I’ve spent enough time eyeing red brick houses in my neighborhood to know that the right exterior paint colors on trim and accents can redefine the whole facade. That first impression from the street often comes down to how those shades play off the brick’s texture, the roofline’s slope, and the front door’s frame. I once sampled a soft blue-gray on our own place, and it surprised me by making the entry feel more grounded instead of lost against the warm bricks. Choices that harmonize with siding materials or nearby trees tend to age better than flashy ones that fade under years of sun. Some shades in here are the kind worth jotting down for a test patch on your own home.
Painted White Brick with Red Brick Accents
One simple way to refresh a brick house is painting most of the walls white while leaving red brick for the entry arch and steps. This setup shows up well here. The white keeps things bright and clean. The red brick adds back some traditional warmth without overwhelming the look. Those lanterns and potted plants on either side just settle right into it.
It works best on older homes with some historic feel. Like cottages or farmhouses in the country. Paint the main body white for that crisp base. Keep red brick where it frames the door or builds up steps. Skip it on super modern places. It might feel too folksy there.
Classic White Trim on Red Brick
Red brick houses get a fresh, traditional lift from crisp white trim around the windows and entry. It pulls the eye up to the clean lines of the facade and makes the whole front feel more open and balanced. That white portico with its columns stands out nicely against the warm brick tones without overpowering things.
Paint your trim bright white if you want that timeless curb appeal on a two-story brick home. It works best on classic styles like this Georgian look, especially with a dark door for contrast. Keep the brick mortar clean too, or the effect fades. Not great for super modern houses though.
Dark Shingle Siding on Red Brick Homes
A red brick base paired with dark shingle siding up top gives this house a solid, layered look that feels both classic and fresh. The brick anchors everything at ground level around the entry porch, while the deep charcoal shakes make the upper stories pop without stealing the show. White trim on the windows and porch keeps it clean and lets the brick breathe.
Try this on two-story homes with some traditional lines, especially if you have warm red brick already. It suits spots with trees nearby, adding depth to the facade. Just make sure the shakes are in good shape before painting dark, or the color might highlight any wear.
Navy Blue Painted Brick
A navy blue paint job like this one turns a plain red brick rowhouse into something fresh and standout. The deep color hides the original brick texture just enough to give a sleek, modern vibe without losing that solid, traditional feel. It pops nicely against the neighbor’s red brick, making the home feel updated and confident.
Try this on older urban rowhouses or townhomes where you want curb appeal without a full redo. Pair it with black trim, simple window boxes, and maybe a bench out front to settle the look. It suits city streets best, but watch the sun exposure, dark colors can fade faster in full southern light.
Rustic Wood Shingle Siding
Warm reddish-brown wood shingles give this house a cabin feel that pulls you right in from the street. Paired with a stone base and timber porch posts, it looks solid without being heavy. Those wood tones catch the light nicely, especially at dusk with the lanterns on.
Try this on homes in wooded areas or cooler climates where you want something low-key and natural. Go for cedar shingles stained in a similar red-brown shade, then add fieldstone at the bottom for balance. Skip it on super-modern lots, though. It suits two-story designs best.
White Portico on Red Brick
A white portico like this one takes a red brick house up a notch. The columns and trim painted crisp white stand right out against the warm brick. It gives the whole front a touch of old-school elegance without much fuss. Black shutters and door keep things sharp.
Try this on traditional brick homes in town or suburbs. Paint the columns and overhead white, maybe add lanterns for evenings. It suits homes with steps already. Just make sure the white is a clean shade to really pop.
Classic White Stucco over Red Brick
A clean white stucco finish on the upper walls pairs nicely with red brick accents down low around the entry. It keeps the house looking bright and open while the brick adds some solid warmth right where you notice it most. Those green shutters on the windows pull in a bit of color without overdoing things.
This setup suits older homes or cottages that need a fresh traditional vibe. Paint the stucco bright white to offset the brick, and add lanterns by the door for evenings. It works on smaller facades too, just avoid too much brick or it might feel heavy.
Crisp White Trim on Red Brick
Red brick houses look sharp when you paint the trim a clean white. It pulls out the brick’s warm tones without overwhelming them. Those tall white columns and the simple porch railing here make the front entrance feel balanced and welcoming. The white stands strong against the brick but keeps things classic, not fussy.
This works best on traditional homes like colonials or Georgian styles. Pick a true white with no yellow undertones so it stays bright over time. Paint the trim, shutters if you have them, and any stone accents. Skip it on super modern houses, though. It might feel too formal there. Just clean the brick first for the best hold.
Neutral Gray Siding on Red Brick
Red brick often feels bold and sturdy. Painting the siding a neutral gray like this tones it down a bit. It keeps the brick as the strong base while the gray adds a calm layer up top. That yellow door pulls it all together without overwhelming things.
This works best on Craftsman or bungalow styles with brick pillars or short walls. Pick a gray with subtle blue undertones to avoid clashing with warm brick. Test samples in morning light. It suits older homes wanting a fresh look that isn’t too trendy.
Pale Blue Shutters on Red Brick
Red brick houses often look strong and traditional. Adding pale blue shutters gives them a softer, cottage feel without changing the brick itself. In this setup, the blue picks up the evening sky and pairs nicely with white window frames. It keeps things fresh but not too bold. Those lanterns by the door add a bit more warmth at dusk.
Try this on older homes in town or country spots where you want curb appeal that nods to the past. Paint the shutters a light washable blue, maybe with a hint of gray. It works best on houses with some ivy or simple plants nearby. Skip it if your brick is super dark, though. The contrast might feel off then.
Red Brick with Black Cladding
Red brick has that solid, classic feel most homes start with. Here it gets a fresh update from black cladding on the upper parts and side wall. The warm tones in the brick play right off the dark panels, making the whole front look more current without losing its roots. A simple wood overhang above the door pulls it all in.
This setup fits homes built in the last couple decades that want a modern twist. Keep the brick on the lower half where it shows best, then let black take over up top. It works on smaller lots too, since the contrast makes the entry pop. Watch the scale though, black can overwhelm if it’s everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My red brick looks faded after years in the sun. Will painting the trim really make a difference?
A: Painting the trim breathes new life into faded brick. Pick a crisp white or soft gray to contrast nicely and pull eyes to the details. It frames the brick like a picture and hides wear without touching the brick itself.
Q: How do I pick a color from your list that matches my house’s style?
A: Walk around your neighborhood and snap pics of homes you love. Match those vibes to the swatches here, like a bold navy for craftsman charm or warm beige for ranch coziness. Hold samples up at dawn and dusk. Your favorite will stand out.
Q: Do I have to power wash before painting trim on brick?
A: Yes, scrub off dirt and loose paint first. A quick power wash grabs grime without damaging brick. Dry it out a day or two, then prime for paint that sticks.
Q: What if I want a modern twist on traditional red brick?
A: Go for charcoal gray or deep teal on trim. They cool down the red warmth and add edge. Test small, but this combo turns heads every time.
