When I look at older farmhouses with painted brick, the way the paint updates the entire front without hiding the character always stands out to me right away.
It changes how the entry and rooflines come together from the curb, often making the home feel more welcoming without any major construction.
A few colors surprised me in person.
The right choice lets the brick texture stay visible while softening the overall look against the windows and trim.
I usually note which ones hold up in different lights before suggesting them to anyone else working on a similar house.
White Painted Brick With Dark Trim
Painting brick white gives an older farmhouse a lighter and more updated look. The clean color brightens the whole exterior while still keeping the texture and character of the original brick.
This approach works best when you pair the white with dark window frames and trim. The contrast adds definition without needing lots of extra changes, and it suits homes that already have stone steps or simple architectural lines.
Dark Paint On Brick Gives A Farmhouse A Fresh Look
Painting older brick in a deep shade can give a farmhouse a cleaner and more updated appearance. The dark color covers uneven surfaces and aging mortar while white trim keeps the lines sharp and the overall shape easy to read.
This works best on homes with straightforward rooflines and simple window placements. Keep the trim and accents bright so the house does not feel heavy, and test the paint on a small section first to see how it looks in different light.
Use a Soft Green Paint on Brick Walls
A soft green paint on brick can update an older farmhouse without making it feel brand new. The color adds a calm layer that still shows the texture of the original brick underneath. It pairs easily with dark doors and simple wood trim for a clean contrast that feels current.
This works best on homes that already have some natural materials like stone or wood. Keep the palette limited so the green stays the main feature instead of competing with too many other colors.
Paint the Lower Brick a Darker Shade
A two tone brick paint job gives an older farmhouse more structure and presence. The darker base anchors the house while the lighter upper section keeps it from feeling heavy. This approach works especially well when the home already has a simple shape and you want to update it without major changes.
Keep the color change at the water table or just below the windows. Navy, charcoal, or deep green on the bottom pairs cleanly with black shutters and warm metal lighting. It suits farmhouses that sit close to the ground and need a bit more weight at the foundation.
Painting the Brick White
Painting brick white gives an older farmhouse a cleaner, lighter look that still keeps its original character. The solid white surface makes the whole house feel updated and brighter, especially when the brick has some age or uneven tone to begin with.
This works best on homes where the brick is in decent shape and the roofline stays simple. Choose a masonry paint made for exterior use, then add dark doors or window frames for contrast so the white does not wash out.
White Painted Brick With Dark Accents
Painting brick white gives an older farmhouse a lighter, cleaner look without losing the texture that makes the style feel grounded. The dark navy on the door and windows creates a simple contrast that updates the whole front without major changes to the structure.
This approach works best on homes that already have good window placement and a solid roofline. Keep the trim and hardware minimal so the color contrast stays the focus. It pairs well with stone foundations or gravel paths that keep the setting casual.
Painting Brick Dark To Modernize The Facade
Many older farmhouses have brick that can start to look tired over time. A deep dark paint color gives the whole exterior a cleaner, updated feel while still keeping the original texture and shape.
This approach pairs especially well with a warm wood door and black trim around the windows. It works best on homes where you want a modern edge without going too far from the classic farmhouse style. Just be sure to use the right masonry paint and prep the surface well so it lasts.
White Painted Brick with Black Shutters
Painting the brick white gives an older farmhouse a brighter, updated look without losing the texture that makes these homes feel solid. The clean surface reflects light and makes the whole exterior feel more current while still reading as a classic country house.
Black shutters and wood window frames add contrast that keeps the white from looking flat. This approach works best on simple brick homes where you want to highlight the shape rather than add new materials. Keep the trim and shutters consistent so the update feels intentional instead of scattered.
Soft Pink Brick Updates an Older Farmhouse
Painting brick a gentle color like this can make an older home feel brighter and less heavy while keeping its farmhouse shape intact. The soft tone still shows the texture of the brick, so it does not look fake or overly modern.
This works best on simple facades where the color can stand out without competing with too many details. A contrasting door color and some climbing plants help the look stay grounded rather than too sweet. Test the paint on a small patch first because brick takes color unevenly.
Painted Brick With Wood Doors
Painting brick is one of the easiest ways to refresh an older farmhouse, but it can look a little flat on its own. Adding wood doors brings back some warmth and texture that plain painted brick often loses.
This approach works best on homes that still have their original door openings or simple trim details. Choose wood with visible grain and some age to it so the contrast feels natural rather than forced. Keep the rest of the hardware simple and dark so the wood stays the main focal point.
Paint the Brick in a Soft Gray
Painting brick in a soft gray tone can freshen up an older farmhouse without stripping away its character. The color lightens the whole exterior and lets wood trim and stone details stand out more clearly.
This works best on homes where the brick is still sound but looks dated. Stick with a matte finish so the texture remains visible, and try a sample patch first to check how the shade shifts through the day.
Dark Painted Brick for a Modern Update
Painting brick a deep dark color is one of the quickest ways to shift an older farmhouse into something that feels current. The solid black finish on this house removes the traditional look without changing the shape or structure, and the contrast with the wood door keeps it from feeling too stark.
This approach works best on simple brick homes that have good proportions but dated color. It suits people who want a cleaner look without major construction, though it is worth testing a few paint samples first since dark shades can highlight any uneven spots in older brick.
White Painted Brick With Dark Frames
Painting an older brick farmhouse white gives the exterior a lighter, cleaner look that feels more current. The bright surface reflects light and makes the whole house seem larger and less heavy than traditional red or brown brick.
Use dark frames on the doors and windows to create contrast against the white. This works best on simple one-story or low-gable farmhouses where you want to keep the original shape but update the style without major construction.
Paint the Brick a Deep Green
Painting brick a deep green gives an older farmhouse a clean, updated look without changing its basic shape or details. The color hides any mismatched or faded brick while still letting the texture show through, which keeps the house feeling grounded.
This works best on homes with simple trim and a clear entry point. Pair the green with a bright door color to create contrast and draw attention to the front without adding extra decoration.
White Painted Brick With Black Trim
Painting brick white gives an older farmhouse a cleaner, updated look without major construction. The bright surface reflects light and makes the whole exterior feel more open and current while keeping the original texture.
This works best on homes that already have some wood siding or simple rooflines. Pairing the white brick with black window frames and doors adds contrast that feels balanced rather than stark. Keep the rest of the materials minimal so the painted brick stays the main feature.
Painted Brick Defines a Private Patio
Painting brick walls a soft gray can turn a narrow side space into a usable outdoor room. The color lightens the whole area and gives it a cleaner look that still feels connected to the original house.
This approach works best on older homes that already have some brick. Keep the layout simple with a basic path and a fireplace built into one wall so the space stays comfortable through more of the year.
Paint Brick A Soft Blue Gray
Painting brick a soft blue gray gives an older home a fresh farmhouse look without losing the texture that makes brick feel solid and real. The color works because it is light enough to brighten the whole facade but still keeps some depth, especially when paired with white trim and dark window frames.
This approach suits homes that already have simple gable lines and a clear entry. It is easiest on brick that is in decent shape, and it helps the house feel updated while staying true to the original material. Stick with a muted shade so the color ages gracefully instead of looking too bright or trendy.
Outdoor Kitchens With Room to Gather
An outdoor kitchen next to a long dining table gives an older home a practical way to use the backyard more often. The setup keeps cooking and eating in one spot, so people stay together instead of moving back and forth inside.
This works best on homes that already have a solid brick wall or patio because the materials feel at home with the existing structure. Keep the table simple and the seating comfortable, and leave enough space around the grill so the area does not feel crowded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much cleaning does the brick need before painting starts? A: Start by scrubbing off dirt and mildew with a stiff brush and mild detergent. Rinse everything thoroughly and let the surface dry for a few days. This step keeps the paint from peeling later.
Q: Will painted brick hold up through cold winters without extra work? A: Choose a breathable masonry paint so moisture can escape instead of getting trapped. Touch up any chips each spring and the finish should stay solid for years. Skip heavy sealers that can cause flaking.
Q: What if the mortar between the bricks looks worn? A: Repoint the mortar first so it sits even with the brick faces. Then paint over both at once for a smoother modern finish. This avoids uneven color and weak spots down the road.
Q: Can I test a color without committing to the whole house? A: Paint a couple of sample boards made from spare brick and prop them against the wall. Check them at different times of day to see how the light hits. This quick check saves time and money before the full job.
