Exposed Brick Front Elevation Design Ideas
Exposed brick elevations leave the wall's own material on show instead of plastering and painting it. In India the approach is closely linked to the architect Laurie Baker, who built hundreds of low-cost, climate-sensitive homes in Kerala using unplastered brick, rat-trap bond and brick jaalis. Today the look combines handmade red or burnt-sienna brick in a clean bond, raked mortar joints, lime-white bands around openings and dark timber or metal frames. It is warm, honest, ages well and needs no repainting.
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What defines it
- Handmade red or burnt-sienna brick in stretcher bond
- Raked or recessed mortar joints
- Lime-white plaster bands framing windows
- Brick jaali panel for shade and air
- Dark stained timber or black metal frames
Colours
brick red · burnt sienna · lime white · charcoal
Works best in
independent house · farmhouse · G+1 home · villa
For Indian homes
Use well-burnt, low-absorption bricks laid by a mason experienced in fair-face work, and coat the wall with a clear breathable water repellent so monsoon rain does not cause damp patches or white salt marks.
How it works
- 1Take one photo of your room — any phone, any light.
- 2Pick a style, a colour or a look. Change only what you ask for.
- 3See the finished room in about 30 seconds, then try another.
Questions people ask
Who was Laurie Baker?
Laurie Baker was a British-born Indian architect who settled in Kerala and became known for low-cost, eco-friendly homes using local brick, lime and recycled materials, exposed walls, jaalis and techniques like the rat-trap bond.
Does an exposed brick wall leak in heavy rain?
Good bricks, full mortar joints and a clear water-repellent coating keep it dry. Deep eaves and sunshades help further. Problems usually come from porous, under-burnt bricks or hollow joints, so workmanship matters.
Try it on your own room
See it on a photo of your own room before you spend anything.
All façade styles
Modern VillaSleek facade: stone-and-wood cladding, clean render and warm night lighting.
Classic Indian BungalowTimeless bungalow character: warm cream walls, wood accents and a green verandah.
Contemporary MinimalQuiet monochrome facade: flat planes, hidden lighting, disciplined greenery.
MediterraneanSun-washed stucco, terracotta accents and bougainvillea romance.
Kerala Tiled RoofSloping Mangalore-tile roof edge, white plaster and warm teak fascia.
ChettinadLime-ochre walls, teak columns and deep shaded verandah detail.
Rajasthani HaveliSandstone tones, carved jharokha brackets and jaali screen detail.
Goan PortugueseLime-washed colour with crisp white trims and terracotta edges.