but are not sure if they may someday change their mind... Do a clear coat or two to get into all of the crevices. That way the future sandblasters removing the paint will have no problems.
I love!!! exposed brick. Think twice.
But I grew up in Fells Point,Md where brick is almost a necessity. I don't have it in my current suburban
home and I miss it terribly.
Get your brush out and paint that brick. It will unify the space.
I say save the brick and paint the trim black or charcoal.
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