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Introduction

Reclaimed brick slips has been one of our best sellin g products for years. Since 2013

we sold hundreds of tons of the brick to our domestic and commercial clients all over

Ireland. We noticed over years that customers considering using reclaimed brick slips

in interior & exterior design tend to ask similar questions. This is why we decided to

write this guide – to help you make the right choice and let you enjoy the home interior

design you always dreamed about.

To add even more value to this publication we decided to invite our local partners

(architects & interior designers) to contribute and share a few of their reclaimed brick

tips & interior design secrets with you.

We hope you will enjoy this short guide and we look forward to hearing your feedback

on it. You can contact us by email: info@decostones.ie , or via social media: Deco

Stones fan page on FACEBOOK.

Best Regards,

Thomas Cisowsky and Deco Stones team .

www.decostones.ie

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Contents About Deco Stones............................................................................................................................................ 4

What is a reclaimed brick slip ........................................................................................................................... 5

Benefits of using reclaimed brick in interior design ........................................................................................ 5

Where can you use reclaimed bricks: .............................................................................................................. 7

How to ensure the reclaimed brick is authentic .............................................................................................. 8

Painting reclaimed brick ................................................................................................................................... 9

Do reclaimed brick slips require any special care? ........................................................................................ 10

Why architects and interior designers love reclaimed brick slips ................................................................. 11

Hannah Lordan, Interior Designer .............................................................................................................. 11

Reclaimed brick slips in modern interior design ..................................................................................... 11

Izabella Sikora, Senior Architect and Interior Designer ............................................................................. 13

Reclaimed brick slips – when the past meets the future ........................................................................ 13

Contact ............................................................................................................................................................ 15

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About Deco Stones

Long lasting quality written in stone Deco Stones!

Deco Stones was founded in 2013 and is a Cork based independent distributor-stockist

of innovative floor and wall decor

solutions. We stock some of the

world’s leading brands offering

Stone & Brick Cladding, Decorative

Cultured Stone, 3D Wall Panels,

Architectural Concrete Panels,

Floor Tiles, Decorative Paint and

more. We source only the highest

quality products that can be

offered to our customers at an

affordable price.

Deco Stones is now one of Ireland’s leading distributor of sustainable wall covering

solutions and have built a reputation for supplying innovative and dynamic products

meeting the ever changing needs of builders, designers and private customers.

We also offer product fitting, installation and renovation services . Our highly skilled

and experience team of fitters and builders gives our clients a true peace of mind as

we do the job right the very first time.

Why choose us? To experience the products and serv ice quality that is written in

stone Deco Stones!

Check out our website and

ecommerce store:

www.decostones.ie

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What is a reclaimed brick slip

When people search for

reclaimed bricks for interior

design purpose they most often

mean a recycled brick that

comes from an old, antique

building. The historical value

attached to the bricks is what

makes this decorative material

so special and attractive. For

example our reclaimed brick

slips come from old historical

buildings built in XVIII, XIX or XX

century and they really have that

unique look and feel. There is

some magical warmth and

nostalgia attached to them that

no modern brick slips can recreate. This is why reclaimed bricks are so popular and

loved by many of our clients.

Benefits of using reclaimed brick in interior design

There are many benefits of using reclaimed bricks for interior design.

Original and unique features – no two

bricks are the same (which is very common

in brick slips manufactured nowadays)

The beauty of reclaimed brick remains

unmatched by the newly manufactured

natural bricks imitating antique look

“Reclaimed brick is simply a brick that has been

previously used in another building. A reclaimed brick

slips are tiles cut out of such bricks.”

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Stylish look and feel – it can be used in any room where you want the

character and ambiance that can be only created by genuine reclaimed brick

slips.

Eco friendly – recycled bricks are more

environmental friendly

Natural bricks absorb less water/moisture

than the artificial brick slips – therefore is

less prone to damage and can last longer

It allows interior designers to access unusual

brick styles and sizes which are no longer

manufactured

Properly selected, inspected and cleaned

reclaimed brick slips absorb are frost and heat

resistant, as well as water-proof and can be used

inside and outside of a building

Historical value of the bricks that makes your own home even more unique

Each Deco Stone reclaimed brick-tiles are original, unique and come in variety of colours

and features due to reclaimed brick’s natural aging process. We offer single brick slips rather than brick panels (sheets) to give you more flexibility in interior design

projects, allow more precise application and help you safe space in a room.

Deco Stones reclaimed brick slip measurements: height – 65 mm width – 250 mm thickness – 18-20 mm

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Where you can use reclaimed bricks:

Reclaimed brick slips can be used on internal and external walls as

well as a floor

Common domestic use includes: kitchens, fireplaces, backsplashes,

accent walls, garden walls and full interiors of a house.

Commercial installations have included: restaurant interiors, bars,

wine shops, grocery stores and casinos. Reclaimed brick slips is often

used in facade of commercial buildings.

Recycled historic brick can be used anywhere , indoor or outdoor, when you want to

add some antique look and feel to the design your creativity is the only limit .

TOP TIPS:

Ensure that you read a product certificate listing the recommendation for use of the reclaimed brick slips – most can be used outdoor and indoor but not all. Our brick slips are frost and water- proof, heat resistant, so they can be used inside and outside of buildings.

Take into account not only height and length of each brick slips but also its thickness. Why? The thicker the slips the more space in the room you will ‘lose’ after product installation. Slip thickness is most important when installed in small rooms. Here the advantage of a reclaimed brick slip over a full brick is invaluable. Our brick slips are only 18-20mm in thickness so that’s mean you can use them almost everywhere without sacrificing too much space. They are also very light so can be used on any sound surfaces, even plasterboard walls.

Make sure that the seller of your choice offers not only reclaimed brick slips but also brick corners (L shaped brick tiles made of recycled brick that need to be used in a room corners). Cutting the standard brick to accommodate room corners can be difficult and time consuming. It is also difficult to achieve as good results with standard tiles as with L shaped tiles in such case.

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How to ensure the reclaimed brick is authentic

The easiest way to check the source of the reclaimed brick slips is to request a certificate of origin for the product. A reputable seller will provide you with a copy of the certificate even if it is not requested! At Deco Stones this is a standard practice.

It is important to understand the reason for investigating if the brick was genuinely

recycled and the need for tracking its origin:

1. First of all, you want to make sure that the brick was legally reclaimed. If you do not

insist on seeing the certificate then you will never know the circumstances of the old

building’s demolishment. What if someone damaged a historic structure, without

having any legal permission to do so? If you buy reclaimed brick and do not make sure

it was genuinely recycled then you may become an unsuspecting partner in a crime.

2. Reclaimed brick is much more expensive than artificial brick slips or currently produced

natural brick slips. There are several products on the market that imitate recycled brick

and are sold as such. However, some dishonest retailers may try to sell the imitation

as the genuine reclaimed brick. Usually it is easy to see the difference between a real

reclaimed brick and its imitation but sometimes customers cannot tell the difference

right away. Again, the best way to confirm that you are buying an authentic reclaimed

brick is to request a certificate of origin.

3. Reclaimed brick must be inspected to confirm that it is still in a good condition and

can be safely re-used. It is especially important if you wish to use reclaimed brick in

structural applications. However, even if you want to use only brick slips, and only for

wall decoration purpose, it is still vital to ensure the product will not crack or get

damaged easily. You want the bricks to last and look wel l for a long time, so make sure

there are information on the certificate stating the reclaimed brick is safe for re-use

for building and décor purposes.

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Painting reclaimed brick

Why would you paint reclaimed brick wall – did we not just say how lovely (and expensive)

it is? There are a few reason one may want to cover the brick slips with a paint:

In smaller spaces four walls covered in red or

orange reclaimed brick may not work very well.

However you should not let a small room to stop

you from using reclaimed brick. Painting two or

three of the walls in white could nicely balance the

entire interior design and people often use this

trick.

Another reason is very obvious - people get bored

with their home interior design and want to

change it from time to time. Experimenting with

different colours is one of the quickest option to

easily transform a room, so if you already have

brick feature walls in yours do not worry – remember that reclaimed brick slips can

be painted if necessary.

Let’s face it: not all exposed brick is looking good . Depending on the supplier you

choose and the price you are willing to pay for the

product its quality may vary. Deco Stones

provides only the highest quality reclaimed brick

slips, so you will not face these challenges if you

choose our products but let’s assume you have

already got the brick from another supplier and

you are not happy with the product’s appearance

after installation. In this case you may want to

cover the brick with some colour.

Reclaimed brick sl ips offered by Deco Stones are always hand selected, cleaned and properly inspected to ensure they are fit for the purpose. Only the best quality brick tiles make it to our store. All our recycled brick slips come from histo ric buildings (usually from XVIII, XIX or XX century structures and only from buildings that had to be demolished due to public safety concerns and received all necessary demolishment permissions from local authorit ies). All our recycled brick slips are sold with a certif icate of origin and they meet EU health and safety requirements.

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Why paint reclaimed brick wall?

o Poor quality of the product o The colour is too bright, too orange, too red or dirty-looking o Painted reclaimed brick beautifully exposes the brick’s unique features:

irregularities, little cracks, uneven surface and amazing shadow play o You want to drastically change the interior design of a room, or simply

refresh it a little bit

BEFORE YOU STRAT PAINTING

you need to be 100% sure you want to paint the

reclaimed brick. Remember, once the decision is made

and the first layer of paint is applied is cannot be

easily undone. You will also need to repaint the brick s

every few years to maintain the paint in a good

condition.

carefully inspect reclaimed bricks before apply ing the

paint – damaged bricks tend to absorb moisture more

easily and then evaporate it through its natural

‘pores’. The layers of paint can start chipping off the

bricks’ surface due to this moisture evaporation

process.

If you decide to paint the reclaimed brick make sure

you choose not only the right colour but also the

right type of paint and accessories: indoor latex paint (can be matt, gloss or semi -

gloss), a painting brush and a roller. If you want to cover bricks around your fire

place choose paint that can withstand high temperatures generated by the fireplace.

Do reclaimed brick slips require any special care? Reclaimed brick does not require any special care once installed, especially if you cover it

with a special sealing product after installation. All the reclaimed brick wall needs is an

occasional dust cleaning. You can use a dry or damp cloth, a soft-brush vacuum attachment

or electrostatic mop to clean the brick wall.

In order to preserve the beauty of reclaimed bricks conserve their surface by using a

special sealer. It will also make the cleaning process much easier.

Reclaimed brick slips can be used in any space, including a kitchen or even a

bathroom – however using a sealer in these rooms requires the bricks to be sealed in

order to protect them from excessive moisture.

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Why architects and interior designers love

reclaimed brick slips

Reclaimed brick slips in modern interior design

By Hannah Lordan

Brick walls and modern interiors – you’d imagine

that they would be at odds with one another. But

the last few years have seen architects and

homeowners gravitate towards the beautiful

brick wall whenever they need a touch of texture,

unique character and a dab of timeless charm

sprinkled in the living room . For some,

the exposed brick wall in the living room is an

expression of the rich, historic past of the building

and a blend of the past and the present. For

others, it is a way to add elegance and personality

to an otherwise boring interior dominated by glass and stone. No matt er what your reason is,

there is no doubting the fact that brick walls are here to stay.

The exposed brick wall in the living room can come in a

wide array of forms and hues, and it seems to fit in with

styles ranging from industrial and shabby chic to

contemporary and vintage. Modern living rooms with an

accent brick wall are currently a hot trend that I don’t feel

will fade away. The colour and style of brickwork can

make a big difference in the overall appeal of the living

Hannah Lordan, Interior Designer I'm an Interior Designer who works both in Residential and Commercial projects. Either getting involved in a consultation capacity to complete project management of projects. http://www.hannahlordaninteriors.ie info@hannahlordaninteriors.ie

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room, and in the case of most modern

spaces, painting them white is a safe and

smart option. This keeps the backdrop

distinctly neutral while adding texture to the

room. Those looking for more dynamic

alternatives can try a neutral l ike grey or even

black to create bold backdrop.

The classic red brick wall can also look at home

in contemporary living rooms where the rest

of the interior is neutral and uncluttered. An

exposed brick wall can also offer as a lovely

and vibrant backdrop to display art or family pictures. Unlike the generic white walls, this is

a gallery-style setting that is far more energetic, distinctive and attractive. With the right

lighting, décor and accessories, a living room wi th brick walls can be far more visually

appealing, as it lets the furniture in neutral hues shine through.

There are plenty of styles that work well with

a brick wall in the living room. Industrial style

that is without a doubt at the top of that list.

Industrial style and exposed brick walls go

hand in glove, and with adaptive reuse of old

structures becoming the norm in the world of

home renovations, the brick wall is definitely

here to stay. Coupled with exposed duct pipes,

large windows with dark metallic frames

and clever lighting, they create the perfect

living room for those who love industrial.

Heavy wooden elements combined with brick

walls in white can create a smart background

for styles such as Mediterranean, farmhouse and rustic. The use of a whitewashed brick wall

gives the living room a cheerful, l ight and breezy ambiance where natural light is amplified

to create an atmosphere of freshness.

Have a small living room? Exposed brick walls, can bring

warmth to the small living space and turns it into an inviting

intimate setting. There are two different approaches you can

take here depending on both your personal taste and the

style you are shooting for. The first is to go down the eclectic

route that steals the show with its amazing array of c olours,

textures, contrasting styles and unique décor pieces.

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This is a look that demands balance, an

eye for interior design and the

discipline to know when to stop adding

more to the room.

Dark brick walls in black will always

attract attention, while there are

occasions when it is the décor around

them that will make all the difference.

Play with contrasting textures such as

delicate sheer curtains and rough,

exposed brick walls or shades whitewashed and red brick walls in the same room to bring

your living room alive.

Reclaimed brick slips – when the past meets the future

Interview with Izabella Sikora

What is the story with used bricks and why we should use them in interior design?

The reclaimed bricks have their comeback and increased popularity. Not only they moved

towards green building materials but they also hold historical values. There is something

unique about this material – reclaimed brick is simply beautiful, especially with the aging

aspect, authenticity that is impossible to duplicate. Reclaimed bricks look amazing when used

in designing unique interior spaces, creating a country ranch or modern sophisticated room –

there are endless possibilities. Introducing one or few brick walls in the room can give a space

royal appearance. Connecting brick in interior with wood, metal and glass can add such a

Izabella Sikora, Senior Architect and Interior Designer Izabella has over 14 years of experience in Architecture, Urban Planning and Interior Design with focus on Commercial and Residential Projects. She manages the design and production of information on all aspects of projects from planning, detail design, tender to on-site operations. Connect with Izabella on Linkedin.

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luxurious appearance to the décor that no other material can. There is a great selection of

different colour pallets that we can choose from, or we can paint it to any colour we desire.

It all depends on the design we want to achieve in our space.

How can we use reclaimed bricks in a project?

As I mentioned before, there are endless possibilities to use reclaime d brick in the interior

space. We can use it in the hallways to create

glamorous entrance, living rooms to add 3D

dimensions to the space, bedrooms to create feeling

of warmth and cosiness, k itchens for original

backsplash wall and even bathrooms as an accent

piece.

Bricks look best when applied in central and focal

areas. In the living room our focal point is usually

wall with fire place or TV. By applying bricks, we

create eye-catching designs that make room more interesting without any additional

decorations.

In the bedrooms if we want to

create more simplify and

harmonious space – white brick

wall might be the best option to

create clean and chic décor and to

achieve illusion of spaciousness.

In the kitchen , we can create more

rustic and country style feeling by

applying brick wall into backsplash.

To achieve more modern look – mix

it with high gloss finish kitchen

units.

Commercial space – by introducing a reclaimed brick in a reception, office area or

hotel lobby - we are creating elegant, modern and classy interior. Such a simple

solution can created extraordinary effect opposite cold office furniture and

equipment.

And who wouldn’t like to relax in warm feeling bathroom where besides white units there is

beautiful brick wall?

Are there any places that we cannot use this material? (Are there any restrictions for using

this type of material in the interi or?)

In my opinion there are no restrictions when it comes to using brick walls in our interiors –

our imagination is the limit!

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Contact

Unit 7, Westpoint Trade Centre Link Road, Ballincollig, Co. Cork

Tel: 021 4876963 www.decostones.ie

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