What Color To Paint House With Red Brick

By | March 16, 2024

What Color To Paint Your House With Red Brick

The selection of an exterior paint color for a house with red brick is a crucial decision that significantly impacts the overall aesthetic appeal and curb appeal. The inherent warmth and boldness of red brick provide a strong visual foundation, which requires careful consideration when choosing complementary or contrasting paint colors for siding, trim, and other architectural elements. A well-coordinated color scheme can enhance the brick's character, while an unsuitable choice can detract from its natural beauty and even diminish the property's value.

The architectural style of the house also plays a pivotal role in determining the most appropriate paint colors. For example, a traditional colonial-style house with red brick might benefit from classic and understated colors, while a more contemporary design could accommodate bolder and more adventurous choices. Regional variations in architectural styles and color preferences should also be taken into account.

Furthermore, the surrounding landscape and environmental factors should influence the color selection process. The presence of mature trees, lush greenery, or a vibrant garden can complement certain paint colors, while others may clash with the natural environment. The amount of sunlight the house receives and the prevailing climate can also impact the way colors appear on the exterior of the building.

Understanding the Undertones of Red Brick

Red brick is rarely a uniform shade of red. It invariably contains subtle undertones of other colors, such as orange, brown, pink, or even purple. Identifying these undertones is paramount to selecting paint colors that harmonize with the brick's natural hues. Holding paint swatches directly against the brick in different lighting conditions can help reveal these underlying tones.

For instance, if the red brick has a strong orange undertone, warm paint colors like cream, beige, or earthy greens can create a cohesive and inviting look. Conversely, if the brick has a pink or purple undertone, cooler colors such as gray, blue-gray, or even a muted lavender can provide a striking contrast. Neutral colors, such as off-white or greige (a blend of gray and beige), are often versatile choices that can work well with a variety of red brick undertones.

Ignoring the undertones of the red brick can lead to a mismatched and visually jarring color scheme. A paint color that appears appealing in isolation may clash with the brick when applied to the exterior of the house. Therefore, careful observation and comparison are essential steps in the color selection process.

Exploring Complementary Color Palettes

Complementary colors are those that appear opposite each other on the color wheel. Using complementary colors in a design scheme can create a visually dynamic and balanced look. For red brick, complementary colors often include shades of green and blue. However, the specific shade of green or blue should be carefully chosen to avoid overwhelming the red brick.

A muted or earthy green, such as sage green or olive green, can provide a subtle and sophisticated contrast to red brick. These colors evoke a sense of nature and can blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. For a bolder statement, a deep teal or navy blue can create a striking contrast, particularly when paired with lighter trim colors.

It is important to consider the intensity and saturation of the complementary colors. A bright, highly saturated green or blue may be too overwhelming for red brick, while a more subdued and muted shade can create a more harmonious and balanced effect. Experimenting with different shades and tones is crucial to finding the perfect complementary color palette.

Beyond direct complements, analogous colors – those that sit next to each other on the color wheel – can also be effective. For example, pairing red brick with oranges, yellows, or browns can create a warm and inviting effect.

The Importance of Trim Colors

The color of the trim plays a significant role in how the overall color scheme interacts with the red brick. Trim includes elements such as window frames, door frames, fascia boards, and soffits. These architectural details provide an opportunity to further enhance the house's aesthetic appeal and create visual interest.

White is a classic and versatile trim color that works well with a wide range of red brick shades. It provides a clean and crisp contrast, highlighting the brick's texture and color variations. Off-white or cream trim colors can offer a softer and more subtle alternative to pure white, particularly for houses with warmer red brick undertones.

For a more cohesive and understated look, consider using trim colors that are similar in tone to the siding color. This can create a sense of harmony and unity, allowing the red brick to remain the focal point of the exterior. Alternatively, a contrasting trim color can be used to accentuate specific architectural details and create a more visually dynamic effect.

Darker trim colors, such as charcoal gray or black, can provide a dramatic contrast to red brick, particularly on modern or contemporary homes. However, it is important to use darker trim colors sparingly, as they can overwhelm the brick and make the house appear smaller. The choice of trim color should be carefully considered in relation to the siding color and the overall architectural style of the house.

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Considering Neutral Color Options

Neutral colors offer a safe and reliable option for painting a house with red brick. They provide a versatile backdrop that allows the brick's natural beauty to shine through without competing for attention. Common neutral choices include shades of gray, beige, off-white, and greige.

Gray is a sophisticated and contemporary neutral that can work well with a variety of red brick undertones. A light gray can create a bright and airy feel, while a darker gray can provide a more dramatic and grounding effect. Blue-gray colors are particularly complementary to red brick with pink or purple undertones.

Beige is a warm and inviting neutral that can create a sense of comfort and tranquility. It works particularly well with red brick that has orange or brown undertones. Off-white is a classic and timeless neutral that can brighten up the exterior of a house and create a clean and crisp look. Greige, a blend of gray and beige, offers a versatile option that combines the coolness of gray with the warmth of beige.

When selecting a neutral color, it is important to consider the undertones of the brick and the surrounding environment. A neutral color that appears appealing in isolation may not work as well on the exterior of the house. Therefore, it is essential to test different neutral shades and tones to find the perfect match.

Testing Colors Before Committing

Before committing to a particular paint color, it is crucial to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the house. This allows one to see how the color appears in different lighting conditions and how it interacts with the red brick. Painting a large sample area, such as a section of siding or trim, provides a more accurate representation of the final result.

Observe the painted sample area at different times of day to see how the color changes with the shifting sunlight. The color may appear lighter or darker depending on the time of day and the weather conditions. Compare the painted sample to the red brick to ensure that the color harmonizes well and enhances the brick's natural beauty.

It is also helpful to take photographs of the painted sample area and compare them to photographs of other houses with similar red brick. This can provide inspiration and help one to visualize the final result. Do not rely solely on paint chips or online color swatches, as these can be misleading and inaccurate.

Consider purchasing small sample cans of paint in different shades and tones. This allows one to experiment with different color combinations and find the perfect match for the red brick. Testing colors before committing is a crucial step in the color selection process that can prevent costly mistakes and ensure a satisfying outcome.

Considering the Architectural Style

The architectural style of the house significantly influences the choice of appropriate paint colors. A traditional colonial-style house with red brick often benefits from classic and understated color schemes, while a modern or contemporary house may accommodate bolder and more adventurous choices.

For a colonial-style house, consider using classic colors such as white, off-white, or light gray for the siding, and a darker color such as navy blue or black for the shutters and front door. These colors evoke a sense of history and tradition and complement the red brick's inherent charm.

For a Craftsman-style house, consider using earthy tones such as sage green, olive green, or brown for the siding, and a natural wood stain for the trim. These colors reflect the Craftsman style's emphasis on natural materials and handcrafted details.

For a modern or contemporary house, consider using bolder and more contrasting colors, such as charcoal gray, black, or even a vibrant accent color for the front door. These colors reflect the modern aesthetic's emphasis on clean lines and minimalist design.

Researching the historical color palettes associated with different architectural styles can provide valuable inspiration and guidance. Consider the age of the house and the surrounding neighborhood when making color choices. Aim for a color scheme that complements the architectural style of the house and enhances its overall curb appeal.


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