Exposed brick is a predominant feature in industrial and urban interiors, often sighted in New York apartments and coffee shops. Its unique rough texture is undoubtedly appealing but often raises a question: how to make a room with exposed brick feel warm and inviting. Actor Neil Patrick Harris gives us an answer from his own home décor – blue velvet.
A glimpse of his living room through an Instagram post reveals how the space has been transformed from industrial to welcoming. With plain cream walls accented with an exposed brick wall, the interior does an exquisite job with other elements like rattan lampshades and indoor plants that add a touch of nature. However, it’s the blue velvet sofa and the chair that provide the softening effect, turning the otherwise cold brick wall into a warm and inviting space.
According to Nitya Seth, principal designer at Nityanamya, the magic is in the mix. The combination of the soft nature of blue velvet with the rough texture of bricks likens to a cozy embrace, making the space warm and inviting. Velvet brings warmth while retaining formality, beautifully complementing the rough brick and giving the room a luxurious feel. This combination is particularly perfect for a living room where comfort is just as important as aesthetics.
The seating arrangement plays a key role in the scheme. As told by Pam Hutter, sustainability-focused architect, mixing exposed brick with blue velvet seating results in an engaging interplay of textures and styles. The hard, rustic brick against the soft, plush velvet adds depth and sophistication, thereby enhancing the overall appeal of the space.
Apart from being visually appealing, such a look is also known for being timeless. Seth shares that this style is not a fad, but a mix of vintage and modern that suits evolving tastes. The exposed brick, commonly known as industrial chic, when adorned with fabrics like blue velvet, becomes a definition of contemporary sophistication. Velvet’s recent popularity is expected to continue due to the versatility it brings.
Adding to Seth’s thoughts, Hutter shares from her experience in sustainable home designing that using blue velvet with brick successfully bridges the gap between historic and contemporary aesthetics, making it continuously popular. The usage of blue velvet not only softens the stark industrial feel of the brick but also brings a vibrant contemporary edge.
Exposed brick is a classic backdrop with a timeless appeal which is enhanced by introducing a touch of modern luxury in the form of blue velvet, making the interior look fresh and enticing. This harmony between old and new is similar to using reclaimed wood and organic fabrics in home designs, which is the current trend in creating sustainable and stylish living spaces.
So, if you want to add warmth and interest to an exposed brick scheme, rich blue textures are essential. They can easily be incorporated through design details even if velvet is not your favorite fabric.
For instance, a blue velvet sofa would add rich texture while also serving practicality, ink blue bookends can introduce a bit of color and another blue element could be a stain-resistant rug.
Warming up an industrial decor scheme in your living space does not have to be a difficult task. The right mix of color and fabric texture can blend seamlessly with the rusticity of the brick. Blue velvet could just be the perfect solution.
