The warmth of red brick can completely transform the feel of a space, but it also requires a bit of careful planning to strike the right balance between old-world charm and modern elegance.
Through some research and personal exploration, I found ways to elevate its appearance, incorporating textures, greenery, and complementary design elements to create a truly welcoming and stylish environment.
This article brings together 8 creative ways to make red brick tile flooring shine, blending practicality with aesthetic appeal to suit various home styles.
1. Farmhouse Feel with White Walls
If you’re going for a farmhouse vibe, combining red brick tile flooring with white walls or shiplap creates a clean, timeless look. The key here is contrast. The richness of the red brick pairs well with bright white, allowing both elements to stand out without overwhelming the room.
- Shiplap Walls: White shiplap works especially well in kitchens or living rooms, providing that quintessential farmhouse charm.
- Neutral Furniture: Stick to simple, neutral-toned furniture to let the brick and white walls do most of the talking.
- Natural Light: Maximize natural light to make the space feel open and airy, which balances the heavy texture of the red brick tile flooring.
2. Greenery for Contrast
The warmth of the brick gets balanced by the natural vibrancy of plants, breathing life into the space. Green plants not only add color but also create a connection between the indoors and outdoors, which can be especially effective when you’re working with earthy materials like brick.
- Indoor Plants: Opt for large, leafy plants like fiddle leaf figs or smaller succulents to add a pop of green. The natural tones work beautifully against the bold brick.
- Hanging Plants: In tighter spaces, hanging plants or wall-mounted planters are perfect for adding greenery without crowding the room.
- Wood Accents: Complement the plants with wooden furniture or accents to tie the natural elements together, enhancing the earthy appeal of the red brick floor.
3. Rustic Herringbone Design
A herringbone pattern is a perfect way to elevate red brick tile flooring, adding a layer of visual interest to the rustic texture of the brick. This pattern brings a unique twist, keeping the space feeling classic yet fresh. Herringbone brick layouts have a distinct charm, making even a simple room feel intentional and well-designed.
- Create Movement: The angled pattern naturally guides the eye through the room, adding a sense of flow and movement. This makes it ideal for hallways or living rooms where you want to draw attention.
- Pair with Minimalist Decor: To keep the room balanced, opt for minimalist furniture and decor. Let the floor be the main feature while avoiding clutter.
- Natural Lighting: Herringbone patterns look even more striking when highlighted by natural light. If possible, install large windows or skylights to enhance the effect.
4. Wood Elements for Warmth
Wood and red brick are a natural combination, bringing warmth and a cohesive rustic appeal to any room. Adding wooden furniture, beams, or accents enhances the earthy tones of the brick while keeping the space inviting and cozy.
- Wooden Furniture: Opt for natural wood tones—think oak dining tables, walnut coffee tables, or rustic pine shelving units. These elements create a smooth visual transition from the textured brick floor.
- Wooden Beams: If you’re lucky enough to have exposed wooden beams or can add them, they amplify the warmth and rustic charm of the room, making it feel like a cozy retreat.
- Light vs. Dark Wood: For lighter rooms, use darker woods to contrast the brick’s red hues. If the room already has darker features, choose lighter, unfinished woods to brighten the space.
5. Industrial Accents
Adding industrial elements to a room with red brick tile flooring creates a modern, edgy look. The raw, unfinished quality of exposed brick pairs perfectly with metal accents, adding contrast and texture that gives the room a contemporary feel. Industrial design works especially well if you want to strike a balance between the old-world charm of brick and a more modern aesthetic.
- Metal Fixtures: Exposed metal light fixtures, black steel beams, or even metal-framed furniture add an industrial vibe to the space. These pieces stand out against the warm tones of the brick.
- Concrete Details: Incorporating concrete countertops or side tables can further enhance the industrial theme, adding another raw material that complements both brick and metal.
- Minimal Decor: Keep the decor minimal and functional, emphasizing the materials themselves. Industrial design focuses on the beauty of the structure, so avoid cluttering the space with unnecessary items.
6. Bright Accessories
Red brick tile flooring already brings a lot of character to a room, but adding vibrant accessories can make the space feel even more dynamic. Bright accents help to break up the earthy tones of the brick, making the room feel more modern and lively without overshadowing the flooring.
- Bold Rugs: Add a patterned or brightly colored rug to contrast the deep red of the brick. This can create a focal point and bring warmth to the room.
- Pillows and Throws: Vibrant pillows or throws on sofas and chairs inject energy into the space, providing an easy way to switch up the color scheme without major changes.
- Art and Wall Hangings: Statement art pieces with bold colors can draw attention upward, balancing the richness of the floor with a pop of brightness on the walls.
7. Stone Textures
Pairing stone textures with red brick tile flooring creates a rich, layered look. The mix of natural materials adds depth to rooms where you want to emphasize texture and introduce a touch of the outdoors.
- Stone Walls or Backsplash: Pairing a stone wall or backsplash with brick floors in kitchens or living rooms adds depth and texture. The natural variations in stone enhance the rustic feel of the brick.
- Stone Fireplaces: A stone fireplace next to brick floors can be a powerful design element, creating a cozy focal point while keeping the room’s overall style cohesive.
- Mixed Stone and Brick Patterns: Consider mixing brick and stone in smaller spaces, like entryways or mudrooms, where the two textures can add a visually interesting contrast.
8. Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
Floor-to-ceiling windows paired with red brick tile flooring create a dramatic, open atmosphere that seamlessly connects the indoors with the outdoors. The natural light flooding the room highlights the rich tones of the brick while maintaining an airy, spacious feel.
- Maximizing Natural Light: Large windows allow sunlight to enhance the warmth and texture of the brick, making the room feel larger and more inviting.
- Minimal Window Treatments: Keep window treatments simple or go without to let the light and the outdoor view become part of the design.
- Indoor-Outdoor Connection: Red brick flooring in rooms with direct access to a patio or garden creates a continuous flow between the interior and exterior spaces, perfect for homes with rustic Craftsman style.
Last Words
In the end, red brick tile flooring offers a timeless foundation for a range of design choices. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic Craftsman home, modern industrial accents, or a touch of vintage charm, this flooring can anchor any look with warmth and character. Use the ideas we’ve explored to craft a space that not only showcases the beauty of the brick but also reflects your personal style. It’s all about letting the brick set the tone and building from there, making the room uniquely yours.
