Brick House Exterior Renovation
Brick gives an exterior texture, depth and a lasting material identity. Its undertones and mortar should guide the surrounding roof, windows, trim and entrance. Mismatched siding or overly bright garage doors can distract from that character. Refining those elements often refreshes the home without covering the masonry, while compatible surface treatments remain an option where appropriate.
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See What This House Style Could Become
Natural Red Brick Contemporary
Retained red brick gains warmth and definition through bronze-dark frames, a timber door and a more deliberate entrance.
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European Transitional Brick
A pale, textured masonry finish and restrained stone entry surround refine the traditional two-story composition.
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Dark Sculptural Contemporary
Dark masonry, broad timber-lined eaves and sculptural terraces reinforce the home’s low, asymmetrical architecture.
View TransformationAbout the Brick House Style
Brick provides texture and character that can be difficult to replace. Its red, orange, brown or muted undertones should inform the roof, windows, trim and entrance. Keeping natural masonry, applying a compatible limewash or choosing a painted finish are different decisions; the right approach depends on both the architecture and the condition of the brick.
Common Exterior Challenges
- Trim or siding undertones that clash with the brick and mortar
- A bright garage door becoming the main focal point
- An entrance with too little definition
- Heavy dark outlines around every opening
- Roof colors and extra materials competing with the masonry
Design Directions
Natural Red Brick Contemporary
Natural red brick remains the main material. Bronze-dark frames, a timber door and a quieter garage provide definition without covering the masonry.
European Transitional
A pale, textured masonry finish and substantial entry surround soften a traditional two-story home. The window rhythm remains central to the design.
Dark Sculptural Contemporary
Dark masonry reinforces low, asymmetrical volumes. Timber-lined eaves and terraced planting add warmth so the darker palette still feels inviting.
Materials & Colors
Test whites against the actual brick and mortar. Warm masonry may suit creamy trim, taupe, olive or muted green better than stark white; cooler brick can support different mineral tones. Compare samples outdoors alongside the roof.
Bronze frames, timber doors and restrained charcoal accents can define an entrance without outlining every edge. If stone or siding is added, relate its scale and undertone to the brick and keep transitions deliberate.
Painting, limewashing and mineral finishes behave differently. Have a local masonry specialist assess moisture, surface condition and product compatibility before applying a finish. The images show design directions, not a diagnosis of your brick.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to paint my brick to update the exterior?
No. New trim, windows, doors, lighting and planting can refresh natural brick. Consider those changes before deciding to cover a durable existing material.
How can red brick look more contemporary?
Simplify the surrounding palette and strengthen the entrance. Bronze or dark frames, a timber door and a coordinated garage can give retained brick a more considered setting.
Which exterior colors work with brick?
Choose from the brick’s undertones, mortar and roof. Cream, taupe, muted green and restrained charcoal are possibilities, but test samples on your own property.
Can I combine brick with stone or siding?
Yes, if their undertones, scale and placement support the architecture. Avoid adding multiple accents where one quieter complementary finish would work better.
Can a traditional brick house become contemporary?
It can, through simpler details, coordinated openings and a stronger entrance. Retain the roof form and window rhythm where they give the house its character.
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