Do-It-Yourself Makeover of a Room With Brick Walls

Clean and Repair

• Cleaning your brick walls is the first step in giving your room a face-lift. By running a vacuum hose over the surface of the brick, you can remove any loose debris or dust particles. Specially formulated solutions for cleaning interior brick walls are available for removing surface stains and clinging mortar. Filling nail holes or gaps in the brick wall with mortar in a matching color gives a refreshed look to old, blemished areas.

Seal or Paint

• Decide whether your preference is a more traditional, rustic look of unpainted, natural brick or a lighter, more refined appearance that results from painting. Applying a sealant over the brick wall helps to keep bricks from crumbling and releasing dust particles, while allowing the brick's natural color and texture to shine through. Painting over a brick wall is an inexpensive way to change the color of the wall. Light colors, such as white or soft beige, dramatically brighten a room.

Color Coordination

• Coordinate the colors in your room to create a palette that will complement the color of the brick wall. If your wall is red brick, consider a warm, Tuscan color scheme of sage greens, dark browns, honey golds and warm oranges. A red brick wall can take on a contemporary flair by incorporating black and white tones. If your brick wall is painted white, you have a neutral canvas that can complement almost any color scheme. Varied shades of blue -- navy, sky and ocean -- combined with white creates an ideal beach or country cottage ambiance against a white brick wall.

Accessories

• A cake is bland without icing, and so is a room that is void of accessories. A large piece of artwork hanging on a brick wall can add color and visual interest. Large, potted greenery placed in a corner of the room accentuates a red or white brick wall with pleasing color contrast, while adding energy and life to the room. Cascading fabric draperies can soften windows and provide privacy. Furniture positioned in front of the brick wall can complement it with color and texture. Black furniture is a neutral classic that enhances any design style.