Brick facades can start to look tired when the mortar is worn, the color feels dated, or the entry lacks definition.
I like updates that work with the character of the masonry rather than covering it up, since a thoughtful paint choice, refreshed trim, or clearer path can make the whole home feel more cared for.
Some changes are small, while others reshape how the facade reads from the street, but they do not always call for a full renovation.
Seeing the brick take on a more purposeful look is satisfying, especially when the original texture still has a place in the design.
I’d save the ideas that suit your home’s brick and test the simplest changes first.
Refresh A Brick Facade With Paint
Painting the brick white gives this dated facade a cleaner, more current look without changing its basic shape. The dark front door and gray shutters add contrast, so the exterior feels refreshed rather than plain.
For a similar update, test paint colors on a small, less visible section of brick first, since the finish is a long-term choice. A darker door can help the entry stand out, while keeping trim and shutters to a simple color scheme avoids a busy look.
Refresh A Brick Facade With Simple Entry Updates
A brick exterior can look tired even when the masonry itself is in good shape. Here, cleaning up the facade and adding lanterns beside the front door makes the entry feel more cared for without changing the brick.
This is a practical place to start on a traditional home. Clean the masonry gently, then choose entry lights and hardware that suit the house’s style. Keep the changes restrained so the brick remains the main feature.
Update Brick House Windows For Better Curb Appeal
Replacing dated white windows with black-framed ones gives this brick facade a cleaner, more defined look without changing the masonry. The darker frames suit the red brick and make the window area feel more considered.
This idea works well when the brick is in good shape but the original windows look tired. Choose frames that suit the home’s style, and keep the trim installation neat so the update feels intentional rather than added on.
Add A Stone Base To Refresh A Brick Facade
The plain brick exterior feels more finished with a stone veneer along the lower half of the facade. This gives the house a clear visual change without covering all the brick, so its original character still shows.
For a similar update, keep the stone to one section, such as the foundation or lower wall, and choose a color that suits the existing brick. Check that the new material is suitable for your climate and installed to manage moisture.
Add A Covered Entry To A Brick House
A simple brick facade can feel more welcoming when the front door has a clear entrance of its own. Here, a small gabled porch and white columns give the doorway more presence without changing the brick.
This idea works well when you want to update a brick home but keep its existing masonry. Keep the porch in proportion to the house, and check that the roofline and columns suit the style of the facade.
Add Shutters To Give Brick Windows More Character
Adding shutters is a straightforward way to give a plain brick facade more definition. Here, dark blue shutters make the windows stand out, and matching flower boxes carry that color across the front of the house.
Choose shutter sizes that suit the windows, and check that their style fits the age and shape of the home. A consistent color works well on a row of windows, but keep the surrounding brick visible so the facade still feels like brick.
Update A Brick House With A New Garage Door
Replacing a worn garage door can refresh a brick exterior without changing the masonry. Here, the plain white door gives way to a dark wood-look door with a row of windows, making the garage feel more considered while the brick remains the same.
This idea works well when the brick is in good condition but a large garage door looks dated. Choose a finish that suits the house’s trim and roof, and check that the window style feels at home with the rest of the facade.
Update A Brick Entry With Simple Details
A brick facade can look more cared for without changing the masonry. Here, replacing the worn porch railing with a simple black one gives the entry a cleaner, more current look.
This approach works well when the brick is in good condition but the entry feels dated. Focus on one or two features, such as the railing or a modern porch light, and keep their style in keeping with the house.
Make A Brick Entry Feel More Welcoming
A worn doorway can make an otherwise sturdy brick facade feel neglected. Here, a new teal door and a small covered entry give the entrance a clearer focal point without changing the brick itself.
This approach works well when the masonry is in good shape but the front door area needs attention. Refresh the door and trim first, then consider a simple canopy for shelter and a more finished look. Keep the scale modest so the new entry suits the house.
Add Shutters To Refresh A Brick Facade
Adding shutters is a simple way to give a plain brick exterior more definition. Here, dark shutters make the windows stand out and help the facade feel more finished without changing the brick itself.
For a similar update, choose a shutter color that works with the front door and existing trim. Check that the shutters suit the window size, too; pieces that look too narrow or oversized can make the facade feel unbalanced.
Replace An Old Awning With A Covered Entry
An outdated awning can make a brick entrance feel neglected. Replacing it with a clean-lined metal canopy gives the doorway a clearer focal point, and a wood-finished underside makes the covered entry feel more welcoming.
This approach suits brick storefronts and homes with a simple, centered entrance. Choose a canopy that fits the width of the doorway and windows, and make sure it is properly supported and installed for your climate.
Give Dark Brick A Lighter Finish
A pale masonry finish can make an older brick house feel much fresher without changing its basic shape. Here, the dark red brick is replaced with a light, washed look, which also makes the covered entry feel more open.
For a similar update, test a masonry-safe finish on a small, less visible area first, since brick can absorb color unevenly. A light finish suits houses where the existing brick feels heavy, but keeping the roof and front door darker can preserve some contrast.
Clear Overgrown Ivy To Show Off Brick
Removing heavy ivy lets the brick facade become the main feature again. Here, clearing the growth reveals the masonry, while simple foundation planting and low lighting give the front of the house a neater finish.
If ivy has spread across your brick, start by checking the masonry and removing the growth carefully so you do not damage the mortar. Then keep planting low and away from the walls, which helps preserve the cleaned-up look and makes the brick easier to maintain.
Restore Decorative Trim To Refresh A Brick Facade
The brick facade already has character, but the worn, missing-looking trim above the windows and along the roofline makes it feel neglected. Replacing and repainting the exterior trim brings back the home’s original detail without changing the brick itself.
This approach works well on older row houses where the masonry is still in good shape. Match the trim’s scale to the existing architecture, and repair any water damage before adding new decorative pieces.
Add A Curved Paver Walkway To Refresh The Front Yard
The straight, cracked concrete path has been replaced with a curved paver walkway and defined planting beds. That change gives the front yard more shape and makes the route to the door feel like part of the home’s landscaping rather than an afterthought.
This idea works well when a front lawn feels bare or the existing path is worn. Keep the curve gentle and wide enough for comfortable walking, and choose pavers that suit the brick and other hard surfaces nearby. A few well-defined beds are usually easier to maintain than scattered plantings.
Use Two-Tone Siding To Refresh A Brick Facade
Painting the upper part of a brick house a light neutral shade can update its appearance while keeping the original brick visible below. Here, the change gives the facade a clearer division of color and makes the entry feel more current.
This approach can suit a split-level home where the upper and lower stories already have distinct sections. Choose an exterior paint color that works with the brick, and have the masonry properly prepared before painting so the finish holds up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I paint over old brick if I want a cleaner, more modern look?
A: You can, but check the brick and mortar first. Paint can trap moisture, especially on older or damp masonry, and it’s difficult to remove later. If you like the idea of a lighter facade, limewash offers a softer finish that lets brick breathe.
Q: How do I update the facade without losing the brick’s character?
A: Keep some brick exposed and use changes like new trim, a wood entry, or darker window frames to give it a fresh edge. Even updating the mortar color can shift the whole look without hiding the masonry.
Q: Is repointing worth doing before a remodel?
A: Yes, if the mortar is cracked, crumbling, or pulling away from the brick. Repointing fixes a practical problem and can make the entire facade look more cared for.
Q: Can I add cladding to part of a brick exterior?
A: Yes, as long as the materials meet cleanly and the added layer doesn’t trap water against the wall. Try cladding on an entry or upper section first, and keep the coverage modest so the brick still feels like the main feature.
