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Brick walls and modern interiors – one would imagine that they would be at odds with one another. But the last few years have seen architects and homeowners gravitate towards the beautiful brick wall whenever they need a touch of texture, unique character and a dab of timeless charm sprinkled in the living room. For some, the exposed brick wall in the living room is an expression of the rich, historic past of the building and a blend of the past and the present. For others, it is a way to add elegance and personality to an otherwise boring interior dominated by glass and stone. No matter what your reason is, there is no doubting the fact that brick walls are here to stay.

Of course, you might live somewhere that doesn't have a natural brick wall. Don't worry! There are tons of faux-brick options that allow you to perfectly personalize your space. This faux-brick wallpaper has a 3D effect that makes sure it doesn't look campy or overly fake. For a modern look you can get this faux-brick wallpaper.

Inventive use of mirrors in the living room [Design: Interior Marketing Group]

The exposed brick wall in the living room can come in a wide array of forms and hues, and it seems to fit in with styles ranging from industrial and shabby chic to contemporary and vintage. Today, we have a collection of 100 spellbinding living rooms with brick walls that will fascinate, inspire and elevate your design creativity. Delve in and enjoy!

1. Modern Living Spaces with Brick Walls

Modern living rooms with an accent brick wall are currently a hot trend that does not seem to fade away. If you happen to live in an apartment, loft or private residence where brick walls are all neatly covered up, then it is time to dig deep and let the original brickwork shine through. The color and style of brickwork can make a big difference in the overall appeal of the living room, and in the case of most modern spaces, painting them white is a safe and smart option. This keeps the backdrop distinctly neutral while adding texture to the room.

Modern living room mixes brick wall with contemporary shelves in white [Design: Downie North Architects]
Modern living room mixes brick wall with contemporary shelves in white [Design: Downie North Architects]
Painted brick wall in gray for the contemporary home [Design: Stuart Sampley Architect]
Painted brick wall in gray for the contemporary home [Design: Stuart Sampley Architect]
Stylish living room of an urban loft in Chicago [Design: Jessica Lagrange Interiors]
Stylish living room of an urban loft in Chicago [Design: Jessica Lagrange Interiors]
Transitional living room with plenty of natural light [Design: Steele Street Studios]
Transitional living room with plenty of natural light [Design: Steele Street Studios]
Eclectic living room with masterful use of the brick accent wall [From: StruXture Photography]
Eclectic living room with masterful use of the brick accent wall [From: StruXture Photography]

Those looking for more dynamic alternatives can try out a hot neutral like gray or even black to create bold backdrop. The classic red brick wall also seems at home in contemporary living rooms where the rest of the interior is as neutral and uncluttered as possible. This gives the living room an organize, aesthetic look even while turning the brick wall into its one true showstopper!

2. Decorating with Panache!

The exposed brick wall offers a lovely and vibrant backdrop that lets you showcase your cherished art collection or favorite set of family photographs proudly in the living room. Unlike the generic white walls, this is a gallery-style setting that is far more energetic, distinctive and attractive. With the right lighting, décor and accessories, a living room with brick walls can be far more visually appealing, as it lets the furniture in neutral hues shine through. Decorating a room with brick walls does require far more discipline though, as an eclectic mix can quickly end up becoming ungainly clutter because of improper planning.

Colorful couch in blue, rug and plush chairs make a vivacious living room [Design: S&K Interiors]
Colorful couch in blue, rug and plush chairs make a vivacious living room [Design: S&K Interiors]
Contemporary living space with rug in copper blue and plush sofa in dark gray [From: James Maynard- Vantage Imagery]
Contemporary living space with rug in copper blue and plush sofa in dark gray [From: James Maynard- Vantage Imagery]
Dashing contemporary living room with understated design [Design: A Design Lifestyle]
Dashing contemporary living room with understated design [Design: A Design Lifestyle]
Decorate the living room brick wall with modernity [Design: Meghan Carter Design]
Decorate the living room brick wall with modernity [Design: Meghan Carter Design]
Vintage illuminated sign and gorgeous storage shelf in the living room [Design: Meritage Homes]
Vintage illuminated sign and gorgeous storage shelf in the living room [Design: Meritage Homes]
Vivacious eclectic living room with a fabulous brick wall backdrop [Design: mikel irastorza]
Vivacious eclectic living room with a fabulous brick wall backdrop [Design: mikel irastorza]

3. Industrial and Beyond

As we alluded to earlier, there are plenty of styles that work well with the brick wall in the living room. But it is the effervescent and functional industrial style that is without a doubt at the top of that list. Industrial style and exposed brick walls go hand in glove, and with adaptive reuse of old structures becoming the norm in the world of home renovations, the brick wall is definitely here to stay. Coupled with exposed duct pipes, large windows with dark metallic frames and smart lighting, they create the perfect living room for those who love industrial.

Bamboo in a pot for the cool living room [Design: Luv2Dezin]
Bamboo in a pot for the cool living room [Design: Luv2Dezin]
Living and dining room with exposed brick walls [Design: The Graces - ReMax Hallmark Realty]
Living and dining room with exposed brick walls [Design: The Graces – ReMax Hallmark Realty]
Natural wood and painted brick walls create a lovely contrast in the relaxing living room [Design: Huniford Design Studio]
Natural wood and painted brick walls create a lovely contrast in the relaxing living room [Design: Huniford Design Studio]
White, painted brick walls add to the drama of the large industrial Chelsea loft [Design: Studio D+FORM]
White, painted brick walls add to the drama of the large industrial Chelsea loft [Design: Studio D+FORM]
White brick wall is a favorite among contemporary homeowners looking for textural contrast [Design: Vick Vanlian Architecture and Design]
White brick wall is a favorite among contemporary homeowners looking for textural contrast [Design: Vick Vanlian Architecture and Design]
Heavy wooden beams and brick walls accentuate the Southwestern style in the room [Design: Chandler Prewitt Interior Design]
Heavy wooden beams and brick walls accentuate the Southwestern style in the room [Design: Chandler Prewitt Interior Design]

Heavy wooden elements combined with brick walls in white can create a smart background for styles such as Mediterranean, farmhouse and rustic. The use of a whitewashed brick wall gives the living room a cheerful, light and breezy ambiance where natural light is amplified to create an atmosphere of freshness. This makes them apt for elegant and unique beach-style living rooms as well.

4. Brick Walls for Small Living Rooms

Have a small living room? When it comes to exposed brick walls, that is not a problem whatsoever. In fact, the textural beauty of the brick walls brings warmth to the small living space and turns it into an inviting setting. There are two different approaches you can take here depending on both your personal taste and the style you are shooting for. The first is to go down the eclectic route and create curated chaos that steals the show with its amazing array of colors, textures, contrasting styles and unique décor pieces. This is a look that demands balance, an eye for interior design and the discipline to know when to stop adding more to the room.

A hint of black anchors the eclectic room [Design: Tiffany Hanken Design]
A hint of black anchors the eclectic room [Design: Tiffany Hanken Design]
Art work, coffee table on wheels and vintage decor additions add texture to the small room [Design: M/I Homes]
Art work, coffee table on wheels and vintage decor additions add texture to the small room [Design: M/I Homes]
Chic Scandinavian living room with a feminine vibe [Design: Tara Benet Design]
Chic Scandinavian living room with a feminine vibe [Design: Tara Benet Design]
Smart living room with vintage touches [From: Vintage Renewal]
Smart living room with vintage touches [From: Vintage Renewal]
Bright and beautiful industrial loft living room [Design: Homepolish]
Bright and beautiful industrial loft living room [Design: Homepolish]

Another approach to decorating the small living room with a brick wall is to draw inspiration from modern Scandinavian style. Frugality, clean straight lines and neutral hues are the norm here, and this approach lets the accent brick wall make a bold visual statement. Remember that in small rooms you need ONE clear and distinct decorating style whether it is vintage, modern, industrial or shabby chic.

5. Throw in a Curve Ball!

Living rooms with brick walls can also go beyond the ordinary, and there are plenty of ways to get this done without going overboard financially. A simple option is to try out a bit of graffiti that adds color and pattern to the exposed brick wall and really gives it that edgy, street vibe. If you happen to be lucky enough to have a curved brick wall or any other unusual feature in the living room, then highlight it skillfully and let it become the star of the show.

Creative way to highlight the curved brick wall in the living room [Design: Manuel Sequeira Architecte]
Creative way to highlight the curved brick wall in the living room [Design: Manuel Sequeira Architecte]
Curved wall in Endicott Brick steals the show in contemporary family room [Design: Hufft Projects]
Curved wall in Endicott Brick steals the show in contemporary family room [Design: Hufft Projects]
Exposed brick work adds both color and texture to the modern interior [Design: Temza]
Exposed brick work adds both color and texture to the modern interior [Design: Temza]
Graffiti on the walls makes for a great addition in the living room with brick walls [Design: CityLoft]
Graffiti on the walls makes for a great addition in the living room with brick walls [Design: CityLoft]
Sheer curtains bring a touch of softness to the grand living room [Design: TONIC Design]
Sheer curtains bring a touch of softness to the grand living room [Design: TONIC Design]
Sensational living room of London apartment [Design: Michaelis Boyd Associates]
Sensational living room of London apartment [Design: Michaelis Boyd Associates]

Dark brick walls in black will always attract attention, while there are occasions when it is the décor around them that will make all the difference. Play with contrasting textures (such as delicate sheer curtains and rough, exposed brick walls) or shades (whitewashed and red brick walls in the same room) to bring alive the inimitable living room that you always dreamed about!