From a tiny rectangle, comes the single largest style component of your whole house, bricks. With the ability to set, transform and add depth and appeal to your new home façade, it’s important to get them right. Below, builder Henley shares the top three brick selection tricks.
1. Don’t choose a fad brick – Henley are seeing a suite of rich terracotta, industrial and recycled bricks making a fashion statement on facades around Australia but choose conservatively, advises Henley Design colour consultant Heidi Schwieters.
“The three lasting choices within Henley Design are the soft neutral tones, moodier modern charcoals and industrial rustic reds. Neutral brown bricks in lighter or darker shades have always been a classic favourite. Clients want colours that will not date so easily or schemes that will be able to be adjusted to suit changing moods or for resale benefits. These brick colours complement well with natural elements to the facades such as timber stains, and blend seamlessly with surrounding scenery.
“Dark charcoal bricks are still going strong. Coupled with bright whites and lighter shades of grey, it gives us a very moody and contemporary feel and enables us to highlight certain architectural elements with the façade. This scheme can also create a beautiful and dramatic backdrop to the landscaping.
2. Always look at a sample outside - It’s important to see what your selections look like in natural light, as it is sometimes difficult to see the exact look of your selection when you are indoors.
At Henley Design there is an external courtyard, which allows customers to view all brick samples, aggregate and concrete finishes in real weather conditions.
3. Visit as many displays as you can - Before you attend your selections appointment, take notes of each and every display home you like the look of.
“We explain at our Henley information sessions that bricks can have variation as they are a natural product, but also that some brick ranges can have many shades and nuances that make up a story of colour so it is important to check them out on bigger scale if possible to see the full picture come together,” says Heidi.
By following these simple steps, your exterior selections will no doubt make you smile and feel proud, each and everytime you arrive home or welcome guests to your door.
