What Color To Paint House With Orange Brick

What Color to Paint a House with Orange Brick

Orange brick, a hallmark of mid-century architecture, can present a unique challenge when choosing exterior paint colors. The right color palette can transform a home from dated to dazzling, highlighting the brick's warmth while adding curb appeal. Careful consideration must be given to the brick's undertones, the surrounding landscape, and the desired overall aesthetic.

Key Considerations for Choosing Paint Colors

* Brick Undertone: Identify whether the brick leans towards red, yellow, or brown. * Fixed Elements: Consider existing colors of the roof, gutters, and other unchangeable elements. * Landscaping: Complement existing greenery and hardscaping. * Architectural Style: Choose colors that enhance the home's architectural character. * Neighborhood Context: Consider the surrounding homes and the overall neighborhood aesthetic.

Understanding the undertones in the orange brick is crucial. A brick with red undertones pairs well with different colors than one with yellow or brown undertones. For example, a red-toned brick may complement cooler greens and blues, while a yellow-toned brick might work better with warmer creams and browns. Taking the time to analyze the brick's undertones is the first step in creating a harmonious color scheme.

Colors that Complement Orange Brick

* Creamy Whites: Provide a crisp contrast and brighten the overall appearance. * Warm Grays: Offer a sophisticated and contemporary look. * Sage Greens: Create a calming and natural feel, especially with brown-toned brick. * Deep Blues: Offer a striking contrast and enhance the brick's warmth. * Earthy Browns: Create a cohesive and grounded look, particularly with yellow-toned brick.

Creamy whites offer a timeless choice, creating a bright and airy feel while allowing the orange brick to take center stage. Avoid stark white, which can appear too harsh against the warm tones of the brick. Opt instead for softer whites with hints of yellow or cream to create a more balanced and inviting look. This classic combination works well with various architectural styles.

Warm grays provide a sophisticated and contemporary update for homes with orange brick. The gray tones down the vibrancy of the orange, creating a more modern and subdued aesthetic. Look for grays with green or brown undertones to complement the brick's warmth. This combination is particularly effective for ranch-style and mid-century modern homes.

Sage green, a muted and calming color, pairs beautifully with orange brick, especially brick with brown undertones. The green complements the earthiness of the brick, creating a natural and harmonious look. This color combination is particularly suitable for homes surrounded by lush landscaping.

Deep blues, like navy or indigo, offer a bold and striking contrast to orange brick. The cool blue enhances the warmth of the brick, creating a dynamic and visually interesting façade. This combination works well with traditional and colonial-style homes and can add a touch of elegance and sophistication.

Highlighting Architectural Details

* Use contrasting colors for trim and accents. * Consider a darker color for the foundation. * Highlight architectural features like window frames and doorways.

Earthy browns create a cohesive and grounded look when paired with orange brick, particularly brick with yellow undertones. The brown complements the warmth of the brick, creating a sense of unity and stability. This combination is well-suited for homes in natural settings and can evoke a sense of rustic charm.

Beyond choosing the main wall color, consider the trim, foundation, and other architectural details. Using contrasting colors for trim and accents can help to define these features and add visual interest. For example, a darker color for the foundation grounds the house and provides a visual base. Highlighting architectural features like window frames and doorways with a contrasting color draws attention to these details and enhances the overall aesthetic.

Testing paint colors on a section of the brick is crucial before committing to a full exterior paint job. The way a color appears on a small swatch can differ significantly from how it looks on a large surface area and in different lighting conditions. Testing allows you to assess how the color interacts with the brick's undertones and the surrounding environment. It also provides an opportunity to experiment with different shades and combinations before making a final decision.

Testing and Finalizing Paint Choices

* Test paint colors on a section of the brick. * Observe the colors in different lighting conditions. * Consider the impact of the chosen colors on the overall curb appeal.

The goal is to create a cohesive and visually appealing exterior. The chosen colors should complement the orange brick, enhance the home's architectural style, and create the desired aesthetic. By carefully considering these factors, homeowners can transform their orange brick houses into stunning and welcoming residences that reflect their personal style and enhance their curb appeal.