A brick house is a fortress. It is sturdy, fire-resistant, and insulates against the cold. But from a design perspective, brick can sometimes feel… heavy.
Whether you have a mid-century ranch or a traditional colonial, red brick can look dark or dated if not styled correctly. Many homeowners feel “stuck” with their brick, afraid to touch it lest they ruin its value.
As Shiny Aura, I am here to tell you: You are not stuck. You don’t have to paint over the brick to change the look (though that is an option!). Often, it is about changing the accents around the brick to make the red sing a new tune. Here are 10 exterior ideas to refresh your brick home and boost its curb appeal.
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1. The “German Smear” or Limewash
If the red is too intense for you, but you don’t want the flat look of latex paint, try Limewash or a German Smear technique. This involves applying a thin layer of wet mortar or lime over the brick and then wiping some of it off.
The Effect: It softens the red tones into a rustic, old-world European texture. It allows the brick to breathe (unlike paint, which can trap moisture) and creates a romantic, weathered aesthetic that looks incredible with climbing ivy.
2. The High-Contrast Trim (Black or Charcoal)
Nothing modernizes red brick faster than ditching the white trim for Black or Charcoal Grey. Painting your window frames, gutters, and fascia board in a dark, moody color creates a sharp, graphic contrast.
Why it works: Red and black are a classic power couple. It takes a traditional home and gives it an industrial-chic or modern edge instantly.
3. The Perfect Front Door Color
The front door is the smile of your house. With red brick, you need a color that stands up to the visual weight of the masonry.
Shiny’s Color Palette:
- Teal or Navy Blue: Cool colors balance the warmth of the brick.
- Sage Green: Creates a nature-inspired, organic look.
- High-Gloss Black: For a formal, London-townhouse vibe.
- Mustard Yellow: For a cheerful, mid-century modern pop.
Avoid red (it clashes) or brown (it blends in too much).
4. Soften with Landscaping
Brick is hard and angular. To balance it, your landscaping needs to be soft and billowing. Avoid rigid, spiky plants.
Plant Picks: Use plants with movement like ornamental grasses, or rounded shrubs like Hydrangeas and Boxwoods. White flowers look particularly stunning against red brick because they pop visually rather than competing with the wall color.
5. Upgrade Exterior Lighting
Many older brick homes still have tiny, builder-grade porch lights that look out of scale. Swap them out for Oversized Lanterns.
Design Tip: Choose a finish that contrasts with the brick. Matte black or oil-rubbed bronze looks fantastic. If your house is limewashed white, copper fixtures add a stunning jewelry-like touch.
6. Add Wood Accents
To warm up the exterior, introduce natural wood elements. If you have a porch, install Cedar or Cypress columns (or wrap existing ugly columns in wood). A wooden garage door or a timber pergola over the garage adds an organic texture that breaks up the monotony of the masonry.
7. The Front Door Canopy (Portico)
Brick facades can sometimes look flat. Adding a Front Door Canopy or portico adds dimension and architectural interest.
The Style: A metal standing-seam awning creates a modern cottage look, while a classic gabled roof with columns adds stateliness to a colonial home. It also protects your guests (and your packages) from the rain.
8. Install Functional Shutters
Shutters are the “eyelashes” of a house. But many brick homes have shutters that are too narrow and bolted flat to the wall (fake shutters).
The Upgrade: Install shutters that are wide enough to actually cover the window if they were closed. Use hardware (hinges and dogs) to mount them so they stand slightly off the wall. This shadow line adds depth and authenticity.
9. Modern House Numbers
It is a small detail, but it screams “updated.” Replace the old brass numbers with large, modern sans-serif fonts. Mount them vertically on a wooden plaque or directly onto the brick using “floating” pins.
Placement: Make sure they are well-lit. Placing them under a porch light or installing a dedicated solar spotlight makes them visible and stylish.
10. Window Boxes
Break up a large expanse of brick wall by installing window boxes. They act as “jewelry” for your windows.
The Contents: Fill them with trailing vines (like Sweet Potato Vine) and bright annuals (like Petunias). The cascading greenery softens the hard brick surface and connects the house to the garden.
Final Thoughts
Your brick house has good bones. It has stood the test of time. You don’t need to cover it up to make it beautiful; you just need to dress it up.
By focusing on the “accessories”—the door, the lights, the landscaping—you can transform a heavy brick fortress into a welcoming family sanctuary.