Cynthia Erivo's entryway revives exposed brick

Be prepared to see a lot of Cynthia Erivo these coming months. Fresh off the heels of 2023's Drift, the triple threat who is known for her performances on Broadway will be gracing our screens as Elphaba in the upcoming Wicked movie (alongside Ariana Grande, no less).

When it comes to the actor and musician's home, she likes mixing it up with different textures, specifically an exposed brick entryway, contrasting a modern, glass stairway.

Exposed brick has been trending on and off for years, but it can easily fit into another trend for 2024: lots of texture. 'Incorporating texture is a popular tactic used by interior designers to elevate a space and add depth and interest,' says Elliott Fairlie, product lead at Bushboard. 'In 2024, there'll be an even greater focus on welcoming textural finishes through work surfaces, splashbacks, cabinets, accessories, and furniture.' And there's no better place to start than the first room of the home.

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Elliott Fairlie

Elliott Fairlie is the Product Leader, UK & Ireland for Wilsonart, where he is responsible for all product categories in Wilsonart UK portfolio..

While brick evokes a rustic ambiance and might typically categorized under a more Organic Modern or farmhouse-adjacent trend, juxtaposing it with cooler and more modern materials like glass or marble can create a visually interesting dynamic.

'Combining different materials is an effective way to introduce variety without committing to strong colors,' says Elliott. 'Pairing exposed brick with natural wood and stone finishes adds variations in surfaces.'

Texture is also an excellent space divider. Cynthia's entryway is zoned off into her rustic-chic entryway, then goes modern when turning the corner to go upstairs. Elliott says this tactic can also be applied to rooms such as the kitchen.

'If you’re looking to create a statement through texture, carrying a fluted-effect splashback across your entire kitchen can create a gorgeous feature,' he says of zoning the space. 'Paired with neutrals, such as beiges, whites, and blacks, it creates a timeless design with added interest.'

Try mixing hard textures, such as brick or stone, with soft details, like a fluffy rug, for maximum impact.

Below find some of our favorite textured home picks for the front entryway to try out the trend.

Fluffy Gray Rug

From $118.99 on Wayfair

Soft as a cloud, this hand tufted rug makes any room feel super cozy.

Raw Edge Stone Bowl

From $129.00 at CB2

A show-stopping display piece, this handcrafted, stone bowl is made in Bali and features one-of-a-kind details.

Grooved Glass Vase

From $149.00 at Pottery Barn

This groovy glass vase is handcrafted in Germany and comes in both green and amber varieties.

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.

Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.