This Is Why Designers Are Obsessed with Painted Brick Houses (And How to Get the Look)
- Beril Yilmaz
- 35 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Brick homes have stood the test of time for good reason — they’re classic, durable, and rich in texture. But when it comes to refreshing an outdated façade, few updates make as dramatic an impact as paint. Painted brick houses are redefining timeless curb appeal, blending modern design with old-world character.
This trend has taken off among designers and homeowners alike, offering a way to elevate heritage charm into a fresh, cohesive look. A coat of paint can completely transform dated red or orange brick, helping your home feel brighter, cleaner, and more in tune with your personal aesthetic.
From crisp whites to moody greys and earthy taupes, the right colour can highlight your home’s architecture, increase value, and connect it seamlessly with its surroundings. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about painted brick houses — including the best colours, finishes, and practical considerations for a flawless transformation.
At a Glance
• Why painted brick houses are increasingly popular for both modern and traditional homes
• Best exterior paint colours for timeless, weather-resistant results
• Maintenance tips to ensure durability and beauty for years
• Expert advice for balancing paint finishes, trim details, and landscaping• Inspiration for cohesive curb appeal that feels fresh yet classic
1. Painted Brick Houses: Why the Trend Endures
The beauty of painted brick houses lies in their versatility. Whether your home is Georgian, mid-century, or contemporary, painting the brick creates a unified look that feels intentional and timeless.
Brick’s natural texture provides depth and warmth that plain render or siding often lack. When painted, those details become more pronounced — the shadows, the pattern, the craftsmanship — but through a modern lens.
Homeowners are drawn to this update because it’s both aesthetic and practical. Paint can help protect ageing brick from water damage, staining, and UV fading, making it a stylish yet sensible investment in your home’s longevity.
2. Painted Brick Houses: The Best Colour Families
The right colour is everything when it comes to painted brick houses. A well-chosen tone can accentuate architectural detail, reflect natural light, and create a mood that fits your home’s surroundings.
Whites and Off-Whites:Timeless and versatile, shades like creamy white, ivory, or warm greige give a classic European-inspired aesthetic. They work beautifully in both traditional and modern settings, softening harsh red brick tones and blending seamlessly with greenery.
Greys and Taupes:Perfect for homeowners wanting depth without darkness. A soft grey adds sophistication, while taupe brings warmth and pairs beautifully with black or brass hardware.
Darks and Earthy Greens:For a bold, modern exterior, deep charcoal, slate, or muted green tones add architectural presence. These shades are stunning against light landscaping and wood accents.
Soft Neutral Browns:Painted in warm mushroom or sandy beige, brick feels elegant and inviting. These tones are perfect for homes surrounded by trees or neutral-toned roofing.
3. Painted Brick Houses: Choosing the Right Finish
The finish you choose for painted brick houses affects not just the look but also the durability.
Matte finishes create a soft, chalky texture that feels organic and authentic — ideal for homes with heritage character.
Satin or eggshell finishes offer a subtle sheen that resists dirt and moisture while maintaining a timeless appearance.
High-gloss finishes are rarely used on full exteriors but can be striking for trim or doors, adding contrast and modern polish.
The right sheen also impacts maintenance. While matte paints are visually beautiful, satin finishes often perform better outdoors, resisting mildew and weathering.
From the rooftop to the landscaping around your home, our designers have you covered from the ground up — literally. Whether you have small and simple design aspirations or more involved, grand goals in mind, we can help. Our designers will work to understand your vision and bring it to life.
4. Painted Brick Houses: Prepping the Surface
Proper preparation is key to ensuring your painted brick house looks flawless and lasts. Brick is porous, meaning it absorbs moisture, so it must be cleaned and sealed correctly before painting.
Clean thoroughly: Remove dirt, algae, and old coatings with a low-pressure wash. Avoid sandblasting, which can damage the brick’s surface.
Repair and seal: Fill cracks and apply a breathable masonry primer to protect against trapped moisture.
Choose quality paint: Always use mineral-based or elastomeric paint formulated for masonry — it expands and contracts with temperature changes to prevent peeling.
This attention to detail ensures your home’s transformation remains beautiful and low-maintenance for years to come.
5. Painted Brick Houses: Colour and Trim Pairings
Trim, shutters, and doors play a crucial supporting role in painted brick houses. These secondary tones highlight your main paint colour and define your home’s style.
White brick with black trim creates a timeless contrast that suits both modern and traditional architecture.
Soft grey brick with off-white trim evokes a coastal-inspired calmness.
Taupe brick with dark bronze accents feels earthy and elegant, ideal for contemporary homes.
Dark green brick with warm wood doors balances moody sophistication with natural texture.
When in doubt, keep your palette limited to two or three tones for a clean, cohesive look.
6. Painted Brick Houses: Blending with Landscape and Roof
Exterior harmony isn’t just about wall colour — your painted brick house should also complement the landscape and roof materials.
Pair cool-toned bricks with greys, blues, or black roofing for a modern, minimalist feel. Warm bricks pair well with terracotta, brown, or copper tones. Natural elements like gravel paths, stone planters, and lush greenery further enhance your home’s visual balance.
If you’re using darker shades, add light contrast in trim or fencing to keep your home feeling inviting rather than heavy.
Need guidance on curb appeal? We’re here to help. Whether you want to refresh your roofline, repaint your exterior, or visualise colour changes digitally, BY Design And Viz can help you explore every possibility.
7. Painted Brick Houses: Maintenance Tips for Longevity
While painted brick houses are durable, a little maintenance goes a long way.
Clean your exterior annually using a low-pressure wash to remove dirt and mildew.
Check for cracks or chips in high-exposure areas and touch up as needed.
Repaint every 7–10 years depending on your climate and paint quality.
Using breathable masonry paints helps prevent moisture build-up, ensuring your brick continues to “breathe” naturally.
8. Painted Brick Houses: When to Hire a Professional
Painting brick isn’t a DIY job for everyone — it requires the right prep, products, and weather conditions.
Professional designers and painters can help you test sample colours, visualise options digitally, and ensure long-lasting application. A designer’s expertise can also ensure your home’s paint colour complements the overall architecture, roof, and surroundings for a polished finish.
If you’re unsure where to start, consult a designer experienced in painted brick houses — they’ll guide you through everything from material preparation to palette selection.
9. Painted Brick Houses: Timeless Colour Ideas Designers Love
These designer-approved painted brick house colours never go out of style:
Warm White Brick: Clean, classic, and brightens older homes beautifully.
Greige or Taupe: Adds depth and warmth for modern and transitional styles.
Deep Olive or Charcoal: Perfect for bold, architectural exteriors that feel refined.
Soft Clay or Putty: Offers an earthy, European-inspired charm.
The beauty of painted brick is that it bridges eras — a contemporary update that still honours the home’s heritage roots.
Conclusion
Painted brick houses strike the perfect balance between old-world craftsmanship and modern design. They’re a reflection of timeless taste — elegant, textured, and full of character.
Whether you’re drawn to crisp whites, deep greens, or moody greys, the transformation is profound. The key is choosing quality materials, professional preparation, and a cohesive colour scheme that highlights your home’s best architectural features.
If you’ve been dreaming of updating your exterior, now is the time to explore this enduring trend — one that elevates curb appeal, protects your home, and redefines timeless design.
FAQ : Painted Brick Houses
1. Is painting brick a good idea?
Yes, when done correctly, painting brick can protect your home from weathering, seal minor cracks, and dramatically improve curb appeal.
2. What type of paint should be used for brick exteriors?
Always use breathable masonry paint or mineral-based paint designed for brick to prevent moisture trapping.
3. How long does paint last on brick?
With proper preparation and quality materials, painted brick can last 7–10 years before touch-ups or repainting are needed.
4. Can you paint over previously painted brick?
Yes, as long as the existing paint is in good condition. Clean thoroughly and apply a fresh masonry primer before repainting.
Start Your Dream Home Transformation
Whether you’re ready to paint your exterior or want a complete curb appeal redesign, our team at BY Design And Viz is here to help. We offer digital renderings, colour consulting, and design plans to visualise exactly how your painted brick house could look — before the first brushstroke.
Author Bio
Written by Beril Yilmaz, founder of BY Design And Viz — a UK-based interior and exterior designer known for her warm, organic modern aesthetic. Beril specialises in timeless home transformations that balance natural materials with contemporary elegance, helping clients visualise and create beautiful spaces with confidence.
