Red brick houses carry a sturdy, timeless appeal, but they have a way of feeling locked in the past after a few decades. I remember standing in front of mine one afternoon, realizing the flat facade and heavy roofline made it fade into the neighborhood instead of standing out.
Drivers notice curb appeal right away, especially how entries frame the front door or how window placements break up all that brick. Swapping in lighter siding accents or reshaping the porch roof pulls the whole exterior together in a way that surprises you up close. A couple of these tweaks are simple enough to try on your own place next season.
Modern Black Trim on Red Brick Facades
Red brick homes look sharp when you frame the windows and doors in black trim. It holds onto that solid, traditional brick feel but brings in clean modern lines. Here, the slim black frames around the big windows pop against the warm brick, and the dark porch supports tie it all together nicely.
This trick suits older brick houses that need a simple refresh. Go for matte black metal frames to keep things current, and extend the color to entry columns or garage doors. It boosts curb appeal on any street, especially with some stone steps underneath. Scale it right though, or it might feel too heavy on smaller homes.
Exposed Brick Walls in Loft Living Rooms
Old brick walls like this one can totally transform a space when you expose them. Here, the red brick runs full height behind the wood stove, with a tall chimney pipe adding real character. White beams overhead and big windows keep it from feeling heavy, mixing industrial edge with everyday comfort.
Try this in homes built before the 1950s, where plaster hides the brick. Peel it back in sections to test the condition, then seal for dust. It suits open living areas best, paired with light floors and simple seating. Just watch scale, bigger rooms handle the drama better.
Exposed Brick Walls in a White Kitchen
Exposed brick walls give a kitchen real character, especially when you pair them with simple white cabinets. In this setup, the rough red brick runs along one side of a narrow space, warming up the clean lines and marble counters. It keeps things feeling fresh while nodding to the home’s older bones.
Try this in galley kitchens or tight remodels where you uncover original brick. Stick to shaker-style cabinets in bright white, toss in a farmhouse sink, and you’re set. It suits brick houses best, adding interest without much fuss.
Exposed Brick Entryway Bench
Exposed brick walls make a strong statement in entryways, especially in older brick homes where you can uncover what’s already there. This setup uses the brick as a backdrop for a simple wooden bench with woven baskets below for shoes and bags. Hooks nearby hold coats and hats, turning a basic spot into something useful and character-filled.
It suits front entries or mudrooms in family homes that see daily traffic. Keep cabinets white for contrast, add a rug on the brick floor, and you’re set. Watch for dust on the brick, though. A quick wipe keeps it looking sharp.
Brick Home Office Corner
Exposed brick walls give a home office real character without much effort. In this setup, the warm red tones behind a plain wooden desk make the space feel lived-in and focused. A few metal shelves hold books and plants, and that black lamp pulls it together for daily use.
This works great in remodels where you want to keep the brick but lighten things up. Put it near glass doors or under a skylight for natural light, and pick simple wood furniture to avoid clashing. It’s perfect for older brick houses turning a spare corner into a work spot… just watch the dust on those shelves.
Exposed Brick Walls in the Bathroom
One simple way to add real character to a bathroom remodel is with exposed brick walls. In this setup, the red brick runs along the back wall behind the vanity, giving the space a cozy, lived-in feel without overwhelming the room. It pairs well with clean lines like the dark cabinets and white counters, keeping things modern while nodding to the house’s original brick charm.
This works best in bathrooms that get good natural light, like ones with big windows or glass showers. If your home already has brick inside or out, exposing it here ties everything together. Seal the brick to handle moisture, and keep the rest of the finishes simple so the texture stands out.
Black Framed Glass Doors Update Brick Houses
Big black framed glass doors like these take a solid red brick wall and make it feel way more open. You keep the cozy warmth of the brick but add that clean modern edge. In this setup, the doors fold right open to a gravel patio, and you get a peek inside at the living area with its sofa and plants. It pulls the outdoors in without losing the house’s character.
These work best on homes where you want to connect a living room or family space to a backyard or side yard. They suit older brick places that need a refresh, especially if the yard is flat enough for easy access. Go for sturdy frames that seal well, and keep the patio simple with gravel or pavers so it doesn’t compete.
Courtyard Patio with Water Feature
One smart way to refresh the back of an old red brick house is to carve out a small courtyard patio like this. A slim reflecting pool hugs the edge, filled with clear water and a few underwater lights that catch the evening glow. It sits right up against the brick walls, surrounded by simple plants and pebbles, turning a plain yard into something calm and contained.
This setup works best for tight urban lots where you want outdoor time without losing privacy. Open up large glass doors from your living room to let the spaces flow together. Use slate tiles for the floor to match the modern feel, and keep plants low like boxwoods so they don’t block the house view. Just make sure the water feature drains well to avoid any soggy spots.
Covered Patio Extends Brick House Living
A simple metal canopy juts out from the back of this red brick house, sheltering a full outdoor setup right off the living area. With big glass doors slid open, it pulls the inside space right outside under slatted wood that filters sunlight. The canopy’s clean lines contrast the sturdy brick nicely, making the whole backyard feel like part of the home without losing that classic house character.
This works best on homes with decent yard space and some afternoon sun. Bolt a similar structure onto your brick wall over a stone patio, then add dining and a grill nearby. It suits family houses or entertaining spots, just size it to fit your traffic flow and check local codes for the overhang.
Red Brick House with Modern Wood Cladding
Old red brick homes often feel a bit heavy or dated. But adding vertical wood planks higher up, like on this lakeside place, lightens things right up. The warm cedar tones play off the brick nicely without hiding it. Large glass panels pull in the view too. It keeps the sturdy base you know while making the whole side feel open and current.
This works best on homes near water or with big yards where you want indoor spaces to flow outside. Use it for additions or remodels on ranch or mid-century brick houses. Pick durable woods that weather well. Just make sure the proportions match your roofline so it doesn’t look tacked on.
Painting the Porch Ceiling Blue
A blue ceiling on a porch like this one takes a classic red brick setup and gives it a light, airy feel right away. The soft blue pops against the warm brick walls without clashing, and it makes the space look taller and more open. You see it here with the fans and lanterns hanging down, pulling everything together nicely.
This works best on covered porches or verandas where you want shade but not a heavy look. It’s great for older brick homes in warmer spots, since the color nods to coastal or Southern styles. Just prime well first to handle humidity, and pick a shade that’s not too bright. Easy to do yourself over a weekend.
Modern Black Entry on Red Brick
One simple way to update an older red brick house is with a strong black entry feature. Here you see a deep black canopy and vertical slat door that pull focus right to the front door. It takes the classic brick warmth and gives it a sharp modern edge without changing the whole facade. That contrast makes the house feel fresh and intentional.
This works best on homes with big brick walls where you want some drama at the entry. Use it if your brick is in good shape but the door area looks dated. Go for matte black cladding to keep it understated. Just make sure the lighting fits under the canopy so it stays welcoming at night.
Outdoor Kitchen Built into Brick Wall
One smart way to remodel a red brick house is adding an outdoor kitchen right against the existing wall. It pulls the cooking area outdoors without needing a big new structure. The gray cabinets and stainless steel hood here stand out against the brick but feel connected, and the built-in grill makes it ready for everyday use.
This idea suits compact backyards or courtyards behind older homes. Keep the counters dark to echo the patio pavers, and add a vent hood like this for real cooking. It extends your kitchen season… just watch for local codes on gas lines.
Welcoming Arched Entry on Brick Houses
An arched entry like this one turns a standard brick facade into something special. The curve over the door pulls your eye in, and those big lanterns on either side add a soft glow that works day or night. Boxwood plants in pots frame it nicely without much fuss.
This setup fits older brick homes that need a little charm up front. Keep the arch simple in brick to match the house, add matching lanterns for light, and use sturdy pots for plants that stay green year round. It makes coming home feel nicer, especially if your entry was plain before.
Glass Garage Walls Update Red Brick
Big glass walls like these turn a plain brick garage into something special. The black frames stand out against the warm red brick, and they pull in light while showing off plants inside. It keeps the house’s old-school feel but adds a modern edge that makes the whole side yard look alive.
This works best on homes with garages off to the side, where you want more indoor space without changing the front curb appeal. Stick to simple grasses and paths out front to let the glass shine. Just make sure the plants inside get enough sun, or it might feel dim.
Blue Trim Refreshes Red Brick Houses
Red brick homes have that solid, classic look. But adding deep blue trim to the windows and door gives it a whole new energy. This setup keeps the brick’s warmth while the blue pulls in coastal vibes from the nearby dunes and sea. It’s simple but punches up curb appeal right at the entry.
Paint your trim in navy or similar blue shade if your brick house sits low or blends into the landscape. It suits beachy spots or anywhere you want contrast without a full repaint. Pair it with lanterns like these for evenings. Just make sure the brick isn’t too faded first.
Deck-Mounted Plunge Pool for Easy Outdoor Living
One smart way to upgrade a red brick home’s backyard is adding a compact plunge pool right on the deck level. It fits tight spaces without taking over the yard, and the wooden deck flows around it seamlessly. That raised stone edge keeps everything safe and clean looking, while tying into the brick wall nicely.
This works great for city lots or older homes with plain backyards. Build the deck first in durable timber, drop the pool in with simple edging, then add steps and plants along the sides. Skip big pools if space is short. Just watch the deck support, it needs to handle the weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I really paint my red brick house a lighter color without regrets?
A: Grab a high-quality, breathable masonry paint designed for brick. It lets moisture escape so the brick stays healthy underneath. Prep by power washing first, then prime, and you’ll love the fresh look for years.
Q: What’s the quickest way to update the front of my red brick house?
A: Paint the door and shutters in a bold contrast color like navy or black. Add house numbers and lanterns that match. Boom, instant modern vibe.
Q: How do I blend new siding with the existing red brick?
A: Tuck slim board-and-batten siding right up against the brick edge. Seal the joint with flexible caulk to keep water out. Paint it all one shade lighter than the brick…
Q: Do these remodels work on older brick homes too?
And yeah, they shine on vintage houses. Focus on gentle cleansers before any changes. Your place will feel reborn.
