Old masonry gives an older home much of its character, but worn trim, dated colors, or a tired entry can make the facade feel neglected.
I like exterior updates that improve curb appeal while letting the brick or stone remain the main feature.
A fresh coat of paint on the right details, better lighting, or a more considered porch can make the whole house feel cared for without calling for a full renovation.
The masonry can stay.
Small, well-chosen changes often work best when they respect the home’s age and original materials, rather than trying to make it look brand new.
I’d save ideas that suit the existing stone or brick, then adapt them to the house’s style and what needs attention first.
Refresh The Entry While Keeping The Brick
A worn front door and overgrown shrubs made this brick entry feel neglected. Cleaning up the planting and replacing the door with a fresh wood finish gives the entrance a more cared-for look while leaving the original masonry in place.
For a similar update, start with the entry itself: repair or replace the door, then trim back plants that crowd the steps. This approach suits older brick homes where the masonry is still in good shape and does not need to be covered or replaced.
Give The Front Entry A Simple Update
A refreshed entry can make an older brick facade feel cared for without covering or changing the original masonry. Here, a green front door and crisp white trim give the doorway more definition, while the brick remains the main exterior finish.
For a similar update, keep the door color suited to the brick and repaint or repair existing trim before replacing it. A new porch light can finish the entry, but keep additions modest so the house’s original details stay visible.
Update The Upper Siding While Keeping The Brick
Replacing the worn upper siding with wood shingles gives this older facade a more finished look, while the brick below stays in place. It’s a useful way to refresh one part of a house without taking on a full exterior remodel.
On a brick home, focus the new siding on the upper story or gable and choose a color that suits the existing masonry. Keep the trim and window details simple so the materials work together rather than compete.
Rebuild Worn Steps To Refresh The Front Entry
Replacing cracked concrete steps with brick brings the entry into better keeping with the home’s original masonry. The new steps make the approach look cared for without changing the brick facade.
For an older home, matching the step material to existing brick can help the update feel like it belongs. Check that the steps are stable and properly drained, and keep the handrail secure for everyday use.
Add A Covered Gable To Define The Front Entry
The worn, flat porch roof made the entry feel unfinished. Replacing it with a small gabled canopy gives the doorway a clear focal point while leaving the original brick in place.
This approach suits older brick homes that need more presence at the front door without a full facade remodel. Keep the canopy in proportion to the porch, and choose a wood finish that works with the existing roof and trim.
Update Brick Exterior Shutters
Replacing faded louvered shutters with simple navy panels gives this brick facade a cleaner, more cared-for look without changing the masonry. The dark color also makes the white window trim stand out.
This is a practical update for a brick home with sound windows and walls but tired exterior details. Choose a shutter style that suits the house, and measure carefully so the panels look properly sized beside each window.
Make The Front Door The Main Update
A fresh front door can improve an older brick facade without covering or replacing the masonry. Here, the worn brown door is replaced with a deep teal one, giving the entry a clear focal point while leaving the brick intact.
Choose a door color that suits the brick and existing trim, and keep the rest of the update simple. This is a practical option when the masonry is in good shape but the entrance feels dated.
Add Lighting To Make The Brick Entry More Welcoming
The brick facade stays as it is, but adding matching lanterns beside the door gives the entry a clearer focal point and makes it feel more welcoming. It’s a practical update when you want to improve curb appeal without covering or replacing original masonry.
Choose fixtures that suit the age and scale of the house, and place them evenly on either side of the door when space allows. Check that the lights are rated for outdoor use and bright enough to help people find the entrance.
Add Structure To Overgrown Foundation Planting
The shrubs in this brick home’s front bed had grown together and covered much of the lower wall. Trimming them back into separate, rounded plants makes the planting look cared for and lets more of the original masonry show.
For a similar cleanup, prune overgrown shrubs before buying new plants, then add mulch to define the bed. Leave enough space between plants for them to grow without merging again, especially beneath windows and beside walkways.
Repaint The Upper Siding To Refresh The Facade
The pale siding on the upper gable made the brick exterior feel dated. Repainting that section charcoal gives the facade a cleaner look while leaving the original masonry untouched.
This is a practical update for a brick home with a prominent siding feature. Choose a color that works with the brick, and use it consistently on the siding and nearby trim for a tidy finish.
Replace An Aging Garage Door
The brick exterior can stay as it is while a worn garage door gets a more considered update. Here, the plain white door is replaced with a taupe carriage-style door, giving the garage a clearer focal point without changing the original masonry.
This approach works well when the brick is in good shape but the garage door looks dated or damaged. Choose a color that suits the brick and existing trim, and check that any decorative windows or hardware fit the home’s style rather than competing with it.
Use Landscape Lighting To Highlight Brick
The brick facade stays untouched, but low landscape lights make its texture easier to see and give the front of the house a clearer focal point after dark. The planting bed also looks more orderly, so the lighting feels like part of the yard rather than an add-on.
For a similar effect, place a few weather-rated fixtures near the base of the brick wall and aim them upward. Keep the beams away from windows and avoid using too many lights; a small number can highlight the masonry without making the front yard feel overly bright.
Replace Worn Window Frames To Refresh A Brick Exterior
The peeling white frames make these brick windows look tired. Replacing them with clean, dark frames gives the facade a sharper look while leaving the original masonry untouched.
This is a practical update for a brick home where the walls are still in good shape but the windows need attention. Choose frame colors that suit the brick, and check that the new windows fit properly before installation.
Turn A Bare Porch Into A Seating Area
An empty porch can become useful outdoor space with a simple built-in bench. Here, the seating makes better use of the narrow covered area while leaving the brick walls untouched.
For a similar porch, measure carefully before adding a bench so there is still room to walk through. A compact seat with weather-resistant cushions can make a small entry more comfortable without crowding it.
Style A Brick Entry With A Porch Rug
The brick steps and landing already suit the house, but the bare concrete landing feels unfinished. A simple striped outdoor rug gives the entry a clear, welcoming finish without covering up the original masonry.
Use a weather-resistant rug sized to leave some brick visible around the edges, and make sure it lies flat so it does not become a tripping hazard. This is an easy update for a small front porch or landing where larger exterior changes are not needed.
Give The Front Walk A Clear Edge
A defined walkway can make a brick home’s entry feel more cared for without changing the original masonry. Here, the cracked concrete path is bordered with brick, giving the route to the steps a cleaner shape.
This works well when an older path is still usable but looks worn or blends into the yard. Keep the border in scale with the walk, and choose brick that suits the house so the update feels at home.
Replace An Aging Entry Awning
The old entry awning looked worn and pulled attention from the brick facade. Replacing it with a clean, simple canopy gives the doorway a more finished look while leaving the original masonry untouched.
For a brick home, choose an awning style and color that suit the existing trim rather than competing with it. A covered entry is most useful when it gives the door practical shelter, so check the projection and clearance before installing one.
Clean Up Foundation Planting To Show Off Original Masonry
The worn foundation and sparse, untidy bed make the brick exterior look neglected. Cleaning up the stonework and laying fresh mulch gives the masonry a clearer edge without covering or replacing it.
For a similar update, start by clearing debris and cutting back overgrowth, then use mulch to define the bed. Add a few well-spaced plants suited to the site, and leave room around the foundation so the original stone remains visible.
Update The Mailbox Area Beside The Brick
A simple mailbox replacement can tidy up a brick entry without changing the masonry. Here, the worn light-colored box is replaced with a clean black one, making this small part of the facade feel more intentional.
Choose a mailbox that suits the scale of the wall, and use a mounting plate if it helps cover marks or old mounting holes. A small planter below can finish the spot, but leave enough room to reach the mailbox comfortably.
Turn A Bare Side Yard Into A Seating Area
The narrow strip beside this brick house was mostly unused, but a small paver patio gives it a clear purpose. A compact table and chairs make the space useful for a quiet meal or a short break outside, without changing the original masonry.
For a similar side yard, keep the seating compact and leave a clear route along the house. A firm, level surface helps outdoor chairs sit steadily, and weather-resistant furniture is a sensible choice for an area exposed to the elements.
Repoint Brick To Refresh The Facade
Fresh mortar joints give this brick entry a cleaner, more cared-for look without covering the original masonry. The brick remains the main feature, but the renewed joints make the whole facade look sharper.
If your brick is sound but the mortar is worn or crumbling, repointing can be a practical update. Have a mason check the mortar first and match its color and composition to the original. Using the wrong mortar can damage older brick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I repaint or limewash old brick without damaging it?
A: Often, but check the brick and mortar first. Older, softer masonry can trap moisture under paint, so ask a mason familiar with historic homes to test a small area and assess the surface before you coat it.
Q: What’s the best way to update the front door while keeping the original brick?
A: Try a fresh door color, simple new hardware, or a better-fitting storm door before changing the masonry. These smaller updates can give the entrance a lift without hiding the brickwork.
Q: How do I add insulation without covering the outside brick?
A: Look into insulating from the interior, but first check for moisture problems and how the work could affect old plaster, trim, and window details. Exterior insulation can change the look of the facade, so get advice from someone who understands traditional masonry.
Q: Can I add modern lighting or house numbers to an old brick exterior?
A: Yes. Choose fixtures and numbers that suit the house, and avoid drilling into fragile brick or decorative details. A mason can help find a secure spot and the right anchors.
