I’ve noticed that unpainted brick houses often blend into the background, making their strong rooflines and entryways feel weighed down after a few decades.
A coat of paint changes that completely by highlighting the facade’s texture and tying it to the rest of the exterior.
When I drive past homes like that, the first thing I spot is whether the color warms up the whole street view or clashes with the trim.
Some painters go subtle with whites and grays, while others pick bolder hues that make the brick pop without overwhelming the design.
These examples convince me to consider testing a muted green on our own place someday.
Soft Gray Painted Brick with Black Door
Painting brick a soft gray like this gives an older house a clean, updated feel without losing its charm. The black front door stands out strong against it. Brass hardware on the door and classic lanterns on each side add just enough polish. Boxwood topiaries in black pots flank the entry nicely too. It pulls the whole facade together.
This look works best on traditional homes with some architectural detail, like an arched doorway. Paint the brick first in a light neutral gray. Then go bold with a black door. Add matching lanterns for evening light. Skip if your house is super modern. It might feel too heavy there.
Black Brick with a Red Door
A deep black paint on brick turns a plain townhouse front into something bold and modern. That red door pulls it all together. It stands out against the dark walls and makes the entry feel welcoming right away. Simple lanterns on each side add just enough light without overdoing it.
This look fits narrow urban homes or older brick rows. Pick a glossy red door in a traditional six-panel style to keep things balanced. Paint the brick matte black for less glare. Skip busy trim. It works where you want curb appeal that lasts through seasons.
Teal Door on White Painted Brick
A teal front door gives this white painted brick house a fresh, lively update that feels just right for today. The soft white brick keeps things classic and clean, almost like a gentle wash over the original texture. But that bold door color pulls everything together. It adds personality without going overboard.
Try this on a traditional home or cottage style where you want more curb appeal. Flank the entry with low plants like hydrangeas for extra charm, and keep porch lights simple. It suits milder climates best. Avoid super dark roofs, though. They can clash a bit.
Soft Painted Brick Facade
A light beige paint on brick like this takes a traditional house and makes it feel brighter and less heavy. The color washes over the texture nicely, keeping some of that old brick charm while looking updated. Dark green shutters pull it together without much fuss.
Try this on colonial or craftsman style homes that need a refresh. It shows up well against trees or greenery. Go for a breathable limewash paint to let the brick breathe, and keep plantings simple around the entry so the facade stays the focus.
Light Gray Painted Brick on Row Houses
Painting the brick in a soft light gray takes this classic rowhouse from dated to fresh. It lightens the whole front without hiding the original structure, and that warm wood door adds just the right contrast. Black lanterns and steps keep things simple and modern.
This look fits tight urban streets or older neighborhoods best. Go for a gray with subtle warmth to avoid a cold feel, then balance it with wood or black trim. It works on two or three story homes where you want easy curb appeal without big changes.
Sage Green Arched Entry Door
A sage green arched door like this one gives a painted brick house that soft, cottage feel without going overboard. It stands out just enough against the pale pinkish walls and brick accents, making the front entrance the natural focal point. The climbing roses draped over the top add a bit of romance, tying the door right into the house.
This works best on older homes or ones with some traditional charm, especially if you want to keep things fresh but not too modern. Paint a similar door on a stucco or lightly textured brick facade, then let plants grow up around it. Skip bold colors here, though. Stick to muted greens so it blends with the garden.
White Brick Exterior with Wood Cladding
White painted brick gives a house a clean, fresh base that’s easy to update. Pair it with natural wood cladding on one side, like the vertical cedar boards here, and you get warmth that keeps things from feeling too stark. The black-framed door and windows add sharp contrast without overpowering the look. It’s a simple way to blend modern edges with cozy texture.
This combo works best on homes with simple shapes, like ranch or contemporary styles. Paint the brick a soft white to let the wood stand out, and keep plantings low around the entry so the materials shine. Skip busy colors or too much trim, or it gets fussy. On a corner lot… even better for showing off both sides.
Painting Brick in Soft Blue
A soft blue paint on brick gives a house that fresh coastal feel without going overboard. It tones down the usual red brick look and ties right into ocean views or nearby water. Here the color shows up nicely on the side facade next to a simple wood deck. That blue keeps things calm and modern. No harsh contrasts.
Try this on homes near the water or in mild climates where you want curb appeal that doesn’t shout. Pick a paint made for masonry so it lasts. Pair it with white trim or a pergola like this to let the blue stand out. Avoid super dark shades. They can make brick feel heavy.
Painted Brick Facade with Green Door Entry
One straightforward way to update a traditional brick house is painting the brick in a soft cream shade and adding a deep green front door. It keeps the classic shape of the home but makes it feel brighter and more current. The green door stands out nicely against the light brick, and pairing it with matching shutters ties everything together without much fuss.
This look works best on older homes with good bones, like colonials or federals, where you want curb appeal that nods to history but skips the dated vibe. Flank the steps with simple topiaries and add lanterns for light. Just make sure the green is a true hunter shade, not too bright, so it doesn’t overwhelm the soft brick.
Dark Navy Painted Brick Exterior
Painted brick doesn’t have to be light or neutral to work well. This home takes it in a bold direction with a deep navy color that gives the whole facade a modern, grounded feel. The dark tone picks up on the wood door and slim metal window frames, making everything tie together without much fuss. It’s fresh because it skips the usual red or white brick look.
You can pull this off on ranch-style or mid-century homes that need an update. Just make sure the paint is breathable masonry type to avoid moisture issues. Add some grasses and a stone path out front like here, and it keeps things low-key yet sharp. Works best where you want curb appeal that stands out at dusk.
Soft Pink Painted Brick Exterior
Painting brick in a soft pink shade like this one gives an old-school material a whole new vibe. It keeps the texture you love about brick but lightens things up and makes the house feel more approachable. Here the pink wall pairs nicely with black window frames and sliding doors that open wide to the kitchen. It’s a simple change that updates the look without going overboard.
This works best on homes with some traditional brick details you want to modernize. Try it on side walls or rear facades where it won’t overwhelm the street view. Just make sure the paint is breathable masonry type so moisture doesn’t get trapped. Pair it with clean lines like gravel paths or simple plantings to keep the fresh feel going.
Warm Terracotta Stucco Exterior
A warm terracotta color on stucco walls brings a fresh Tuscan feel to this house exterior. It updates the look without losing that rustic charm, especially with the smooth texture picking up the late-day light. The arched wooden door and stone trim keep things grounded and traditional.
This paint color works well on brick or stucco homes wanting more personality, particularly in sunny spots. Pair it with big terracotta pots at the entry and a olive tree nearby for easy repetition. Skip it on shady north-facing walls though, since the warmth shows best in good light.
Pale Green Painted Brick Archway
One fresh way to update brick exteriors is painting them in a pale green shade like this garden arch. It softens the look of traditional brick while tying right into the garden plants around it. The color feels calm and natural, not bold or trendy. Here, it covers just the arch and frame, leaving the nearby red brick wall as contrast.
This works best on smaller structures like garden sheds or entry arches where you want architecture to blend with landscaping. Pair it with terracotta pots and gravel paths for a grounded feel. Skip it on full house facades unless your yard is lush, or it might look out of place. Traditional or cottage-style homes pull it off easiest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I clean dingy brick before painting it? A: Grab a garden hose and a stiff brush to scrub off loose dirt and mildew. Mix in a bit of mild soap if stains stick around. Rinse everything thoroughly and wait a full week for it to dry.
Q: What paint works best on exterior brick? A: Go for a high-quality exterior acrylic latex paint designed for masonry. It flexes with the brick and lets moisture escape. Brush or roll it on in thin coats for the smoothest finish.
Q: Will painting my brick house hold up to bad weather? A: Yes, good paint jobs shrug off rain and sun for 10 years or more. Pick light colors to cut heat absorption. And refresh trim paint yearly to keep edges sharp.
Q: How do I pick a color that flatters my house? A: Walk around your neighborhood at different times of day and snap photos of houses you like. Tape sample swatches right on the brick to check them in real light. Stick close to your roof and siding tones for balance.
