A red brick exterior has natural warmth, texture, and lasting character, but outdated trim, faded shutters, weak landscaping, or an awkward entry can make the entire home feel tired. The best makeover does not fight the brick. Instead, it builds a balanced palette around its red, rust, brown, or orange undertones. You can preserve the original masonry, soften it with a wash, or create a larger transformation with paint. Updated windows, thoughtful roof colors, natural wood, modern lighting, and layered landscaping also make a noticeable difference. Whether you own a ranch, Colonial, cottage, or split-level home, these practical updates offer options for different architecture and budgets. Explore these 20 red brick house exterior makeover ideas to create a cohesive look that feels welcoming and current.
1. Red Brick House With Black Trim
Crisp black trim gives a traditional red brick house a stronger, more modern outline without hiding its original character. Use matte or soft black on window frames, gutters, fascia, and properly sized shutters. Keep the front door black for a tailored appearance, or introduce a medium-stained wood door for warmth. A charcoal architectural-shingle roof helps connect the dark accents from top to bottom. Complete the makeover with simple black lanterns, concrete steps, and a straight bluestone walkway. Around the foundation, use clipped boxwoods, ornamental grasses, and white flowering perennials. This full palette works especially well when the brick contains deep burgundy or brown undertones. Avoid overly glossy finishes, which can make the black details appear harsh against textured masonry.
2. Red Brick House With Warm White Trim
Warm white trim can brighten red brick while preserving a classic, inviting appearance. Choose a creamy white with beige or subtle yellow undertones rather than a stark blue-white. Apply it to the window casing, fascia, porch columns, and garage surround so the architectural details feel connected. Add a muted black or deep bronze front door to ground the lighter palette. A weathered gray roof, aged-brass lanterns, and pale limestone steps create a softer transition between the brick and white paint. Finish the curb appeal with hydrangeas, rounded evergreen shrubs, and a gently curved walkway. This scheme suits Colonial, Cape Cod, and traditional two-story homes. Repeating the warm white on smaller details keeps the exterior balanced without overwhelming the rich brick facade.
3. Red Brick House With Sage Green Siding
Soft sage green siding brings out the earthy qualities in red brick and works beautifully on upper stories, gables, or additions. Select a muted green with gray undertones so it complements the masonry instead of competing with it. Use warm white trim to define the roofline and windows, then add a deep olive front door for subtle depth. A charcoal roof and dark bronze gutters will ground the palette. Natural cedar porch posts, understated bronze lighting, and irregular flagstone steps can reinforce the organic look. Complete the scene with ferns, lavender, low boxwoods, and wispy ornamental grasses. This makeover feels especially natural on ranch, Craftsman, and cottage homes surrounded by mature trees. Keep the landscaping loose but structured for a polished finish.
4. Red Brick House With Charcoal Siding
Charcoal siding creates a sophisticated contrast that can make faded or orange-toned brick appear richer. Use the dark siding on a second floor, front-facing gable, or garage wing while leaving the main brick surfaces untouched. Paint the trim a softer warm gray instead of bright white to reduce sharp visual breaks. Matte black windows, gutters, and exterior lights will connect the darker features. Introduce a stained oak or walnut front door to prevent the makeover from feeling cold. A deep gray roof, wide concrete walkway, and structured evergreen beds complete the streamlined design. This scheme is particularly effective for split-levels and two-story homes with mixed exterior materials. Use charcoal selectively so the brick remains the dominant, character-rich part of the facade.
5. Limewashed Red Brick House
Limewash softens strong red brick while allowing natural color variations and masonry texture to remain visible. Choose a warm off-white or pale putty tone, and apply it with an intentionally uneven finish so hints of red and rust show through. Pair the washed brick with creamy trim, taupe shutters, and a medium-brown wood front door. A weathered gray roof keeps the palette gentle and timeless. Add aged-brass lanterns, limestone porch flooring, and traditional planters filled with greenery. Loose hydrangeas, catmint, and rounded shrubs support the relaxed European-inspired appearance. Limewash can weather gradually, so the finished exterior should look layered rather than perfectly uniform. This makeover suits cottages, older ranch homes, and traditional houses needing a softer but still authentic brick finish.
6. German Schmear Red Brick House
A German schmear treatment creates an aged, textured finish by spreading light mortar across the brick while leaving portions of red masonry exposed. The result feels rustic and substantial, making it a good match for farmhouse, cottage, and Tudor-influenced homes. Balance the mottled brick with warm white trim and deep brown window frames. Add a heavy natural wood door, simple black hardware, and oversized iron lanterns around the entrance. Dark gray roof shingles and copper gutters add depth without distracting from the masonry treatment. Complete the property with gravel-edged walkways, stone steps, clipped shrubs, and informal flowering plants. Because the mortar finish is permanent, test the color and coverage level in an inconspicuous area before treating the complete facade.
7. White Painted Red Brick House
Painting red brick warm white produces a dramatic transformation and creates a flexible foundation for contrasting details. Select a creamy exterior white that feels soft in direct sunlight. Continue the same color across the brick, trim, and garage surround for a clean, unified body. Add black window frames, gutters, lanterns, and a charcoal roof to give the pale exterior structure. A natural wood front door and matching garage door introduce warmth and prevent the design from appearing flat. Use wide concrete steps, large black planters, and neatly layered evergreen landscaping for a polished finish. Before painting, repair damaged mortar and choose a masonry-compatible coating. This complete makeover works well for ranches, Colonials, and homes with busy brick patterns that need visual simplicity.
8. Greige Painted Red Brick House
Warm greige paint can modernize red brick without creating the sharp contrast associated with a white exterior. Look for a medium-light shade with balanced beige and gray undertones. Apply it across the brick and matching masonry details, then use soft black for windows, gutters, and the front door. A charcoal-brown roof and bronze exterior lighting make the scheme feel warmer and more layered. Add pale stone steps, a straight walkway, and natural wood beneath porch ceilings or gable peaks. Landscaping should include deep green shrubs, white flowers, and a few burgundy plants that echo the home’s original red tones. The finished look is calm and transitional. It works particularly well on large facades where bright white paint might feel too stark or overpowering.
9. Red Brick House With Dark Green Shutters
Deep green shutters offer classic contrast while complementing the earthy undertones found in most red brick. Choose a nearly black forest green and install shutters that visually match the height and width of each window. Paint the front door in the same green for continuity, then use creamy white on the trim, porch columns, and fascia. A medium gray roof, antique brass hardware, and traditional lanterns reinforce the established appearance. Finish the entrance with brick or bluestone steps and symmetrical planters. Boxwoods, white hydrangeas, and small flowering trees make the landscaping feel lush but orderly. This makeover is ideal for Colonial and Georgian-inspired houses. The green should remain muted and dark, preventing the exterior from looking overly colorful or seasonally themed.
10. Red Brick House With Navy Accents
Navy blue provides a softer alternative to black and looks especially polished beside medium or dark red brick. Use deep navy on the shutters, front door, and selected siding areas, such as a dormer or upper gable. Keep the trim warm white to separate the navy details from the brick. A dark gray roof, brushed nickel door hardware, and blackened bronze lanterns maintain a balanced mix of finishes. Introduce pale gray porch flooring and a bluestone walkway to repeat the cool undertones. Foundation beds filled with boxwoods, blue-green junipers, and white flowers complete the coordinated palette. This look works well for traditional, coastal-influenced, and transitional homes. Avoid bright royal blue, which can appear disconnected from the brick’s muted natural coloring.
11. Red Brick House With Wood Accents
Natural wood can soften red brick and bring warmth to a home with dark or neutral exterior details. Use medium-toned cedar or oak for the front door, porch posts, gable brackets, and garage door. Keep the wood species and stain consistent so the accents feel intentional. Add charcoal window frames, dark bronze gutters, and a deep gray roof for contrast. A simple metal porch roof can frame the entry without covering too much brick. Finish the approach with flagstone steps, warm gravel borders, evergreen shrubs, and ornamental grasses. This complete scheme works particularly well on ranch, Craftsman, and contemporary homes. Choose a stain that is clearly lighter or darker than the brick rather than one that matches it too closely and disappears.
12. Red Brick House With Modern Front Porch
An updated porch can transform a flat red brick facade by adding depth, shelter, and a clear focal point. Build a simple gabled or shed-style roof supported by substantial cedar posts. Use a standing-seam black metal roof to connect the porch with black windows, gutters, and exterior lighting. Install a wide wood front door with narrow glass panels, then finish the porch floor with bluestone or large-format concrete pavers. Keep trim warm white or muted taupe to soften the contrast. Low boxwoods, layered grasses, and a straight walkway should guide attention toward the entrance. Scale is essential: the porch must feel wide enough for the doorway and nearby windows. This makeover gives ranch and split-level homes a more welcoming architectural presence.
13. Red Brick House With Copper Accents
Copper accents introduce warmth and subtle character without changing the original red brick. Use copper for gutters, downspouts, porch roofing, or a small awning over the front door. As the metal ages, its finish develops variation that complements the color movement in brick. Balance the copper with charcoal trim, black window frames, and a dark gray roof. A walnut-stained front door strengthens the warm palette, while creamy mortar and pale stone steps prevent the exterior from becoming too dark. Add structured evergreen shrubs, white flowering plants, and a bluestone walkway for a tailored landscape. This makeover suits traditional and transitional architecture. Keep copper limited to a few visible areas so it reads as a thoughtful accent rather than an overly decorative feature.
14. Red Brick House With Black Windows
Black windows give red brick architecture sharper definition and can update the exterior without painting the masonry. Choose slim frames with simple grids or no grids, depending on the home’s age and style. Repeat black on the gutters, fascia, lighting, and porch roof to make the windows part of a complete scheme. Use warm white trim sparingly around the roofline, then install a natural oak front door for contrast. A charcoal shingle roof and dark garage door keep larger features connected. Complete the curb view with light concrete steps, a wide walkway, clipped evergreens, and soft grasses. This approach works especially well when existing windows need replacement. Avoid combining new black windows with faded brown or white accessories that weaken the updated palette.
15. Red Brick House With Stone Landscaping
A strong landscape plan can refresh red brick without major construction or permanent paint. Begin with a wide natural-stone or bluestone walkway that leads clearly from the driveway or sidewalk to the front door. Repeat the stone on steps, porch flooring, and low garden borders. Keep the house palette simple with cream trim, a stained wood door, dark bronze lighting, and a charcoal roof. Replace overgrown foundation shrubs with layered plantings that remain below the windows. Use boxwoods for structure, ornamental grasses for movement, and white or lavender flowers for contrast. Two small trees can frame the facade without hiding it. This complete makeover is practical for well-maintained brick houses that mainly need clearer circulation, better proportions, and more polished curb appeal.
16. Red Brick Ranch House Makeover
A red brick ranch benefits from horizontal lines, a defined entrance, and landscaping that adds height without blocking the windows. Keep the brick natural and paint the fascia, gutters, and window frames deep charcoal. Replace undersized shutters with simple black panels or remove them for a cleaner appearance. Add a low, wide porch roof supported by cedar posts and install a warm wood front door. A charcoal roof and modern black garage door create continuity across the long facade. Use large concrete pavers for the walkway and plant upright grasses, compact evergreens, and one small ornamental tree near the entry. The finished design should emphasize the ranch’s straightforward shape. Avoid excessive decorative trim, which can make the low exterior feel visually crowded.
17. Red Brick Colonial House Makeover
Symmetry is the foundation of a successful red brick Colonial makeover. Begin with a centered black or deep green front door framed by warm white casing. Install correctly scaled shutters in the same dark color and repeat the finish on the lanterns and railings. Keep the window trim creamy white, then select a charcoal-gray roof that creates a strong but traditional top line. A small classical portico with simple columns can make the entrance more prominent without overwhelming the brick. Use a straight brick or bluestone walkway leading to symmetrical steps. Matching planters, clipped boxwoods, and balanced flowering shrubs reinforce the home’s orderly architecture. This full makeover feels updated because every feature follows the original structure rather than introducing unrelated modern elements.
18. Red Brick Split-Level Makeover
A split-level exterior often needs visual connections between mismatched floors, materials, and rooflines. Preserve red brick on the lower level, then cover dated upper siding with muted charcoal or warm sage vertical panels. Use one trim color across both levels to unify the facade. Black window frames, gutters, and a simple metal entry canopy provide a modern outline. Add a wide natural wood front door and matching garage door to warm the darker palette. Replace narrow steps with broader concrete or bluestone stairs and install a clear walkway from the driveway. Layer ornamental grasses, low evergreens, and a small multi-stem tree around the entrance. The makeover should clarify the front door and balance the levels rather than attempting to disguise the home’s distinctive shape.
19. Red Brick Modern Farmhouse Exterior
Red brick can support a modern farmhouse look when the exterior combines simple forms, restrained colors, and authentic materials. Keep brick across the main level, then use warm white vertical board-and-batten siding on gables or an upper story. Add matte black windows, gutters, and a standing-seam porch roof for crisp contrast. Natural cedar posts and a medium-stained front door prevent the black-and-white palette from appearing too severe. Choose a charcoal shingle roof and uncomplicated garage doors with minimal windows. Finish the property with broad concrete steps, gravel-edged beds, compact evergreens, and loose ornamental grasses. Skip overly decorative signs or rustic accessories. The strongest version of this makeover allows the red brick to provide warmth while the newer elements create cleaner lines.
20. Budget Red Brick House Makeover
A limited budget can still produce a cohesive red brick exterior when the most visible details receive attention first. Clean the brick and gutters, repair damaged mortar, and repaint faded trim in warm white or charcoal. Give the front door a deep green, navy, or black finish, then replace worn hardware and undersized lighting. Remove decorative shutters that do not fit the windows, or repaint properly proportioned ones. Add matching planters, a fresh doormat, and simple house numbers near the entry. Edge the walkway, spread dark mulch, and prune shrubs so windows and brick details remain visible. Repeating one dark accent color across the door, lighting, and small accessories creates unity. These affordable changes can make the entire facade look maintained, intentional, and welcoming.
Conclusion:
The most successful red brick makeover begins with the brick’s existing undertones and the home’s architectural shape. Natural masonry can look fresh beside black, cream, sage, charcoal, navy, copper, or warm wood. Larger changes such as limewash, masonry paint, new windows, and a rebuilt porch offer dramatic results, while updated lighting, landscaping, and door color can improve curb appeal on a smaller budget. Before committing, test finishes in several locations and view them throughout the day. Also coordinate the roof, mortar, siding, and permanent hardscaping. With a clear palette and balanced materials, these 20 red brick house exterior makeover ideas can help turn a dated facade into a welcoming, polished home.
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