Does your home have "Hygge" ?

Hygge. What? Hygge (pronounced "Hoo-gah")! Hygge is a Danish word that doesn't quite translate to English. The people of Denmark are said to be the happiest people in the world. We all would love a slice of extra happiness, I'm sure, and one way that the Danes create this happiness is by instilling their lives with "Hygge". So what is this "hygge" and how do you get it?

Hygge loosely translates to coziness and thoughtfulness, putting the extra steps together to create a more pleasant cozy space for yourself and your friends and family to have a good time together. It means setting the scene with candles and being intentional in how you plan out your space and your time. Truly being together with friends, separated from your cellphone, and making the extra coziness a priority in your life. It means cozying up in a special chair with a blanket, good book, glass of vino, and a little bit of homemade cake.
So, what are some steps that you can take to add more hygge to your home?

1. Have a cozy nook - Create your perfect reading, relaxing, hot tea drinking spot. Vintage Bricks reclaimed brick tiles bring in that extra bit of cozy warmth to any wall or floor with less weight than a regular brick and the ease of a regular tile. Start with your backdrop of thin brick tiles, add in an overstuffed arm chair, fuzzy blanket, side table for your hot drink (or wine!), have books in reach, set up some candles, and don't forget a furry friend. 
   
2. Candles & Fireplace - The Danish phenomenon of "hygge" was born out of the necessity for light and warmth during the long dark winters. The Danes still adorn their homes (and schools!) in candles for that extra bit of hygge that the candles bring. Don't forget your roaring fireplace. A well kept fireplace adds extra coziness once the cold weather starts to really kick in. Reclaimed thin brick tiles from Vintage Bricks can turn any fireplace from hideous to hygge-ish.
   
3. Blankets, soft pillows, slippers - Layer on the warmth this winter for that extra bit of hygge. Be intentional with putting on a nice pair of warm winter socks or your favorite slippers. Put out soft pillows and snuggly blankets to really encourage yourself and others to relax and enjoy life. 
   
4. Baked goods, hot coffee, red wine - Partake in a glass of wine if that's your thing or just enjoy a hot coffee or tea. Hygge time is not the time for worrying about your waistline, but it is the time for taking extra time to be intentional. Instead of buying a some muffins, spend some time enjoying the act of creating a nice little treat for yourself and your friends and family. 
   
5. Friends and family - Hygge is about togetherness as well as just being cozy. Haven't seen your friends in real life in a while? Invite them over to your house for dinner and cake. Friends invite you over but you always have an excuse? Take the time to visit and see them face to face. This is something we all take for granted in this digital world! 
   
6. A good book - Set aside time for yourself to read a good book, no distractions, in your little cozy nook. 
   

Enjoy the simple pleasures in life, be intentional, and snuggle up with a loved one.

We hope that you have enjoyed lots of hygge this holiday season.

www.VintageBricks.com

You Wont Believe the Reason Behind These Bricks!

Photo - Kansas Historical Society

Yes, this brick is real. The "Don't spit on the sidewalk" brick has a unique history from the early 1900's. Back when diseases like tuberculosis were running rampant, Dr. Samuel Crumbine, a public health figure, tried to combat the spread of communicable diseases. He fought against common things such as the public drinking cup, where people shared the same cup without washing it. Most famously, he spoke out against spitting on the sidewalk. His campaign against the spread of diseases included having bricks printed with the message as a friendly reminder.

To get your own historic bricks, go to www.VintageBricks.com and check out our genuine reclaimed thin brick tiles, to use indoor or out.

A Vintage Bricks Fireplace Installation

A wonderful Vintage Bricks customer, Alexis, sent in some great photos of her recent Vintage Bricks reclaimed brick tile project. Check it out!

The before picture

Here, she's removed the old mantle and blue tiles and is getting everything ready for the bricks!

Bring on the thin brick tiles!

The beauty of the patina really stands out the more brick tiles go on

Our Vintage Bricks never looked better, Alexis!

Down the side and putting the mantle back on

Now it's really coming together

Outlets and new tiles go in

So beautiful!

What an incredible transformation - we are so pleased to see our reclaimed thin brick tiles turn into such special places in our customer's homes. Thanks, Alexis!

To create a special nook in your home using thin brick tiles, go to our website at www.VintageBricks.com

A wonderful Vintage Bricks customer, Alexis, sent in some great photos of her recent Vintage Bricks reclaimed brick tile project. Check it out!

The before picture

Here, she's removed the old mantle and blue tiles and is getting everything ready for the bricks!

Bring on the thin brick tiles!

The beauty of the patina really stands out the more brick tiles go on

Our Vintage Bricks never looked better, Alexis!

Down the side and putting the mantle back on

Now it's really coming together

Outlets and new tiles go in

So beautiful!

What an incredible transformation - we are so pleased to see our reclaimed thin brick tiles turn into such special places in our customer's homes. Thanks, Alexis!

To create a special nook in your home using thin brick tiles, go to our website at www.VintageBricks.com

The Eco Brick

In a recent article, The Economist shared that the brick industry should be failing. Due to the the push for more "green" buildings and sustainability, the demand for carbon-intensive bricks should be low. Bricks have been used for centuries and that isn't likely to cease anytime soon. The Economist stated that companies are now starting to create bricks that are made from recycled materials. Using recycled materials to create bricks and using bricks that are destined for the landfill are important for protecting our planet and creating eco-friendly buildings. (Not to mention keeping costs down!) Vintage Bricks takes bricks that are salvaged from demolished homes and buildings and cuts them into tiles for use indoor and out. www.VintageBricks.com

Fifty Shades of Savannah Gray - The Most Sought After Bricks in the South

Savannah Gray bricks, would you know them if you saw them? They are a brick lovers dream and those who can salvage them, could earn a hefty profit. Savannah Gray bricks are 200 year old hand-formed bricks from Savannah, Georgia and are extremely rare.

historic savannah gray bricks

Not everyone is aware of the rarity of the Savannah Gray bricks and they have been found in trash piles from buildings that have been demolished, without consideration of where there offset materials go. Our demolition company, Southern Demolition, offsets many of our materials to divert them from landfills to find new uses. These uses include historic restoration projects and home renovation, with things such as antique mantles and housewares sold through our sister company The Deconstructed House; and our brick and thin brick tile company, Vintage Bricks. Vintage Bricks sells authentic salvaged brick tiles that are cut from reclaimed bricks to be used in applications such as kitchen backsplashes, flooring, walkways, etc. Vintage Bricks is still actively searching for our Savannah Gray bricks to add to our collection of historic thin brick tiles.

handmade history

The historic Savannah Gray bricks were each hand-formed by slaves at a plantation called the Hermitage, which stopped making the bricks during the Civil War. Without knowledge of the importance of preservation, many of the historic bricks in Savannah were destroyed during the 1950's. We now know the importance of saving reusable materials from landfills is vitally important historically and environmentally. To support the diversion of reusable materials from landfills please visit us at www.VintageBricks.com 

Fixer Upper Loves Vintage Bricks!

Do you guys love the HGTV show, Fixer Upper, as much as we do? The goofy antics of Chip and the crazy good stylings of Joanna Gaines are right there at the top of our list.

HGTV's Fixer Upper Season 2 Episode 2 "The Dutch Door House" 

We revisited some episodes from season 2 and noticed something interesting. Chip and Joanna sure do love reclaimed brick tiles! In season 2, episode 2, featured below; the Fixer Upper stars used old reclaimed brick tiles in both the laundry room and on the gorgeous front walkway.

BEFORE 

AFTER - WHAT A DIFFERENCE !

The new reclaimed brick tile walkway, which was the special addition chosen by the couple, adds dramatic curb appeal to the 1940s house. To recreate this look on your own home, get your own reclaimed brick tiles at www.VintageBricks.com

The reclaimed brick tile flooring featured here in the laundry / mudroom is a great alternative to traditional stone tiles and much more cost effective and easy to maintain.

Fixer Upper loves reclaimed brick tiles and so should you! Our reclaimed brick tiles are sliced from authentic salvaged bricks. Get yours today at www.VintageBricks.com

Reclaimed Thin Brick Tile Installation - See How It's Done!

Recently, we put up a video on our Vintage Bricks channel on YouTube, showing off our thin brick tiles. 

Watch the installation video of a kitchen backsplash, below:

Let us know in the comments: how would you use genuine reclaimed thin brick tiles from Vintage Bricks in your home?

www.VintageBricks.com

Thin Brick Tiles - Demystified

What the heck are thin brick tiles, you ask? Why not just use whole bricks?

www.vintagebricks.com

Our genuine reclaimed thin brick tiles are the faces cut from salvaged bricks.
The old bricks are cut into 1/2" slices to create thin brick tiles.

Thin brick tiles are much lighter than traditional whole bricks and can be applied directly to a wall. Thin brick tiles can be used for kitchen backsplashes, interior walls, exterior paths, etc.

Vintage Bricks wall install in progress - almost done!

Vintage Bricks kitchen backsplash tile install

Vintage Bricks tile floor

The lightness of the brick tiles allows them to be used practically anywhere! Using reclaimed materials in your housing projects helps keep useable materials out of landfills. Reduce, reuse, recycle!

www.vintagebricks.com 

9 New & Different Uses For Reclaimed Bricks That You Haven't Thought Of

Here are 9 new and different uses for authentic reclaimed bricks and brick tiles. Check out www.vintagebricks.com to get your thin brick tile projects started :

Say it with negative space - Have something to say? Bring out your artistic side and say it with the negative space in a reclaimed brick wall for a HUGE look!

Remembrance bricks - Bricks can be engraved for a loved one, a family pet, a favorite poem or verse, anything! Adding an engraved reclaimed brick or brick tile to your home is the perfect way to make a lasting mark.

Garden boxes - Old bricks make great garden elements. Garden boxes made from vintage bricks will stand the test of time.

Outdoor faucet / dog waterer - Why not make your outdoor faucet fancier? Fido loves reclaimed bricks and brick tiles. 

Outdoor shower - Who hasn't lusted after an outdoor shower? Authentic salvaged bricks are the perfect solution to getting to your true hippy roots.

Bird bath - Okay, so this one may not be a "new" idea, but where have all the bird baths gone? It's time to bring back bird baths and reclaimed bricks have the perfect patina for a lived in look.

Decor - Rustic outdoor wedding, anyone? Reclaimed bricks have so much potential for decoration

Garden bricks - Bring out your creative side and paint some old bricks!

Fire pit - The fire pit, nothing new here. BUT consider a new shape - this tear drop shaped fire pit is a beautiful element in the garden. When it's no longer being used for a fire pit it would be a lovely feature for a plant or water fountain.

Visit www.vintagebricks.com to view our selection of genuine salvaged thin brick tiles cut from reclaimed bricks

Reclaimed Brick Tile Patterns - from Ordinary to Extraordinary

When you think of laying bricks, several traditional patterns come to mind - maybe you think of the trendy herringbone or subway tile patterns, but there are so many more. 

Our salvaged brick tiles can be laid in any way you choose! Tell us in the comments below what pattern is your favorite?

www.vintagebricks.com

Running Bond

Traditional Herringbone

Crosshatch

Going beyond the traditional brick tile patterns can make a huge visual impact. Check out these artistic designs -

Crosshatch Variation

This crosshatch variation reminds us of parquet flooring - consider bricks for a similar look, but half the price! Genuine reclaimed bricks and brick tiles from www.vintagebricks.com makes beautiful flooring for any room in the house.

Circular Garden Rug

Intricate Garden Rug

Beautiful brick flooring, outdoors or indoors. There are so many ways to pattern a garden "rug". Use an inspirational image and copy it in your outdoor space for an eye-catching space.

Multiple Patterns

Detailed Patternwork

Pattern Art

Useful Brick Patterns - Solar & Noise

This last design is not just interesting, it is useful! The way that these bricks are laid out and turned works to keep noise and sunlight out.

Whatever design you choose to use for your home, consider using recycled bricks. Every brick tile from www.vintagebricks.com is cut from a genuine salvaged brick straight from our demolition company, Southern Demolition. To learn more about our company and to purchase your own brick tiles, visit www.vintagebricks.com or check out our Facebook page www.facebook.com/vintagebricksatlanta