Red Brick is Classic Cool and Here to Stay

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Red brick exteriors have been a symbol of timeless charm for centuries. While trends come and go, unpainted red brick remains a favorite for homeowners who appreciate its natural beauty and classic appeal. Though painting brick has become a popular technique to update brick homes, there are many other ways to modernize and enhance the look of unpainted brick without covering it in paint.

Below, we’ll explore why red brick is here to stay and how you can update your home’s exterior while embracing its character.

Even if you’re not painting your entire house, our paint visualizer package is perfect for homeowners wanting a simple refresh using only paint. If you do need help with other aspects of your exterior, we’ve got you covered there too. Learn all about our virtual exterior design services.

Our designers only use and recommend products that we know, love, or would use on our own properties. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. 

Virtual design of a brick home with green shutters, white siding, and white lintels.

How has red brick endured for so long?

Red brick exteriors have a warmth and recognizable authenticity that few materials can match. Whether your home’s architecture is colonial or a modern ranch, unpainted red brick has a sense of history and substance. Its natural color variations, textures, and of course, its durability make it a solid choice for homeowners looking for both style and longevity.

Unlike painted exteriors, red brick ages gracefully. Over time, its natural patina adds depth and even more character, creating a home that tells a story of years gone by. By choosing to keep your red brick unpainted, you celebrate it’s past and reduce maintenance needs in the future, compared to painted brick, which can require frequent touch-ups. So if you’ve been asking yourself whether you should paint your brick exterior or not, keep these things in mind.

WE ALWAYS RECOMMEND SAMPLING AND TESTING PAINT COLORS BEFORE COMMITTING. FACTORS SUCH AS NATURAL LIGHTING, UNDERTONES, AND YOUR PROPERTY’S FIXED ELEMENTS WILL HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON HOW A COLOR WILL APPEAR ON YOUR EXTERIOR. OUR FRIENDS AT SAMPLIZE OFFER EXTRA-LARGE 9 X 14.75 INCH PEEL-AND-STICK PAINT SAMPLES OF THE COLORS WE LOVE FOR EXTERIORS. ORDER YOUR ‘REAL PAINT, NO MESS’ SAMPLES FROM SAMPLIZE HERE.
Digital rendering of a red brick home with dark blue stucco, black windows, and wood columns.

Why skip the paint?

We get it – painted brick has its appeal, but it comes with drawbacks. Paint actually seals the brick’s surface, which can lead to moisture buildup and long-term damage. Additionally, painted brick can require regular upkeep to prevent peeling or fading.

On the contrary, unpainted brick, is low maintenance and long lasting. Its natural beauty doesn’t require constant touch-ups and it weathers and ages over time. Keeping your brick unpainted, at the very least, avoids the hassle and expense of repainting to preserve its integrity.

Virtual rendering of a red brick home with olive green siding, wood cladding, and black modern windows.

Use contrast to accentuate red brick

One of the best ways to complement unpainted red brick is by pairing it with contrasting colors and materials. Darker trim or shutters in shades like Sherwin Williams® Iron Ore or Urbane Bronze ground brick’s warm tones. On the other hand, soft white like and creamy neutrals such as Shoji White provide a fresh, understated contrast. In the past, we’ve shared some of our favorite colors our designers pair with red brick. Olive greens, charcoal grays, blacks, and even some shades of blue are our tried-and-true favorites.

Another way to add contrast can be through updating your roof, windows, or doors. Sometimes a roof’s shingle can be the culprit of a underwhelming exterior. Other times, a splash of color on the front door is all you need. If you’re not the colorful type, try a modern black steel front door or warm copper gutters and bronze fixtures to match to add to brick’s stately and sophisticated qualities.

Our designers used Ashwood Moss by Benjamin Moore on the vertical siding of the home above. Olive greens are a fantastic contrasting color to red brick. If you like an even moodier style, greens that tend to lean more brown like Benjamin Moore’s Cromwell Gray, would be a great choice.

Digital rendering of a two-story home with bright white trim, black shutters, and white windows.

How does landscaping affect red brick?

Your landscaping choices can significantly impact how your red brick home is perceived. To play up the warmth of red brick, greenery such as boxwoods, ornamental grasses, and arborvitae are great choices. Green is opposite of red on the color wheel, making it a go-to when designing around brick homes. You can also try pulling your brick’s deeper undertones and incorporate plants like loropetalum and Japanese Maple trees for a deeper contrast.

Hardscaping also matters. Natural stone walkways or driveways in neutral tones don’t compete with red brick, but still add texture and depth.

Virtual rendering of a red brick rancher with black windows, a wood garage door, and a black roof.

Let lighting do the work

Exterior lighting can make or break a red brick home’s curb appeal, especially after dark. By illuminating your home’s architectural details, you can showcase the exterior and bring the brick to life. Install uplighting to focus on features like arches, columns, or chimneys. For walkways and entryways, use warmer ambient lighting for a welcoming feel. The front porch is normally the focal point, so consider incorporating statement making light fixtures. Lantern style fixtures, lamp posts, and pendant lights, whether modern or traditional, work beautifully with red brick.

Split-level red brick home with white windows, sage green shutters, and minimalist landscaping.

Modern minimalist ideas

Red brick doesn’t have to feel old fashioned. Simple exterior updates can make a big difference. By simplifying and updating other design elements, you can create a modern aesthetic that lets the brick be and your curb appeal improve. This could be as simple as changing out hand railings, column styles, or window trim. Replacing outdated items like these can have quite the impact on the bigger picture. Not to mention, a minimalist approach keeps your home from feeling overwhelming and maintains a clean, balanced façade.

Looking for exterior designers near you? Brick&batten’s exterior design services team is ready to work with you one-on-one to create a stunning new look for your home.

Virtual rendering of a dark red brick home with an arched black door, wood columns, and black windows.

Add exterior design features

Exterior design features and structures are a wonderful way to add visual interest. Think pergolas, porticos, and columns. We love to add these types of features to balance a home’s appearance, but they’re also great for minimizing certain characteristics you may not enjoy. For example, the home below would appear flat without the portico, shutters, and garage pergola to help break up the brick. Not only do these features add even more character, but they provide an opportunity to implement contrast as previously mentioned.

These design elements are what really make a home transform from ‘what’s missing here?’ to achieving the wow factor homeowners are consistently looking for.

Digital rendering of a home with dark green shutters, olive green portico and garage door, and a winding walkway.

We can help update your red brick!

At brick&batten, we understand the allure of red brick and the challenge of updating it without paint. Our designers are experienced in selecting colors, materials, and more to breathe new life into your unique brick home.

We’ll provide a detailed plan, included color suggestions, material, and a shopping list, so you can confidently move forward in your renovation plans. From our recommended color pairings to light fixtures, our team ensures your home feels both timeless and on-trend.

Not sure where to start? At brick&batten, we make exterior design easy with options for every need — whether you just want a quick paint visualization or a full custom redesign. Book a free one-on-one consultation today, or if you’re still exploring, schedule a quick 15-minute call to see how we can bring your vision to life. Let’s make your home stand out!
Virtual rendering of a two-story home with greige paint on the porch columns and dormers, and green-brown shutters.

Celebrate the classic cool of red brick

Unpainted red brick isn’t just a design choice; it’s a statement of endurance and authenticity. Its warm tones, natural features, and undeniable appeal are why it’s lasted through centuries and will continue to do so in the future. Bringing your red brick home up to date isn’t as challenging as you may have thought. With contrasting colors, intentional landscaping, or strategic placement of lights you can elevate your home without losing its character.

If you’re ready to unlock the potential of your red brick home, we’re ready too! All we need are your answers to our short questionnaire for our designers to get started creating a custom design. We’ll even provide a shoppable resource list so getting started is as easy as clicking a few links. Get started here.

Author

Originally from Tennessee, Ami currently lives in South Carolina, which has been home since leaving the military in 2016. Interior and exterior design has always intrigued Ami, especially the styles and characteristics seen in other countries as an avid traveler and photographer. She lives for the renewal of older or historic homes that maintain their character, and regularly creates her own mood boards and virtual designs for inspiration or to help others with their spaces. Having always had a passion for design and following their work for years prior, Ami was excited to be brought onto brick&batten’s team of writers. Her writing endeavors actually started in an academic/scientific setting, then in a regulatory aspect. Writing about paint colors, emerging or current trends in exterior design, and so much more revolving around something she’s always enjoyed was a fun and welcomed change!

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