Brickwork styles
Brickwork is not suitable for all directions. She has become a kind of visiting card of the loft. The "combed" industrial style, due to this decor, emphasizes the laconicism of the interior and the close "relationship" of the premises with the workshop. The tile usually has a rough surface and imitates rough brown brick. In minimalism, such cladding will adorn a practical, no-frills environment. For this direction, materials of calm tones (gray, white) with a smooth surface are chosen. High-tech also uses neutral shades. A stylish solution will be brick tiles with a glossy surface that imitate metal. With country and Provence, the option is combined "with a creak." In the style of the French hinterland, bricks are used only in gentle tones, and country music accepts a rough texture, like in a loft. In the Gothic direction, tiles with the effect of Venetian plaster are used, that is, with a surface that looks like marble with chaotic stains.
Plaster tile for brick
Gypsum - has its own characteristics, both positive and negative. This is the fastest way to play tiles at home.
A special feature is that when creating it with your own hands, a textured drawing (using a stencil) and a color scheme are thought out in advance.
In order for the gypsum tile to retain its appearance, color and textured pattern, it should be treated with a special protective agent and varnished.
The texture of a brick is:
- Matte - does not shine, hides a small image on the front side. Does not glare when exposed to light. Therefore, a certain backlight is created on such a wall from point lighting devices, or the LED strip is fixed on it. And now it is becoming fashionable to introduce light lines created with the help of special profiles and plexiglass into walls and ceilings.
- Glossy varnish highlights the smallest pattern on the front side. Since it gives shine, no light is sent to the finish, as there will be strong reflections. This will be annoying.
- Torn brick is a rough surface with a fine textured pattern. Such a tile with chaotically spaced stripes, angular protrusions. As if it had been carved out of a rock in the mountains and had not been altered. This brick is covered with various varnishes and, sometimes, paint.
- Embossed facing material - has an embossed convex pattern. An arch, or a portal for a TV on the wall, looks unusual with such a finish.
All types of decorative tiles can be made at home if you want to. At the same time, the form for the tile is also easy on your own, if you want to make individualism, although it is easier to buy a ready-made one in a hardware store.
Decorative brick in the interior: choosing a style
Imitation brickwork for interior decoration is widely used in decorating living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, corridors and hallways.
Wall in the bedroom, finished with decorative bricks
Decorative bricks are used to decorate television panels, fireplaces (including electric ones, this makes them more realistic), around mirrors and doors, and decorating external and internal corners.
Section of the wall finished with decorative bricks
At the same time, it is rare when all the walls are completely finished "like a brick" - this is what they do when they want to recreate the atmosphere of a medieval castle, for example, in a fireplace room. It should be remembered that stone (brick) walls can emotionally suppress the people present.More often they are limited to finishing one, less often two walls (an option when a corner fireplace is installed).
Decorating the working kitchen area with decorative bricks
Living room wall decorated with rough brickwork
Decorative brick can be used for space zoning, for example, in the kitchen in the house, with its help you can designate the work area. In addition, for kitchen design, it is often used to decorate the bar counter.
Decorating the working area of a modern kitchen with decorative bricks
Brick goes well with metal and natural wood
Decorative brick painted white visually expands the space and does not "absorb" light
Using decorative bricks to decorate the wall near the stairs
Interior decoration with bricks (photos of original ideas are given below) can be used in different styles:
loft - rough, literally - brutal brickwork is one of the indispensable attributes of style. Usually, when decorating a loft-style living room with decorative bricks, one wall is completely finished, while in order for the masonry to look as realistic as possible, it does not have to be perfect - the brick should, as it were, bear the stamp of time
Decorative brick in the loft interior
Decorative bricks will create the much-needed industrial atmosphere for a loft
Decorative brick looks harmonious with other elements of the country style
Wall decoration around the fireplace in the bedroom with a country-style interior
high-tech - in the decor of the room they use exclusively perfectly smooth, with a glossy surface, gray or shades of white decorative brick. You can arrange one wall, the columns decorated with shiny glossy bricks will also look very impressive. In this case, the grout is selected as much as possible in the tone of the brick used, so that the seams are practically indistinguishable.
Smooth and monotonous decorative brick in a high-tech interior
The use of rough and aged decorative bricks in high-tech interiors
English style - when decorating the kitchen, full cladding of all walls is possible. But only if it is a spacious, large and fairly light kitchen, and other natural materials are involved in the decoration - ceramics, stone, wood. In small kitchens, decorative brick-like tiles are used, which is most often used for an apron. This area is exposed to increased moisture, therefore gypsum bricks are not allowed, besides, a smooth surface is easier and more convenient to wash.
Decorative brick in the kitchen in the English style
How to make plaster tiles with your own hands: manufacturing technology
As you might guess from the name, one of the main components of such a tile is gypsum. It is recommended to use a material marked as gf 10, since its characteristics fully meet all the requirements. Gypsum of this brand is strong enough, has a long service life and tolerates stress well.
If, for some reason, it was not possible to purchase this particular material, you can additionally seal any other by adding special reinforcements to it, designed to improve the properties of the material. But even in this case, it is worth considering that such a facing tile for a brick is not used for external decoration.
So, we will try to figure out how to make gypsum at home, suitable for facing surfaces and at the same time sufficiently resistant to external influences. For this purpose, the following materials can be used:
- gypsum;
- plasticine;
- paraffin (regular candles can be used);
- cardboard box;
- silicone sealant.
For the manufacture of gypsum tiles, gypsum of the Gf 10 brand is best suited
Of course, the easiest way is to use a ready-made silicone mold for tiles, which will significantly simplify the manufacturing procedure and reduce the time spent on that.But in general, you can make a mold for gypsum tiles yourself, using sculptural plasticine.
In order to make the shape, the sculptural plasticine is rolled out in an even layer, the thickness of which should be about 20 mm. Then, using the most ordinary brick, impressions are made inside, which will serve as forms for the ebb.
You can also use paraffin to create a mold for a decorative stone with your own hands. It needs to be melted and poured into an appropriately sized box into which a brick can fit. Once the paraffin is completely cured, it can be removed and used as a mold. The same method works well with silicone sealant.
Making gypsum tiles is quite simple if you follow the rules for working with the material.
How long it will take to make gypsum tiles for a stone directly depends on how many forms will be prepared. It is better if there are enough of them. Then it will take fewer approaches to cast the required number of elements.
The process of making gypsum bricks for interior decoration itself is as follows:
- gypsum must be poured into a container and add water to obtain a creamy solution;
- the forms into which the gypsum solution will be poured for hardening must be pre-lubricated with fat or oil, so that later the elements can be easily removed;
- After pouring the composition into the mold, gently shake it so that the solution is evenly distributed.
One of the main advantages of gypsum tiles is its environmental friendliness.
Gypsum tiles are an excellent facing material that can significantly transform the interior of a room. With its help, you can decorate niches, ledges, staircases in an original way, as well as zone the space. The main thing is to choose the right place for its location in order to avoid contact with moisture and increased mechanical stress. In this case, decorative brick-like tiles will decorate your interior for many years.
Purpose and colors of the material
The material is presented in a large assortment in stores. Having familiarized yourself with the varieties, it will be easier to make a choice.
There are several types of tiles:
- technical is an unpainted material suitable for cladding industrial and laboratory premises. The thickness in this case is usually higher, since for such objects resistance to chemically aggressive substances and mechanical strength are important;
- Plain is a simple product that is equally suitable for decorating a living room or kitchen. It has a higher porosity and a variety of textures;
- waterproof with a good water-repellent layer. It is designed not so much for baths as for more humid rooms - saunas, swimming pools, where the humidity is higher and the temperature drops much more;
- thermal insulation - clinker made in an unusual way. To achieve maximum density, the product is dried before firing. If this is not done, the tiles are more porous and have low thermal insulation properties. This option is suitable for those cases when the external thermal insulation of the building is impossible or insufficient.
Special products are produced for the production of complex architectural forms. Usually such a need arises when decorating public premises.
When choosing, the main focus is on the appearance of the product. The addition of mineral pigments allows you to get any, even exotic shades
In this case, the color does not change over time, since the coloring component is mixed with the original material.
Materials (edit)
Decorative clinker bricks can be of any color. The material is characterized as strong and practical, durable in use. The option can be used both for finishing the premises inside and for finishing the facade of the building.
Everyone knows that gypsum is a crumbly and fragile material, although it is very lightweight and excellent for use during interior finishing work. The natural color of gypsum is white, it can be changed at the stage of dilution of the solution or during installation.
Polyurethane as a material for the manufacture of decorative bricks is widely used for interior decoration.
Polyurethane is widely used for interior decoration
One of the materials for finishing a brick-like wall is polystyrene, available commercially, easy to use and often used in practice.
The most convenient and popular type of indoor decor is gypsum brick. Its cost is cheaper than other analogues, while it is stronger than polymeric materials, and its visual combination with other interior items is more harmonious. If there is a desire to create on your own, then it will not be difficult to make gypsum tiles: mix water with gypsum in the correct proportions, add PVA glue, prepare molds for pouring the solution and wait for it to dry. To make colored gypsum, you just need to add a coloring pigment to the solution.
The most popular type of room decor is gypsum brick.
When laying decorative bricks, you should choose the right adhesive mixture. Ordinary cement glue is used for tiles. Silicone sealants provide fast adhesion to virtually any surface.
To decorate the facade of a building, the adhesive mixture must be resistant to frost and temperature changes, otherwise the solution will flake off along with the decorative coating
It is important to always monitor the storage conditions and shelf life of long-acquired adhesive mixtures so that their useful properties are suitable for use.
Laying gypsum bricks with your own hands
Laying plaster bricks
If you listen to some of the recommendations of experienced finishers, the work will be quite simple:
- Before laying, do not forget about the preliminary preparation of the walls: the imposition of plaster, putty, primer.
- The range of gypsum tiles on the market is quite diverse. It remains only to calculate the required amount of material, select it and take it with a small margin.
- In order to lay the gypsum brick, you will need an ordinary white tile adhesive. The consistency of the glue must be brought to a thick and viscous mass.
- You can trim the tiles with a metal hacksaw or a file.
- Wall decoration is done from the bottom up, the glue is applied not to the wall, but to the tiles. It is recommended to remove excess glue immediately.
- The material needs to be firmly fixed and dry. This can take about 24 hours.
- It is best to varnish the coating with stone mortar. The choice of color or shade of varnish depends only on you. There should be at least two layers of solution application.
- The seams are necessarily processed, all defects are removed and masked.
Size range of clinker bricks
Products of this type are produced by a large number of enterprises both in our country and abroad. One way or another, all manufacturers adhere to certain standard sizes. The dimensions of the brick can be found from its name.
- NF is a single stone with dimensions 250 * 120 * 65 mm.
- There is 1.4 NF - this is a one-and-a-half stone, with parameters 250 * 120 * 88 mm.
- In addition to these samples, there is a double stone 250 * 120 * 140 mm (2.1 NF).
In addition to the listed sizes, manufacturers produce the so-called European brick, it is marked with NF 0.7 and NF 1.3. It has corresponding dimensions 250 * 85 * 65 and 288 * 138 * 65 mm.
Varieties
Brick finish or brickwork is different. Let's take a closer look at the most common and top-end options for such cladding.
From plaster
Plaster bricks are inexpensive and very popular. Decor made from such materials can have almost any texture, shape and size.In addition, many consumers turn to these products, because they are not afraid of temperature changes - under their influence, gypsum stone does not lose its shape and does not undergo deformation. But it must be borne in mind that gypsum cannot boast of special water resistance. A special protective compound will have to be applied to such a finish, which will protect it from excessive moisture absorption. Usually, specialized varnishes and paints are used for this.
If you focus on the texture of the gypsum brick, then the following varieties can be distinguished:
- matte - these bricks have no shine and shine, but are also treated with protective compounds;
- glossy - these are shiny products that are necessarily covered with a special varnish that provides the material with a glossy shine;
- torn - there are no flat planes on such a finish, but there are chaotically scattered roughness and corners;
- embossed - the surface of such decorative bricks is complemented by a variety of embossed overlays;
- concave and convex - such bricks have an interesting volumetric effect, which is achieved due to their non-standard shape.
From ceramics
The first decorative bricks were made from these raw materials. Ceramic bricks are among the most aesthetic and sought-after bricks. With them, you can radically change the interior, making it more comfortable and welcoming.
Ceramic bricks are quite practical, durable and reliable. In many of their characteristics, they are similar to the wear-resistant ceramic tiles that are so popular among modern consumers. The main advantages of such products are:
- high strength;
- unsurpassed reliability;
- long service life;
- incomparable practicality;
- destructive moisture does not penetrate into ceramics, which can eventually destroy this material (which is why the same ceramic tiles are an ideal solution for a bathroom);
- such a brick will not undergo deformation, even if serious loads are placed on it;
- ceramic brickwork is not afraid of temperature changes.
From porcelain stoneware
Such decorative bricks are rightfully recognized as the most reliable, durable and durable. Damaging them is not as easy as it might seem. Porcelain stoneware is made using a special technology, which can only be adhered to in large-scale production. At home, high-quality porcelain stoneware finishing materials simply cannot be made.
Decorative brick made of porcelain stoneware boasts the following positive qualities:
- it is frost-resistant;
- he is not afraid of temperature jumps and moisture penetration;
- such a brick does not absorb dirt, since it has a special top layer;
- in stores you can find a huge number of multi-colored decorative stones from porcelain stoneware;
- similar products are available in a wide variety of sizes.
Clinker
This wall decoration has a special charm. Clinker snow-white elements are very similar to real bricks. This material has a high density, so it can be safely used in the decoration of premises where there are frequent temperature changes.
Useful Tips
What you need to consider when choosing a brick wall for the kitchen:
- Natural brick looks great in the dining area or on a non-working wall, but it is not suitable for an apron. For the cooking area, it is better to choose ceramic tiles with an appropriate design.
- If you want to completely brick one of the walls, you should choose the one that is best lit by the sun.
- It is not necessary to cover all the walls of the kitchen with brickwork, otherwise the room will not differ in any way from the basement. It is best to use this material as a link between zones or decor of openings.
-
A brick kitchen should be as lit as possible. For this, not only lamps and spots are used, additional lighting of furniture and countertops will also not be superfluous. In order to have more light in the room, do not close the windows with too thick curtains.
- Facing tiles can be used to decorate not only the surfaces of walls or floors, but also furniture. Brick is suitable for imitating a fireplace or creating a real home when it comes to a private house.
- The brick ceiling is an original solution, but only suitable for private houses. In modern apartments, this decor not only looks too bulky, but can also be dangerous.
- If the walls of a house or apartment are made of bricks, it is not necessary to subject them to additional processing. But if you wish, you can paint part of the surfaces or highlight niches and protrusions in a different color.
The general rule of design is that for a small kitchen it is better to use light colors, and dark ones are appropriate in spacious rooms with large windows
All of the above are not the only ways to use bricks in the kitchen interior. With the proper imagination and taste, you can create a unique design.
Clinker brick for interiors in the Loft style
Brick cladding gives the facades an original and presentable look. In addition, some elements of the house made of this building material are able to diversify the interior and add their own touch of individuality. Due to the aesthetic properties of clinker bricks and its versatile technical indicators, it has long been the favorite and most popular finishing material.
The facing brick, intended for finishing works, has a low coefficient of water absorption, for this reason it is relatively resistant to destructive factors. Not afraid of ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes, increased moisture, mechanical damage. This advanced material has a relatively high compressive strength, is able to withstand up to 20 thawing and freezing cycles, which means that the brick is endowed with excellent frost resistance. He is not afraid of chemical aggression, abrasion and other mechanical stress.
At the core of clinker bricks, special technological and production solutions are involved, which help to achieve high quality results. In production, only high-tech raw materials are used, and instead of firing, the brick is sintered at a sufficiently high temperature, therefore this material is distinguished by exceptional hardness, unique water absorption parameters, environmental friendliness and excellent durability.
There is a wide range of clinker bricks on the market, which differ in color spectrum and texture. It can perfectly imitate various natural materials: marble, tiles, wood. The color scheme of the material directly depends on the raw materials used. Clinker bricks are ideally combined with glass, raw concrete, steel.
The surface of the brick can be rough or smooth, have a traditional shape or with rounded corners, taking into account the various colors and textures, it is this material that opens up great opportunities, allowing you to create amazingly beautiful compositions in the interior. With the help of clinker, you can emphasize and highlight the most expressive structural elements: bay windows, arches, podiums, window openings or even entire walls.
Application as a fundamental material dictates its own style, which can be safely implemented. Most often, clinker is used according to the principle of contrasting color and texture in relation to other used finishing materials as an accent element. Clinker brick in interior decoration is an integral part of the popular loft style today.
What it is?
Facing (decorative) brick is a unique building material that has recently appeared on the market, but has already been widely used. It is chosen both for interior decoration of apartments and country houses. Working with such a brick is simple, so it is often done independently, without the help of specialists. Due to the fact that this facing product has high strength, durability and environmental friendliness, it is recommended to use it in the design of any premises, including children's rooms. Decorative panels are available in a variety of colors, ranging from delicate white to bright yellow and brown.
By its structure, decorative brick resembles a certain combination of tiles with artificial stone. To date, manufacturers produce this material using clay, cement and gypsum as the main component. In contrast to artificial stone, facing brick is characterized by a relief surface. It has a rectangular shape, there are also models with slightly rounded corners.
The main advantages of the product include:
- ease of installation;
- durability and reliability in operation;
- high wear resistance;
- absence of components harmful to human health;
- excellent sound insulation;
- fire resistance;
- a wide range of models.
As for the shortcomings, there are none, except for the high cost. But manufacturers have recently begun to produce budget versions of the material that are in no way inferior in quality and are available for purchase to families with an average financial income. In addition, a huge selection of material formats allows you to save on finishing work. Traditionally, the product has the dimensions of an ordinary brick, but its height can be from 6 to 15 cm, and the length is 16-24 cm, while the thickness of the tiles is unchanged and equal to 2.5 cm.