The Importance of Architectural Detail
Building a custom home is such an exciting process. It’s a unique opportunity to bring all your favorite design ideas together into a space your family will enjoy for years. While it’s fun to pick out paint colors, flooring, and cabinets, bringing your dream home to life involves more than just the basics. It is often those thoughtful architectural details that add the custom flair and personality needed to make your home stand out.
Choosing the Right Materials for Your Vision
North Georgia Brick products are the perfect materials to help you and your builder personalize your home at every turn. Whether you’re looking at windows, edges, or creative patterns, brick offers endless ways to add a signature touch. Here are five of our favorite architectural details to help spark some inspiration for your project:
Framing Windows for Visual Interest
Windows are a favorite feature in any home because they let in natural light, making every room feel brighter and more open. On the outside of your home, windows also offer a great chance to break up the exterior materials with a bit of design. We love the look of framing windows with either a matching or contrasting brick edge that adds a sense of craftsmanship and quality that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.
Rotating & Extruding Brick for Texture
Another great way to add character is to rotate or slightly “pop out” (extrude) specific bricks to create texture on your walls. From subtle vertical lines to diamond shapes, playing with the placement of something like Cambridge brick adds a lot of personality to a home’s exterior. You can also use angled, extruding Nottingham Tudor brick around windows to catch the light and create interesting shadows. It’s a simple way to show that in a custom home, the little details really do matter.
The Artisanal Flair of Herringbone
You don’t have to stay outside to get creative with brick; your interior can benefit from that same artisanal feel! Just like you might use wood or tile to create a pattern, you can install brick in a herringbone layout for a look that really pops. We love using English Pub thin brick in a kitchen for a cozy, high-end café vibe. You could also try an Ironworks thin brick inlay in your foyer to give guests a beautiful, textured welcome as soon as they walk in.
Classic Parquet for Creative Effects
If you want a look that feels both classic and creative, consider a parquet brick pattern. This geometric style looks fantastic when you mix rustic materials, like Ironworks thin brick, with sleek accents like high-gloss tile. A parquet layout is also a wonderful choice for outdoor living areas – it creates an inviting, upscale space that’s perfect for relaxing.
Timeless Arched Openings and Entrances
For a touch of elegance, arched openings are a beautiful way to upgrade your home’s silhouette. By standing bricks vertically (known as a “soldier course”) to create a curved top over doorways or windows, you add a sense of movement and charm to the building. Whether it’s a grand front entrance or a simple arched doorway in the kitchen, these curves provide a soft, natural contrast to the straight lines found in most modern homes.
Contact North Georgia Brick and Design Inspiration
These ideas are just the beginning of what you can do with brick. Our Pinterest page is also full of concepts and design inspiration to help get your creativity flowing. Visit any of our experts at our showrooms in Cumming, Cartersville, Doraville, Lovejoy, or Newnan to brainstorm architectural details and special touches that will personalize your dream build!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does framing windows with brick help my home’s design? Framing windows creates a clear focal point and breaks up large wall surfaces. Using a contrasting brick color can highlight the home’s craftsmanship and make the windows stand out.
What is the benefit of “extruding” or rotating bricks on my facade? This technique adds physical depth and texture to your walls. As the sun moves throughout the day, these bricks create a changing interplay of light and shadow, making the exterior feel more dynamic.
Can herringbone and parquet patterns be used for interior projects? Absolutely. Using thin brick options lets you bring intricate patterns inside for kitchen backsplashes or accent walls without the weight of full-size bricks.
Are arched brick openings purely decorative? While they are beautiful design elements, arches are also structurally very strong. Historically, they were used to distribute weight over openings like doors and windows more efficiently than flat headers.
Is it difficult to maintain these unique brick patterns? No, these patterns require the same minimal maintenance as any other brickwork. Because brick is naturally durable and weather-resistant, these details will look great for decades with very little effort.
What is a “soldier course” in a brick arch? A soldier course is a row of bricks laid vertically on their ends. This is the traditional way to construct the curve of an arch, giving it a distinct, handcrafted look.
Can I mix these different details in the same home? Yes, many homeowners combine these touches, such as using an arched entrance alongside window framing. Our design experts can help you balance these elements so they complement each other perfectly.