What Color To Paint Outside Of House With Red Brick

Choosing the right exterior paint color for a red brick house can significantly enhance its curb appeal. Red brick offers a warm, classic foundation, but the accompanying trim, shutters, doors, and other exterior elements require careful color consideration to create a harmonious and visually appealing aesthetic. This article explores a variety of color options that complement red brick, offering insights into creating different design styles.

Classic and Timeless Combinations

For a traditional look that emphasizes the timeless appeal of red brick, neutral colors are an excellent choice. These hues create a balanced and sophisticated appearance.

Cream or Beige: These soft, warm neutrals provide a gentle contrast against the red brick, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
Gray: Light to medium shades of gray offer a more contemporary feel while still maintaining a classic aesthetic. The cool tones of gray can balance the warmth of the brick.
Black: Black offers a dramatic and sophisticated contrast against red brick. Used sparingly on trim, doors, and shutters, it can create a striking and elegant look.

Earthy and Natural Palettes

Connecting the home to the surrounding landscape can be achieved with earthy and natural color palettes. These colors create a sense of harmony and tranquility.

Sage Green: This muted green complements the earthy tones of red brick, creating a calming and natural appearance.
Brown: Deep, rich browns, particularly those with reddish undertones, can create a warm and inviting feel while harmonizing with the brick.
Warm Gray with Green Undertones: This nuanced color choice offers a sophisticated and natural look that complements both the brick and surrounding greenery.

Bold and Contrasting Options

For homeowners seeking a more dramatic and contemporary look, bold and contrasting colors can make a statement.

Dark Blue or Navy: These deep blues provide a striking contrast against the red brick, creating a sophisticated and modern aesthetic. This combination works particularly well with white or cream trim.
Charcoal Gray: A darker shade of gray provides a strong, contemporary contrast while still maintaining a sense of sophistication. It can highlight the architectural details of the house.
Black and White: A classic combination, black and white used with red brick creates a bold, graphic look. Black trim and white accents can modernize a traditional brick home.

Highlighting Architectural Details

The choice of paint color can also be used to emphasize the architectural details of a red brick home.

Contrasting Trim: Use a contrasting color for window trim, door frames, and other architectural features to draw attention to these elements and create visual interest.
Accenting Shutters: Shutters offer an opportunity to add a pop of color. Choose a color that complements the overall color scheme while adding a touch of personality.
Front Door Focal Point: The front door is a key focal point. A bold and contrasting color can create a welcoming entrance and enhance curb appeal.

Considering the Roof Color

The roof color plays a significant role in the overall exterior color scheme and should be considered when choosing paint colors.

Harmonizing Colors: Select paint colors that harmonize with the roof color to create a cohesive and balanced appearance.
Complementary Contrast: If the roof is a similar tone to the brick, use contrasting paint colors for the trim and other details to create visual interest.
Balancing Warm and Cool Tones: If the roof is a cool color (e.g., gray or slate), consider warmer paint colors to balance the overall aesthetic.

The Importance of Testing Paint Colors

Before committing to a paint color, it's crucial to test it on a small section of the house. This allows for accurate visualization of how the color will appear in different lighting conditions throughout the day.

Sample Patches: Paint large sample patches in different locations to observe how the color changes in sunlight and shade.
Different Times of Day: View the sample patches at different times of day to assess how the color appears in varying light.
Consider the Surroundings: Evaluate how the chosen color interacts with the surrounding landscape and neighboring houses.

Visualizing the Final Result

Utilizing visualization tools can assist in making informed decisions regarding paint color selection.

Online Tools and Apps: Several online tools and apps allow users to upload photos of their homes and experiment with different paint colors virtually.
Professional Color Consultations: For personalized guidance, consider consulting with a professional color consultant who can offer expert advice and recommendations tailored to the specific house and its surroundings.