The turn of the calendar is the perfect time to reflect on the previous year and make goals for the future. While most people’s minds immediately go to things like exercise or flossing, upgrading your home can definitely be a New Year’s resolution.

Adding new or repairing existing brick work is a great way to add a new look without facing a major remodel.

But first, what masonry trends can you expect to see when electing your new design?

Trends to Look Out For in 2026

One of the most surprising trends in the masonry world is the shift away from the extremely common whitewashed colored brick. Whether it’s full homes or fireplaces, homeowners are growing tired of the look and now opting for cozy colors.

You can expect to see a boom in the return of natural colored brick, as well as the use of a variety of materials within the same masonry project, such as wood, stone, and brick all together.

While homeowners are moving away from solid whites, they’re also moving away from the sharp angles, and instead opting to use brickwork to add old-school features like archways or winding paths. And within all of these design trends is an increase in the desire for environmentally sustainable materials.

4 Small Projects to Make a BIG Impact

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to the number of masonry projects that can upgrade your space. Because of brick’s durability, natural beauty, and versatility, it’s the perfect way to improve your space for 2026.

If you’re looking for a smaller project that will have a big impact, then check out these four ideas for inspiration!

Jazz Up Your Fireplace

The fireplace is a major focal point in a home, drawing the eye of every guest who enters – and yours each time you pass it! If you’re looking for a slightly more ambitious project, consider resurfacing it with new brick completely, opting for a natural look.

For a smaller, more affordable upgrade, you could add a natural mantle, such as unstained wood, to accent your existing fireplace.

Additionally, if you have a fireplace that stops halfway up the wall, consider taking the masonry materials all the way to the ceiling for a huge visual impact!

Patio or Porch Redo

Just because it’s the dead of winter doesn’t mean you can’t start dreaming about summer plans. If you love to spend time outdoors, sprucing up your space with a brick porch or patio is a smaller scale project that can still wow your guests.

You can elect a more subtle look that blends in or go bold with dark bricks and intricate patterns. Or take it one step further and use the same materials to create a beautiful walkway from your home to the patio!

Column Makeover

Is your front porch home to boring, lifeless columns? That can easily be changed by wrapping the existing structures in a new brick or stone! Because our experts can work with what already exists, it’s a quick project with low stakes that can add curb appeal to any home. You could even take it one step further and upgrade your mailbox stump to match!

Retaining Walls

Lining existing garden beds with a retaining brick wall or around trees and shrubs is an affordable brick masonry project that adds major curb appeal. Defining the outline with a brick that stands out in the landscape is appealing to the eye, adding a crisp look to your yard.

The new barrier also serves functional purposes to reduce erosion out of the garden bed and help keep your grass and weeds from getting in.

Why You Should Call a Masonry and Construction Professional

Small doesn’t necessarily mean easy, and attempting to DIY your own brick masonry project can turn a simple vision into an execution nightmare. For example, you might think you can simply grab some brick and make a line around your garden and voila!

Well… not exactly. Even with a seemingly simple project like lining a garden bed, additional work like digging and levelling may be required, not to mention if you’ve never worked with mortar before. Instead of letting these projects turn into a headache, call a masonry expert from the beginning so you can get from start to finish quickly and without any issues.

Expert Brick Masonry Services in Rochester Hills for 2026

Brick is a timeless, high-value material that can elevate almost any part of your home. From custom fireplaces and porches to columns, retaining walls, and chimney repair, Primo Contracting delivers skilled brick masonry that blends curb appeal with long-term durability.

Not sure where to begin? Call Primo Contracting in Rochester Hills, MI—we’ll help you shape the right design, choose the right materials, and build a finished product you’ll be proud of for years.