Should we white/limewash our brick or leave it alone?

6 years ago

We’re closing on our home in a few weeks, and I love the house. The only negative is the brick, it feels a little dark to me.
There is A LOT of brick inside as well. I could live with it, but I’m curious what other opinions are on whitewashing. I can’t really imagine how it’d look lighter so I’m really torn. So white or lime wash or leave it alone?
How big of a project would it be? DIY or worth hiring a pro?
(I’m posting all I have of the brick, the interior pics make it look a little lighter than it really is. It’s actually a dark grey mortar, not the light grey some of the pics make it appear)

Featured Answer

Nick Miller

6 years ago

Looks like a great house! But if the brick is a problem to you, it's not a small problem, because like you said it looks to be everywhere. If you can't imagine what it would look like, don't do it yet. If you do still want to, have someone pre-visualize it for you somehow so you can get a sense of what it will look like. Because it would be a huge gamble if you're on the fence.

I have a much smaller house with a chicago style brick fireplace, inside and out, very similar to what the brick in your kitchen looks like. At first I thought it was dark and "70's" and my inclination was to paint it white. I'm really glad I didn't. If anything... I'd strongly suggest putting on the brakes and live there for awhile. It takes time to get fully used to a new place, and in 6 months you might find you don't mind the red brick so much. Or you might find you dislike it even more. But living in the space for awhile should help you make a determination if you're "torn".

Everyone is different so you have to do what YOU want, but my 2 cents is it looks great as-is. It's not like it's a modern house. It's full of detailing and has some rustic sensibilities to it. Some of those qualities must have drawn you to the house in the first place. I'd probably just double-down and embrace it.

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Comments (7)

PRO
Michael Menn Ltd.
6 years ago
This is a large project to undertake. I would recommend a professional. If you hire a professional, you would get a warranty and someone to call if you have a problem.
Jenn Hoffman Ambler,PA (7A)
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Congrats on the new house! On the outside, I would hire a professional that can present you with computer options on how it will look remodeled. Maybe even cover the brick with a complementary color or similar color to the gray color (stone?). I think that the brick on the inside gives it character and looks nice, but not necessarily with the kitchen granite. Look for some online photos of kitchens with your color brick for ideas for matching granite and possibly different color cabinets. Pinterest is a good place to start or just google. You may really like the granite and cabinets though so in that case maybe just take the brick out and open up the kitchen to the living space. Just a few thoughts. Good luck!
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Jenn Hoffman Ambler,PA (7A)
6 years ago
Live Wire, btw, that is a terribly rude comment. Laura just bought this house and may love the layout and kitchen. She never said anything about remodeling the kitchen and “terrible layout”.
PRO
Bricks Incorporated
6 years ago
We love your beautiful brick as is! However, if you decide to change the color of your brick, definitely work with a pro. Incorrectly staining or limewashing brick can lead to permanent damage that will be very costly to repair down the line. Be sure to ask your expert for information on how the process will affect your brick over time. And whatever you do, DON'T paint it - it might look nice for awhile, but your brick will suffocate and again, experience premature decay down the line.
laurakelly104
Original Author
6 years ago
@live_wire_oak This is my second post that you’ve rudely responded to. I said nothing about gutting it and I actually LOVE this “terrible layout”?? Most people, in my experience, love an open floor plan, so I have no clue how 1. You can even tell the layout of the house by a couple pics 2. Find an open kitchen/dining/living room “terrible”
Honestly, your comments aren’t constructive or wanted. So do me a favor and go be a dick elsewhere 👋🏼