As brick showrooms reopen around the country, trends are emerging in residential and commercial applications.
Brick Industry Association (BIA) member manufacturers report that monochromatic colors at both ends of the spectrum are the top home and commercial trends—primarily whites, blacks, light and mid- to dark grays.
In addition to whites, West Coast trends also include limewashed and whitewashed exteriors and interiors. Painted brick is also becoming regionally popular, offering a way to change colors at any time.
“Unlike other exteriors with limited choices, brick offers virtually endless new options in hundreds of colors that do not fade and do not need to be replaced,” says Ray Leonhard, BIA president, CEO and CFO.
On the commercial side, BIA manufacturers report that mixed materials are gaining ground—incorporating brick with complementary materials such as metal, steel, glass and wood.
Glazes in bold colors are also increasingly popular with a growing standard palette and custom colors.
Additionally, new coated brick products are trending in commercial applications—primarily grays that complement whites and blacks.
Commercial brick trends also include linear style and elongated sizes, with darker tones such as dark gray or black products.
Residential and commercial interior trends include thin brick industrial looks that blend vintage and contemporary design to create Old World charm with modern polish, such as an exposed brick wall, backsplash and floor applications.
Made from natural resources, fired-clay brick exteriors offer durability, fire and moisture resistance, energy efficiency and performance in severe weather.
Contributing BIA members include Acme Brick, The Belden Brick Co., Belden Tri-State Building Materials, General Shale, Glen-Gery, McNear Brick & Block, Meridian Brick LLC, Pine Hall Brick and Triangle Brick Co.