Having exposed brick in your home or apartment is a giant interior design bonus — jackpot, your home is already (at least a quarter) pretty gorg. Come on, who hasn’t sighed dreamily at a beautiful brick wall in an equally well-designed room? Incorporating exposed brick brings character and raw charm into any interior space from your kitchen to your bedroom. Thanks to a wide range of warm, natural colors, exposed brick can provide high style, rustic accents or a modern, industrial feel. Check out these 20 inspo-filled examples of brick walls done right!
1. Feminine Nursery: We wouldn’t have expected to see brick in a nursery, but it looks amazing! (via Grey Likes Baby)
2. Industrial Loft: This loft in Barcelona assumes a chic industrial style with exposed brick walls, metallic pipes and copper lighting. (via Decoist)
3. Glam Brick: Part of the reason we love brick is how versatile it is and adapts to whatever decor you pair it with — in this case, crystal chandeliers. (via Apartment Therapy)
4. New York Loft: Check out Orlando Bloom’s light and airy apartment with exposed brick walls. We would live there in a heartbeat (for more reasons than one). (via Domaine Home)
5. Cheery Accent: All the natural light in this Swedish apartment perfectly showcases the colors in the exposed brick. (via Decoholic)
6. Casual Nook: Just having a brick accent wall can add so much warmth and color to this cozy living room. (via Decor Pad)
7. Graphic Remnants: How dreamy is this bedroom! Answer: very. Very dreamy. (via Franklizstein)
8. Bohemian Loft: The brick in this otherwise all-white loft adds so much character. (via One Kindesign)
9. Parisian Attic: We love a little power pattern clashing in our wardrobe, but this is such a fun mixture of patterns and textures in this brightly-colored space. (via One Kindesign)
10. Edgy Penthouse: This funky space features all kinds of raw textures like brick and a concrete slab kitchen island. (via One Kindesign)
11. London Loft: We are digging the little pops of color in this otherwise neutral, cozy space. (via Stranger Than Vintage)
12. Bathroom Brick: That incredible metallic tub reflects back all the gorgeous textures in this bathroom. (via One Kindesign)
13. Classic White: Even though this brick wall has been painted, it still lends texture to this nature-loving room. (via Freunde Von Freunden)
14. Pastel Backdrop: We are loving this “gallery” of prints and patterns with that brick wall background. (via Decor8)
15. Melbourne Home: A brick wall can really stand up to some bold pieces of art, yes, even this big cat poster. (via The Design Files)
16. Brick Backsplash: Even if you didn’t come by it naturally, you can totally fake a brick wall! (via Houzz)
17. Cozy Warehouse: This space was once a factory and is now a beautiful home and workspace! (via Dwell)
18. Natural Tones: How terrific are all the raw textures in this space and that wooden bead chandelier. (via Tinas Lounge)
19. Just a Hint: Black and white are elegant colors that contrast well against the rugged brick. (via Inside Homes)
20. Green Dining: The wide, light planks in this wood floor stand up to the exposed brick for a unified look. (via Designed For Life)
How do you feel about exposed brick walls? Let us know in the comments below!
Getting the word out about your brand takes time, drive, and ingenuity. And it doesn't come easy for many entrepreneurs. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Taylor Morgan McPherson, founder of Sustainable Sparkle Bar, about ways in which she scored press as a solo startup brand and what she learned from Selfmade to take her brand marketing up a notch.
B + C: How did you know Sustainable Sparkle Bar was your business to start?
Glitter has always been my thing, so when I started my event company I decided to make it my niche. I started telling people I threw glitter-themed parties where people would get sparkled with glitter body art and makeup. Six months after that I applied to my first festival and to work with SUR restaurant in West Hollywood.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
I honestly can't say that I've had a specific strategy that I've followed when it comes to getting my business off the ground. I have a PR background so I was just constantly pitching new business and posting on social media.
B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?
I would say creating a stable income and revenue stream. With a seasonal, event-based business it can be very up and down.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
The relationships I made and the push to start an email database.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I love what I do and I believe in myself 100%. Staying motivated isn't the hard part. Pushing myself to do the work and staying accountable is the hard part.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip? Do you use any apps that help you manage your business?
I keep multiple to-do lists, hand-written and digital. I also tell clients and partners that I will have something to them by a certain time or day so I have to stick to it.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Just do it, take the leap. And don't worry about what anyone else says to thinks.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Issa Rae, I'm so inspired by everything that she's created being a creative and a black woman. It's my dream to have my own show one day based on my life and where I give advice and talk about the world. She's doing it and making people laugh and giving people joy. And it's based in LA. Watching Insecure only further cemented my dreams of wanting to live in LA.
B + C: How did you hear about the Office Depot scholarship?
One of my friends that I met through Camp No Counselors saw an IG ad for it and nominated me.
B + C: What has receiving the scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start/grow your business?
It's completely helped me level up and take my business to another level. Selfmade helped me host my first virtual event and taught me how to set up my website to sell tickets to events and get RSVPs.
B + C: How have Office Depot services or products helped you accomplish more in your business?
I got new cards to send in all of my orders with my discount code on them. I also bought a really cool 4K camera that I now use for my social media.
Thanks Taylor! You really know how to sparkle. We love her colorful, creative vibe. You can follow Sustainable Sparkle Bar on Instagram @sustainablesparklebar.
Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you stand out in the crowd. From signs, posters & banners to promote your business, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get noticed.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.