Do you want to live in a loft or a mansion, but there is onlyan ordinary city apartment? There is a way to reproduce the effect of exposed brickwork in any room without hiring a bricklayer or removing layers of paint and plaster from the wall - decorative artificial stone. Our article contains 20 examples of its use in the interior and 10 useful tips One ordinary red brick, the most versatile and photogenic, weighs about 4 kilograms. Can you imagine how much work it would cost to use it in the interior? Artificial stone is much lighter and thinner, just a couple of centimeters, but it successfully imitates what everyone loves so much for - an expressive rough texture, unique colors and durability. Brick wall Facing all the walls in the room will create an oppressive impression - after all, we do not live in the Middle Ages. Decorate one wall with decorative brick-like stone, but the one that is in your field of vision most often, along with the TV, for example. This is generally an excellent background for any images, adding depth even to vacation photos and simple comedies.Advice:Decorative stone is much lighter than regular brick, so you can even use it to decorate the ceiling. But it is still better to observe a sense of proportion. In the bedroom Artificial stone will add warmth to the interior - and in the literal sense too. In the bedroom, it will reduce heat loss and maintain a pleasant microclimate. And among its useful properties is sound insulation, the noise from neighbors will noticeably subside.Advice:keep in mind that the most expensive artificial stone imitating brick is clinker, made of baked clay. It is very durable and dense, so it is used both for outdoor work and for finishing surfaces exposed to temperature changes - fireplaces or loggias, for example. Fireplace decoration The fireplace itself and the wall around it, decorated as brick, look like part of a medieval castle. By the way, this effect can be created even if you do not have a fireplace. Just tile the wall around the stove in the kitchen. Advice:For maximum naturalness, the surface of decorative brick is treated to create the effect of "the influence of time". You can join the process by combining different types of stone in one masonry and leaving traces of paint and whitewash on them. Brick on the loggia Decorate your balcony or loggia with artificial brick. The material is not afraid of moisture and cold, does not fade in the sun. And also - it is made from natural materials and does not emit harmful substances.Advice:A more budget-friendly type of artificial stone is made on the basis of gypsum and cement. The solution is poured into forms that repeat the roughness of the texture of baked clay. And painting and tinting make each specific element unique. Brick in the hallway Artificial stone is not afraid of mechanical impact, so it will not lose its beauty even in the corner behind the door. Gypsum-based brick is the lightest, so it is suitable even for hallways with plasterboard walls. Another property that will please those who are used to thinking about problems in advance is fire resistance.Advice:the poorer the lighting, the gloomier the brickwork looks. Add some backlighting - unless, of course, your goal is to create an interior in the spirit of the "dark Middle Ages". Brick in the kitchen Our urban version of the hearth, the kitchen is exactly the place where the old-fashioned charm of brick will be especially appropriate. There are plenty of options for use. Decorate one of the areas you want to highlight - the work or dining room - with artificial stone. Finish the kitchen apron "under the brick" or decorate the bar counter. Advice:The secret of the beauty of artificial stone is its naturalness, roughness and wall pattern, which should not in any way raise doubts: you have a brick wall in front of you. Therefore, its installation is not a trivial matter. Darker elements should be arranged chaotically, but thoughtfully. Artificial stone in the living room Brick can serve as a divider of the living room into zones. And paradoxically, it looks great next to technical items - music centers, computers, as well as other natural materials. Apparently, the combination of antiquity and progress is especially pleasing to the eye of the observer.Advice:Even limited use of decorative brick-like stone will create an interesting effect. Decorate a corner or part of a wall with it before deciding on a whole wall. Finishing openings If the thickness of the walls allows, try finishing door and window openings with artificial stone. It is not easy, but the interior will acquire a stylish completeness. Individual bricks can even be sawn into elements of the width you need.Advice:If you are afraid to use artificial stone in the bathroom, cover it additionally with a solution with water-repellent properties. But even without this, the beauty of the material is not threatened - just do not clean it with aggressive chemicals and brushes. Bathroom "under the brick" Choose lighter tones of stone for the bathroom, a small room, to add space. It is better to support the rough surface with appropriate solutions in decor - industrial lamps, a simple mirror and metal baskets will come in handy. But sconces with crystal and gilding and a bathtub on lion's paws are already risky.Advice:The main risk when using decorative brick-like stone, especially in tight spaces, is the “dark crypt” effect. Use sufficient lighting, light tones of the material or at least light grout. Loft style The style was born in former warehouses - brickwork suits it very well. At the same time, it does not have to be red, like the masonry of industrial warehouses. Think about gray, white or beige tones. Advice:Decorative stone does not grow mold, which is convenient in rooms where hygiene is important. It can even be vacuumed or dusted with a rag. Rustic styles Styles that celebrate the beauty of simple life, such as country and Provence, rely on natural materials. Combine rough large brickwork made of decorative stone with natural wood, “aged” furniture and vintage decor. The best colors for this style are neutral, natural. Hi-tech and minimalism Restrained modernstyles require a different approach to decorative stone. Bricks should be smooth, masonry - neat. It is better to choose a grout that hides seams and joints. But the rhythm and naturalness of the material will support the simplicity of minimalism and effectively play in contrast with the advanced details of the high-tech style. Eclecticism Eclecticism is a style that does notsimply forgives, but even encourages mixing, for example, different types of decorative brick-like stone in one interior. Try combining a smooth texture with a rough one, and a red-brown color with a neutral one. A great idea: highlight individual bricks with color.