10 Ways to Update an Exposed Brick Wall—Beyond Just Painting It

Exposed brick walls have an enthusiastic fan base thanks to their warm, vintage-inspired look. Here's the thing: Though they give your home a lived-in, old-world aesthetic, they can also stand in the way of other décor opportunities. The prospect of taking a nail to brick is intimidating—and often, there doesn't seem to be an obvious way to make this wall type feel fresh and modern without breaking out a gallon of (white) paint.

In reality, there are more than a few ways to update interior brick, from using art and molding to opting for eye-catching patterns if you're installing it for the first time. Here, five interior designers share their best suggestions.

Create Contrast With Art

"Instead of covering a brick wall with a bold paint color, create contrast by adding a large, eye-catching piece of art," says Lauren Robbins of Lauren Robbins Interiors. The art style she chooses depends on the specific space, the surrounding décor, and the kind of attention the brick wall and room command—but she often finds herself using abstracts when working with an exposed brick wall. "I love finding and supporting emerging artists, as they are often so excited and willing to work with us on one-of-a-kind pieces specific to our projects," she says.

Hang an Area Rug

If you're trying to create a cozy space, brick's harshness can throw off the vibe—but that's easily remedied by adding something soft to the wall. "I love to hang a great vintage rug on the wall," says says Mark Cutler of CutlerSchulze. "The contrast between the rust color and the soft texture of the rug is really dramatic. As a bonus, it improves the acoustics of your room."

Add Lighting

Rather than trying to cover an interior brick wall, why not shine a (literal) light on it? "Accentuate the brick and make it even more dramatic. Line the floor with a series of up lights. It will bring out the charm and irregularity of the wall and make it into its own art piece," says Cutler.

Ryann Swan of Ryann Swan Design adds that the lighting type you choose can make brick feel updated, creating a tension between old and new. A modern chandelier set against a historic brick wall background is a great example, she says.

Use Shadow Boxes

"Hanging art on the wall is an obvious choice, but using shadow boxes is a way to get a lot more depth and interest," says Cutler. Look for shadow boxes with battery lights to add even more emphasis on the items you choose to highlight. "I like to display art glass pieces. The contrast between the roughness of the brick and the sleek glass is really beautiful to me," he says.

Incorporate Molding

Adding picture frame or chair rail molding isn't reserved for plain walls. It can add dimension and an artful look to a brick interior. Try a contrasting color molding or paint it close to the color of the brick for a monochromatic look.

Cutler suggests combining molding with art. "Use a picture rail to hang the art just off the wall on wires or ribbons to add another layer of depth and detail, and make the whole space look more intentional," he says.

Try a German Schmear

Instead of coating your brick wall in an even layer of white paint, try out a new-to-you technique. "German schmear [above] can be used over brick. It's a wonderful way to make brick look old and weathered," says Ami McKay, the president of and principal designer at Pure Design: Interior Design, Build & Shoppe. "Consider your color tones for mortar or over-grout wash. This method modernizes your space while gently revealing part of the stone and for an old-world feeling."

She recommends using more natural colors for brick and suggests trying this method over a fireplace.

Glaze the Brick

When redesigning spaces that encounter moisture, such as shower walls and kitchen backsplashes, Swan recommends looking at glazed bricks, which feel both modern and historic at the same time. "Suitable for wet spaces, these give the vibe of a brick with a little extra," says Swan.

Think About Pattern

While a running bond pattern is what most people think of when they hear the word brick, there is an incredible repository of patterns that have been used throughout history. Bringing back one of those old patterns can feel unique and fresh. "We're currently installing a killer space for a little boy where we are doing one course of the bricks installed vertically and one course horizontally," says Swan. "And who doesn't love a good herringbone brick?"

Pay Attention to the Type of Brick

If you're installing brick rather than working around an existing wall, then you have the flexibility to choose the color and finish. Think about how easily you can identify the age of a home based on the color of the brick—those pink-tinted tiles from the '60s, the crisp red of the '50s, and the taupe yellow of the '80s. "There are loads of finish options, from traditional red to white washed, especially in thin set brick," says Swan.

Use More Brick

While one wall is nice, more is better. Erin Sander of Erin Sander Design recommends creating an outside-in approach to your entryway design by wrapping brick into the foyer. "The wrapped brick welcomes you into the home with continuous, clean lines, while adding texture and dimension," says Sander. Sander also explains that using brick from floor to ceiling can create a beautiful line of sight while elongating your home.