Trendspotters Rose Quint, assistant VP for survey research at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and Donald Ruthroff, AIA, principal at Dahlin Group Architecture | Planning, in Pleasanton, Calif., report that using painted and lighter-colored brick can provide visual interest in sophisticated monochromatic schemes and add strong texture to the modern industrial farmhouse aesthetic that continues to be popular.
Using several exterior cladding materials—in this case, fiber-cement “block” panels and wood-look siding with a stone veneer that features tones of both—reflects recent trends to create more visual interest. | Photo: courtesy Nichiha
To ensure a beautiful end result, Chris Donatelli, president of Donatelli Builders, in Downers Grove, Ill., points out that brick requires proper installation and attention to the details. He relies on MortarNet to collect mortar droppings and uses weep holes to ensure incidental moisture that gets behind the material can escape.