Getting an exposed brick interior right
An exposed brick interior is the signature of the style, and in Lahore it can be done with real brick, brick tiles or a brick-cladding layer on an existing wall. Real fair-face brick needs skilled masons and clean, even joints. Brick tiles are easier for renovations and can be fixed on plastered walls.
Seal brick properly. Unsealed brick sheds dust and absorbs moisture, which matters during the monsoon. A matt clear sealer keeps the natural colour while making the surface easier to clean.
- Use brick on one or two walls, not every surface
- Choose dark or grey grout for a raw look, light grout for a softer one
- Wash brick with warm wall lights to bring out texture
- Avoid brick behind cooking areas unless it is well sealed
Loft interior ideas for Pakistani houses
A true loft interior has high ceilings and open space, which most houses do not. You can create the same feeling with a double-height lounge, a mezzanine over part of a room, or by leaving the slab exposed instead of fitting a false ceiling.
Rooftop rooms and upper-floor lounges are ideal for this. Ask your architect about insulation on the roof slab, since an exposed concrete ceiling under direct sun can heat the room significantly in summer.
Materials and finishes that last
Concrete-look floors can be achieved with polished concrete, micro-topping, large grey porcelain tiles or grey terrazzo. Porcelain is the easiest to maintain in a family home. Steel should be powder-coated or painted with an anti-rust finish, especially near kitchens, washrooms and balconies.
Balance the cold materials with warm ones. Solid wood shelves, a leather or fabric sofa, a large rug and plants all keep the room from feeling like a garage.
- Run electrical conduit neatly on the surface if it is part of the look
- Use wooden beams or slats on the ceiling to add warmth
- Pick warm white light in living spaces, not cool white