ads

Natural & Timeless

Limewash can drastically transform the exterior of a home, giving older, more traditional brick a clean and modern finish.

Edited by Maya Brenningmeyer

By Classic Finishes, @classicfinishes.

Photography courtesy of Classic Finishes.

Category: 
Classic or Craze
|
 

The brick limewash, also known as an “antique limewash,” “whitewash” or a “German schmear”, creates an aged or worn-brick aesthetic that provides a charm like no other. Through an extensive design and sampling process, Classic Finishes carefully develops a customized finish for each home that exhibits an authentic and compelling aesthetic. These finishes can range from a soft semi-solid limewash with minimal distressing to a heavy distressing that resembles an old world aesthetic.

Classic

Limewash is a classic finish for brick homes. As at home on mansions as it is on more humble cottages.  Since lime deposits are found all over the world, using a wash of lime and water has been a time-honored way to protect and refresh brick, mortar and other porous materials. Today it is a staple in the historic restoration of homes, and just as effective in updating the older red/orange brick finishes that were popular 20-30 years ago. A true classic in all senses of the word. Janice Bohn, Anne Marie Design Studio.

Limewash was used thousands of years ago by the Romans and the Egyptians. It is gaining in popularity because it is an easy way to transform the color and appearance of dated brick and it works with many different architectural styles. Limewash is made from crushed limestone and water and applied as a coating on brick exteriors. Limewash creates beautiful depth and an antique effect. Limewash is relatively inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and easy to work with. Limewash is a classic! Barbara Collins AKBD, Allied ASID, Barbara Collins Interior Design.

Limewash is a great way to update the look of your home’s exterior bricks. This process has been around for centuries and will always remain a classic. It has become more popular in the United States recently as homeowners are trying to change the look of outdated exterior brick to have a more modern touch, without painting the brick. Because limewashing is modeling an existing design, present for hundreds of years,  it will continue to be a distinguished classic. Georgine O’Donnell, O’DESIGNS.

Limewash is a classic “look” and distinctive style that has been around for quite some time. I’m not sure I would call it a more modern look, but it is a more fresh distinctive style that would complement the overall look of a dominantly brick home. Diane Rosen, Diane Rosen Interiors LLC.

Limewashing brick can be a wonderful treatment for brick. It can lighten up a dark color while adding depth and a little texture.  The subtle reds, oranges and black show through in an elegant way. It can be a wise treatment for a home addition, especially on an old home when the original brick is no longer available. `Limewashing works well on old homes but also can be used in a modern way. I believe limewashing will be around for awhile until a technology evolves to emulate it. Julie Allman, ASID, Julie Rooney Interiors LLC.

© COPYRIGHT ST. LOUIS HOMES & LIFESTYLES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.