Historically, exposed brick walls were used in factories and commercial buildings as a cost saving measure. Therefore, in an historically commercial renovation, the brick walls would stay exposed.

Alternatively, historically, brick walls in residential buildings were covered with plaster and/or wainscotting. The bricks used, were of poor quality and the mortar was slapped on, because it would not be seen.
In an historically accurate residentital renovation, the brick would be covered with sheet rock, plaster and/or wainscotting.

As a designer, I also agree with you that a little bit of exposed brick goes a long, long way. You could use wainscotting part of the way up the wall and sheet rock the rest or just sheet rock the whole wall. I don't know if you plan on staying there forever, but it's possible the next owner will want the exposed brick and will jump with glee to find it unpainted, behind the sheet rock.

I love the look of softly painted, peeling brick on the outside of a house. On the inside of a house, it can be very distracting. I don't really love the look of solidly painted brick either. I vote for sheet rocking it and painting the sheet rock.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Posted by: shoeboxinteriors at September 7, 2007 11:23 AM in response to Enough with the exposed brick look already

I would go darker on the floor. I like to mix 2 stain colors...like 3 parts of a dark brown to 1 part of a redder stain, so that you can really see the grain in the wood. I think it gives more depth and life to the floor. And there you have it!

Posted by: shoeboxinteriors at September 7, 2007 11:31 AM in response to MANTLE GIVE AWAY/ WOOD FLOOR HELP!

Hi, My name is Jane and my business is named ShoeBox Interiors. I live in Boerum Hill also. I'm an interior decorator and usually come in after the architect has drawn up the plans and help pick the surface finishes (tiles, counter tops, floors), style of cabinets, knobs, light fixtures, paint colors, tubs, showerheads, etc and then continue on with the furniture, window coverings, etc. Please call me if I can be of any assistance. It's easiest to reach me on my cell phone at 347-495-7580.

Posted by: shoeboxinteriors at September 12, 2007 11:08 PM in response to Renovation Assistance

Hi there, My name is Jane Rosenbaum, I own a company named ShoeBox Interiors, which specializes in making the most of the space you have. I help plan space usage and pick the surface finishes for the renovation and interior decoration of the project. I work hand in hand with an architect. I have lots of great references and offer a free consultation. My office number is 718-330-0733.

Posted by: shoeboxinteriors at September 14, 2007 1:06 PM in response to Looking for space/design planning

I'm an interior designer and agree with previous comments about opening up the back...it makes a tremendous difference. Also using transons on any interior walls will allow the light to pull through the entire space. Mirrors in the original places also will help as will the front window. Good lighting design can compensate for any natural light shortcomings. It's not the same as sunlight, of course, but will make a dreary space feel light and inviting.

Posted by: shoeboxinteriors at October 9, 2007 11:41 AM in response to Will adding windows make the room a lot brighter?

Just recently experienced the horror and crap at Brooklyn Kitchen and Baths, formerly Garfield Kitchen and Baths. The rude guy bought out the other partner and now owns it all. He will say or do anything to get your money. He will make guilt producing martyred phone calls and pressure you. I had looked for something on line about them and for some reason didn't see anything. I decided not to do business with him based on my gut reaction. Now that I've seen all the comments... I am so happy I didn't give him a penny.

Posted by: shoeboxinteriors at August 10, 2008 9:33 PM in response to Garfield Place Kitchen/Bath

yikes. i wasn't expecting such a big response! i'll post back shortly....

fyi, it won't be ready for pick up until the last week of september, so let me know if that changes anyone's minds.

Posted by: MRK at September 7, 2007 1:16 PM in response to MANTLE GIVE AWAY/ WOOD FLOOR HELP!

I had it in a coop I bought in the 80's and I got really sick of it. I didn't have the energy to sheetrock over it at the time. I think it looks nice in restaurants and in some places it looks good in small pieces but that's it.

Posted by: donatella at September 7, 2007 3:31 PM in response to Enough with the exposed brick look already

If budget is an issue, I like exposed brick painted white--nothing glossy. It's clean and modern and a good backdrop in a more contemporary setting.

Posted by: tinarina at September 7, 2007 3:46 PM in response to Enough with the exposed brick look already

IMHO, painted brick looks tacky. Please sheetrock over it, and paint the sheetrock.

Posted by: guest at September 7, 2007 5:56 PM in response to Enough with the exposed brick look already

exposed brick = no insulation.

no insulation = money down the toilet.

why would anyone ever do this?

Posted by: guest at September 7, 2007 10:54 PM in response to Enough with the exposed brick look already

I think most exposed brick walls in NYC are the party walls between buildings, 10:54, not exterior walls. So there isn't an insulation factor. For weather anyway. Insulation against noise is another matter.

Anybody truly talented at interior design can make an exposed brick wall in a room look fabulous, fresh and modern, with the right choice of lighting and furnishings.

Thing is about exposed brick, although when you hate it you hate it, the majority of people like it. I can't tell you how many people walked into our old coop and the first thing out of their mouths was how much they loved the brick. So if you are thinking about resale value, taking the long view approach, it's probably worth it to leave it be. Buy fantastic new furniture instead of paying for a new wall.

Posted by: guest at September 8, 2007 9:26 AM in response to Enough with the exposed brick look already

Who doesn't insulate party walls?

I don't want to heat my neighbor's apartment. Do you?

Posted by: guest at September 8, 2007 10:27 PM in response to Enough with the exposed brick look already

Come on, 10:27 that means you get heat from THEIR side as well!

Sharing the heat can be a good thing. Heat from party walls can be sufficient to keep your pipes from freezing in Winter if your furnace goes out, for one thing. Go ahead and ask my friend in a freestanding house how fun it was for her, when her furnace cut out and all her pipes burst when she was out of town.

Posted by: guest at September 9, 2007 11:26 AM in response to Enough with the exposed brick look already

ok. i've done some research and it seems that similiar pieces are going anywhere from $750.00-$1200.00. This particular mantle is in great shape and has some carving details. I can give specific measurements if needed. I'm happy to sell it for $450 or best offer. Please let me know.

Posted by: MRK at September 9, 2007 12:18 PM in response to MANTLE GIVE AWAY/ WOOD FLOOR HELP!

I have been practicing architecture since 1989 and wold love to speak with you about your project. Please call me at your earliest opportunity.

Steven Michael Peterson, R.A.
212.840.0995

Posted by: guest at September 16, 2007 2:03 PM in response to Looking for space/design planning