On March 12, design professionals from across the Triangle gathered at the Triangle Brick Design Center for a late afternoon centered on inspiration, education, and connection. The Design Demo ’26: Presented by Sherwin-Williams and Triangle Brick Company delivered a hands-on look at emerging design trends, material applications, and the collaborative energy shaping the built environment across North Carolina and beyond.
Interior designers, architects, builders, and industry professionals filled the space to explore 2026 trends in brick, color, and surface finishes. All while connecting with peers and product experts who help bring projects to life every day.
A highlight of the event was a live limewashing demonstration led by Tommy Williams of KEIM. Attendees experienced firsthand how mineral-based finishes can transform brick, interior walls, and other surfaces.
“It’s a product that’s been around for ages and ages, but it’s caught traction! People are doing it outside on brick, and doing it inside. You can just get kind of an old-world look and it’s kind of a faux finish,” said Tommy Williams of KEIM.
“Limewash is extremely DIY friendly, but it does not jump out of the can onto the wall! Whether it’s a brick house or interior and sheet rock, you have to work at it a little bit to get the look you want. But just through practice of applying the product and figuring out what kind of look you’re going for, you’ll find it’s relatively easy to do. It’s probably one of the hottest trends we have going on right now.”
The event also featured a presentation from Samantha Weirsum of Sherwin-Williams. She introduced the 2026 Color of the Year, Universal Khaki, and offered insight into how this grounded, versatile tone can be implemented across residential and commercial design.
“My goal for tonight was that people were able to network, build relationships with the other designers and industry partners,” said Samantha Weirsum of Sherwin-Williams. “I hope that with Tommy’s presentation, they learned about the different techniques and applications for mineral paint and lime wash, interior and exterior. Hopefully, it’s going to spark inspiration for using these products on different projects that they have coming up in the future.”
Attendees also heard from Allison Walls of Triangle Brick Company. She shared new brick styles, emerging trends, and design-forward perspectives influencing how materials are specified across the region.
While the demonstrations and presentations delivered valuable technical insight, the true impact of the evening came through connection. Events like The Design Demo ’26 create opportunities for designers and industry professionals to engage directly with manufacturers, product specialists, and collaborators who become trusted resources long after the event concludes.
“This event is a reflection of what is possible when strong industry relationships come together,” said Allison Walls of Triangle Brick Company. “Collaborating with partners like Tommy William from KEIM and Samantha Weirsum from Sherwin-Williams allows us to create experiences that go beyond product. We’re bringing education, creativity, and real-world application into one space in a way that feels engaging and meaningful for our industry.”
She continued: “At the heart of what we do is a passion for connection. We love collaborating with industry peers, sharing ideas, and inspiring the kinds of spaces that shape how people live. We are proud to be a brick manufacturing partner that understands it is not simply about supplying a product. It is about building a legacy that contributes to the communities we are all helping to create.”
Events like The Design Demo ’26 are made possible by the unique capabilities of Triangle Brick’s Design Center in Durham. It is a dedicated space for builders, designers, developers, and homeowners. The Design Center offers a hands-on environment to explore brick selections, material pairings, and full exterior palettes in one place. Virtual consultations are also available.
Visitors can experience brick in real-world conditions through the outdoor Brick Garden, review curated material combinations, and work directly with Certified Brick Specialists to refine selections for projects of any scale. From initial inspiration to final specification, the Design Center is designed to support confident, informed decision-making. Not to mention, transparency behind our brick for sale!
A sincere thank you to our partners, presenters, and the talented professionals who joined us for The Design Demo ’26. Your curiosity, collaboration, and creative energy are what make events like this meaningful. We’re proud to support a community that continues to push design forward, and we look forward to what we’ll build together next! See you again soon?
Visit our Design Center in Durham, NC to meet with our Certified Brick Specialists and explore our one-of-a-kind Brick Garden, where you can see real brick and mortar combinations outdoors, day or night. You can also browse our full product selection online or reach out anytime to talk through your project needs. With extensive brick for sale inventory across North Carolina and Texas, we make it easy to get the right brick, right on time.
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